Using Energy efficient lights with X10 - Computer control of X10

[Gadj]

Hi

Just planning out the best way to go with X10 and have a couple more questions :

1. Will a lamp module operate OK with energy efficient lights?

2. Looking at X10 computer interface (CM11U) it says that you do not need PC connected to run home automation once programmed. I would like to add security to the system and am wondering how many commands the interface will store ?

3. Anybody taken signal from existing hardwired alarm unit to feed into X10 system ?

Thanks

Ian

[KoolVin]

Ian,

I'm not a professional with this stuff but I have used it for some time, so here's my go at answering your questions:

Q1. Will a lamp module operate OK with energy efficient lights?

A1. Lamp modules pass a small amount of current even when turned off, therefore they are not suitable for use with low voltage lighting via a transformer or any type of fluoescent - they are only really designed for full mains voltage lighting AFAIK.

Q2. Looking at X10 computer interface (CM11U) it says that you do not need PC connected to run home automation once programmed. I would like to add security to the system and am wondering how many commands the interface will store ?

A2. I've just had a quick look at the specs for the CM11U and it says that it can store 25/36 (typical/max) events or macros.

Q3. Anybody taken signal from existing hardwired alarm unit to feed into X10 system ?

A3. I've heard of people using the "PowerFlash" module for this type of thing, you can take a trigger from the alarm system or bell box for a low voltage signal into this module which can then start off a macro to trigger other X10 events. The PowerFlash module can be found here:

http://www.letsautomate.com/10258.cfm?CFID=298019

Hope any of that's useful.

Kev.