Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / April 2004

My two new Switchlinc dimmers will not respond to X-10 ON commands, but will
respond to X-10 OFF commands if I manually turn the switch on.  Any idea
why?

Is there a digital voice mail/answering machine that can interface to a PC
for programming and downloading recordings and can answer phone calls
without the PC on?

I'd like to take my really nice spring loaded rectracting
screen and attach a motor to it.  Has anyone done this
or someone very well versed describe in detail the appropriate
wiring for a motor with limit switches to make this happen?

I know this is a really common one, but I've been reading through tons of
shíte on the web, and can't find what I'm looking for...
I want a cheap IR transceiver and software to be able to control my TV/VCR
etc. from my PC... I don't want to build it, cos my friends have all tried

I need the documentation of the HNZ protocol- can anyone please help?
Regards,
F.Massenet

I have come across some Durant converters, 58801-403. It appears the
units can convert rs-232 to rs-485 and rs-485 to rs-232. There is an
option for 20ma or rs-485. Does anyone have any information on these
devices? Apparently they have been out of production for quite a few

I asked this question recently but the subject may not generated any
interest so I will try again.
I have come across some Durant converters, 58801-403. It appears the
units can convert rs-232 to rs-485 and rs-485 to rs-232. There is an

I'm looking for a source of new latching relays.
Coil needs to be 12 to 24 volt and contacts of 10 amps at 120 volts
AC.
The catch is I don't want any dual coil type relays.  I have an

http://www.x10.com/products/firecracker/index_firecracker.htm#

Opinions relative to several questions on Keystone type Jacks for a Cat5
installation.
1. Ones requiring tools vs "toolless"
2. "generic" brands vs Leviton Quickport or Siemon Max

I'm working on an article for a national publication and would like to
talk to people who feel their neighbor's  new landscape lighting is an
annoyance. The lights are too bright, they interfere with your home,
or they detract from the neighborhood.

Does such a thing exist? A simple light switch with a contact closure
control on the rear of the switch, but still a fully operational light
switch on the front. Although the front switch would also open and close the
relay accordingly.

Would there be any interest in a Kill-A-Watt type meter with an RS-232
interface. There would be N. American (120V) and European (230V) versions.
This would NOT be for whole-house measurements (1875W max) but for use with
individual appliances. The kWh mode is accurate to 30ppm. ...

I just got two new smarthome switchlink dimmers (the ones without the
neutral wire).  When I installed them last night, they seemed to work fine.
When I got home today, they would not work remotely at all.  They do not
show to be receiving X-10 signals.  Also, one of them is ...

PCS sure is cheaper but I like the side light indicator on the
switchlinc models.  Is there some issue with switchlinc and halogen
bulbs?