,

Want to turn on a reading lamp and dim the ceiling light from your easy chair without having dangling wires attached?

Choose an RF controller instead of a wired controller

This is, by far, the most interesting and versatile category of controllers. You can place them anywhere because they are battery operated. They come in a variety of styles from 2 address key chain models to 8 address tabletop and wall mount models. RF stands for radio frequency and this means that they send radio signals that can remotely control units from one room to another. However the radio signals are quite weak and normally can not operate reliably more than 50 feet from the transceiver.

First you need a transceiver

Click to Enlarge

The transceiver is a module that plugs into an outlet and receives the radio signals and translates them into X10 signals. You only need one transceiver for each house code you use so you will likely need only one transceiver for all your projects. Although there are many models of transceivers on the market, all of them serve the same function and most have a two-prong appliance

module built in. The appliance module can be used the same as any appliance module set to unit code 1. Some models have a switch that allows you to set the appliance module to either unit code 1 or unit code 9. You simply set the house code dial to the letter you want to use, plug the module into a wall outlet and set up as many RF controllers as you want on that house code.

Next you choose one or many RF controllers

RF controllers act very much like the standard controllers except that they are battery operated and thus have no cords. They vary in size and in the number of X10 address they support and in the way they are programmed. Older models are programmed by dials like the mini-controller but many newer models are programmed with buttons. I personally prefer the older models because programming the buttons can be somewhat tedious especially if you need to set the address to a high number. For example, if you want to set the address at A15, you must do a setup procedure, then press a button 15 times being sure to hold it for 3 seconds on the last press. I tend to lose count after press 6 or 8 and get frustrated. However these newer controllers are slimmer and neater and the wave of the future in X10 technology.

A Sample List of Various Controllers Available

Key chain Remotes

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

The two address Key Chain Remote Control (at left) has been a standard for many years and is still available but apparently is being replaced with a slimmer, trimmer Key Chain Remote (at right) that requires programming discussed above. The two address Key chain Remote Control can be set to any house code but can only be set to unit codes 1 and 2 or 5 and 6. It does not have a dimming feature. The newer Key Chain Remote has the dimming feature.

Palmpad Remote

Click to Enlarge

The Palmpad Remote is one of the most versatile RF remotes available. I have several and am constantly finding new uses for them. It has 8 sets of address buttons that can be set to unit codes 1 - 8 or 9 -16 and dim-bright buttons that act on the last lamp selected. If you are planning a system that includes RF control, you will want to have one or more of these units.

Wireless Wall Switch

Click to Enlarge

There are several wireless wall switches available. This is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, it may only be available from resellers (some on Ebay) but many of the newer models serve the same purpose and are much more attractive. This one (and some of the newer models) has three rocker switches that can be set to control three sequential unit codes. It also has a dimming feature. The newer models must be programmed by button presses (as described above) to any three sequential unit codes. In either case, these units can be attached to wall so that you can have a wall switch where none existed. And, of course, you don't have the added expense of installing new wiring.

Other Wireless Controllers

We have barely scratched the surface in our discussion of devices that can control X10 modules through an X10 wireless link. Most noteable are several versions of motion controllers and some computer interfaces. The field is just too varied to include everything in this article. Expect to see additional articles on these items in the future.

ORDERING THE COMPONENTS

To order from Smarthome (or just see their description of these devices) click on the Smarthome X10 affiliate link below:

X10

OTHER LINKS

Top of this Page

Starter Project --- Select a Project --- Alternatives to the Mini-Controller -- Battery Operated Remotes -- Help with Troubleshooting -- Help with Addressing

(C) Donald Scouten 2003