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X10 and modified sine wave inverters

I have a small solar system for my weekend cabin that uses a modified sine wave inverter.

I want to install a light for the outhouse that is located about 100 feet from the cabin and I would like to be able to control the light from the cabin and the outhouse. X10 would be adequate if it will work with the inverter.

Has anyone experience or opinions about this?

Thanks,

DLC

Reply to
DLC
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This page suggests it will not work...

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How do you plan to send the commands? All of the RF transceivers and manual controllers (e.g. mini/maxi-Controller) send on all three phases so they will likely fail for the reasons implied on the cited page. I suspect a transmitter that sends only on one phase might work (if the duration of the positive square wave is > 1ms) but the only transmitters that send on one phase are PC interfaces made by Smarthome (e.g. 1132B).

Your best bet would be direct RF control. GE's Smarthome line is inexpensive but hard to find. 100' line-of-sight is probably OK.

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Reply to
Dave Houston

Why not just use a 3-way switch configuration using standard switches?

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Reply to
Dave Houston

A better solution might be to use some of the low wattage LED lights (12volt are available), solar cells and battery system. Burying 100 feet of wire for the power and/or running it above grouund may be nearly as much cost. Two 60 watt equivalent white LED bulbs would be about $70. Battery and charger perhaps another $250, but it would always be there.

A lower cost method might be a candle... if the outhouse is well ventilated :-)

Reply to
Dennis

Thanks for your comments.

I am familiar with 3-way switches and have wired circuits with three switches.

I was hoping that X-10 could be used so that I would not need to run up to 150 feet of new wire across a stream and up a hill in order to add the switch.

Anyway, carrying a lattern seems more appropriate when going to an outhouse.

DLC

Reply to
DLC

Full on X10 using the PLC part might not work but Dave's suggestion of RF hints at a solution.

Just pick up an RR501 and a couple of KR22a or KR19A remotes from EBay. Then modify the RR501 a bit by 1. extending the antenna to make it a true

1/4 wave or 1/2 wave length and 2. (optional) desolder the receptacle and plug and hard wire it to your incoming power and your light (or skip this step and plug it into a receptacle in the outhouse and use a plug-in lamp for the light).

You could probably poke around on Ido's website a bit and figure out how to disable the PLC xmit/rcv circuitry as well if you're worried that signals from the RR501 might cause other havoc due to the MSW-inverter.

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Reply to
Gerald

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