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REMOTELY CONTROLLED LAMP PROJECT

(Our simplest project)

This is the detailed version --- Link to succinct version       

One friend wanted to be able to control a lamp sitting on top of a tall bookcase and the only outlet was behind the bookcase. Another wanted to switch a bedside reading lamp from a bedside table. Both of these tasks are easily accomplished inexpensively with this two component X10 system.

Select a Remote Switch Component

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First you need to select a module switch that accepts a lamp plug. There are a variety of such components and we need to decide which to use. The basic decision is dictated by whether we want to be able to adjust the brightness of the lamp from the remote control. This ability to dim a lamp (for mood lighting) is something that X10 promotes but many of us will never use. Components that permit dimming are called lamp modules and might imply that they are best suited to lamp switching needs. If you expect to use the dimming feature use this link to go to our article on remotely controlling and dimming a lamp. Components that just switch a lamp on and off are called appliance modules because they can operate a wide variety of electrical appliances from simple lamps to coffeepots. Even within this category we find several units --- some have only two prongs on the plug and some have a third protective ground prong. While the two prong version is often a bit cheaper, I recommend choosing the three prong version since you may want to use this component for something else in a later modification of your X10 system. Exception: if you have an older house that is wired with 2 prong outlets then you will have to choose the 2 prong version. Now we have limited the field and can go to a supplier (see our resources page) type "appliance module" into their search engine. You should be able to find a unit for under $15. The more expensive heavy duty or two-way units are not needed for this project. Each module has two addressing dials that are initially set to A1. For simplicity leave them at A1 unless you already have another X10 project using A1. If so see our article on addressing. Although the module will be initially set to off, you may be surprised to see the lamp come on when you plug it in. Most appliance modules have a feature that detects when the lamp is manually turned on and changes the module to the on position. You will have to use the controller to turn it back off (or manually turn the lamp off). To summarize: we choose the 3 prong appliance module for this project because it is:

• Simple on-off operation
  
  
• Inexpensive
  
  
• Versatile (we can use it in others projects if we change our plans)
  
  
• Should there be a power outage, it will remember whether the lamp was on or off and return to that state
  

Select a Controller to Operate the Switch

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Now we need a controller to be able to switch the lamp from another location. There are, of course, a great variety of controllers available but for an inexpensive, simple system there is really only one choice: THE X10 MINI CONTROLLER. This unit plugs into any outlet and provides convenient control of up to four modules. The

specifications say it can control 8 but access to the other four uses an awkward selector switch. If you are going to want to control more than 4 modules independently it is better to buy a second mini-controller or the more expensive maxi-controller. This unit also has an all lights off control that turns all units on the house code off. It can also adjust the brightness of lamps connected to a lamp module. To summarize: we choose the mini-controller for this project because it is:

• Inexpensive
  
  
• Versatile (we can expand the project to control up to four items)
  
  
• Simple and convenient (just plug it into any outlet near where you want to use it)
  
  
• Has a small light that flashes to confirm that control signals have been sent
  

The mini-controller does have some disadvantages.

• It does have to be plugged in. If you don't have an outlet near where you want to use it, you may have to choose a more expensive and complicated battery operated remote.
  
  
• You need a horizontal surface to set it on (night stand, shelf, etc.). If you need mount your controller on a wall you should consider either a battery operated remote or a controller you can mount in place of a standard wall switch.
  

Even if you decide on a more complicated system, I suggest you may want to buy at least one mini-controller as a backup and testing device. If you have problems with a more complicated system, you can always use the mini-controller to test the system with a known test signal. That little flashing light is very reassuring when you aren't sure whether a signal is going out from your controller or is not being received by the module.

INSTALLATION

Plug your lamp into the appliance module and the module into a wall outlet. Plug the mini-controller into any convenient wall outlet. That is all there is too it. Press the #1-ON switch to turn your lamp on. Press the #1-OFF switch to turn your lamp off. If it works (and it should) you are done. If it doesn't, check troubleshooting below.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Now that you've succeeded in installing your first simple system, you are probably ready to try something a little more advanced. Perhaps you would like to try one of these variations:

• Add a second module (or more) to switch additional lamps or other devices (radios, etc.) with one touch on the mini-controller. My wife loves to decorate with light strings all over the house at Christmas time. We put each of the strings on an appliance module set to a single address (i.e., A1) and can turn all of them on with a single touch on the controller. There is virtually no limit to the number of appliance modules that you can add in this way.
  
  
• Add a second module (or more) to switch additional lamps or other devices (radios, etc.) with each on a separate address. The mini-controller has 4 addressable on-off switches so you can independently control four separate devices or groups of devices. The switches are labeled 1-2-3-4 so if a switch is set to house code A you can set your first appliance module to A1 and use switch 1 to control it. Another appliance module set to A2 can be turned on and off with switch 2, etc. With one mini-controller you can only manage 4 groups of devices handily but you can always add additional mini-controllers to handle additional groups. The mini-controller has an all lights (on-off) switch which controls all lights on the its house code (A, B, etc.). Strangely the all lights off will turn off all units set to that particular house code but the all lights on will only turn on lamp modules. If you are using appliance modules for lamps, you will not be able to use the all lamps on feature.
  
  
• Add a second mini-controller to control your lamp from another location. There is no limit on the number of controllers you can have set to the same address. Thus you can have a mini-controller on each side of a couch if you wish or at both doors to a living room.
  
  
• If you want to be able to be able to control the brightness of the lamp, use a lamp module instead of an appliance module. The mini-controller has a bright-dim switch that will allow you to adjust the brightness of the last light turned on (or off). If you also have appliance modules on this address, they will not be affected by the bright-dim switch.
  
  
• Finally you can upgrade to more advanced control. Some of the items below are links to an article on advanced systems.
  
  • You can add controllers that address more devices or that mount on the wall or in electrical boxes.
  • A battery-operated controller can be placed anywhere (even mounted on a wall).
    
  • A socket rocket can be used instead of the plug-in module.
    
  • A motion detector can be used instead of the mini-controller to turn the light on when you enter the room.
    
  • A computer can be used for more elaborate motion sensing control or advanced timing.
    

TROUBLESHOOTING

What! You set up your new system and it doesn't work? It does happen but not very often. Check our troubleshooting page before you toss it all in the garbage.

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