26 Jun
2001
26 Jun
'01
9:35 a.m.
One function that I've often considered is using a little micro, e.g. PIC, to
control an SSR in series with a switch so that the micro could sense the coming
and going (with a pair of optical sensors) the direction of travel of a person,
and turn the lights on/off for him.
This would be of use for me on the basement stairs when I have my hands full,
particularly with something heavy. I seriously doubt it would benefit much from
central control, but that might be considered. The X-10 is a system for
communication via the power mains, isn't it? My notion to date has been that
the X-10 stuff is a mite costly, considering that one could hook up a triac, an
MOC30-something isolated triac driver, and a PIC, e.g. one of the 14-pin or
even 8-pin parts, and put the thing in the box with the switch.
It would be an interesting job, actually, though the MCU would be largely
wasted. It's smaller than an equivalent set of CMOS logic, though.
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew Sell" <msell(a)ontimesupport.com>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 1:09 PM
Subject: Re: X-10 (was Re: controlling power)
I use the heck out of X-10 throughout the house.
I use it for turning air filters on and off, automatically turning on
lights using motion detectors, and making sure certain outlets and lights
are shut off at night.
I run all of this (about 30 devices) from two remote controls and a Linux
box controlling a CM-11a interface (Radio Shack branded).
The Linux box runs about 40 events, ranging from interacting between
multiple devices from the remotes, to cycling devices to save electricity.
The whole setup saves more electricity than it uses (including the computer
running 24/7).
It's great for turning on/off devices that are difficult to reach as well.
I also use X-10 at parties to operate lighting effects.
What a blast!
- Matt
At 02:34 PM 6/26/01 -0400, Eric Chomko wrote:
>Mike Ford wrote:
>
> > > hey do you have any ideas about using relays or some thing connected
> > >to a parallel or aerial port to control the power to an outlet, you know
> > >like a dimmer switch controlling motors ETC if you have any thought
> > >or ideas I'd be glad to hear them.
> >
> > X10, why reinvent the wheel?
> >
>
>Does anyone on this list use X-10 in one of their systems? And if so,
>what for? Just curious.
>
>Eric
>
>
> >
> > or
> >
> > Rotten computer sent that before I could add
> > http://www.sophisticated.com/ currently mac oriented, but moving to USB
and
> all
platforms.
>
> More generic stuff, looks pricey though.
> http://www.dataprobe.com
>
> http://ecatalog.squared.com/catalog/html/sections/04/17204010.htm
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