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REMOTELY CONTROLLED LAMP PROJECT WITH DIMMING FEATURE
This is the detailed version --- Link to succinct version
This project is very similar to the basic remote controlled lamp project except that it uses a lamp module instead of an appliance module so that the brightness of the lamp can be adjusted.
Click to Enlarge First you need to select a module switch that accepts a lamp plug. Because we have decided that we want to be able to dim the lamp we must choose what is a called a "lamp module." There are several lamp modules available and any of the lower priced units are suitable for this project. All lamp modules must be used with incandescent lamps (under 300 watt) or special compact fluorescent lamps. Do not try to use them with the standard type of fluorescent lamp. These basic lamp modules do not remember their state (on or off) in case of a power outage. When the power comes back on, they will not turn the lamp back on. The basic unit always comes on bright at first and then must be
manually dimmed. There is a newer (and more expensive) unit that is called a 2-way lamp module that has a memory feature so that it remembers the brightness level of the last time it was on. Now we have limited the field and can go to a supplier (see our resources page) type "Lamp Module" into their search engine. You should be able to find a basic unit for under $15. The more expensive two-way units cost about $33 and can be a nice addition to your system. 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 lamp modules have a feature that detects when the lamp is manually turned on and changes the module to the on state. You will have to use the controller to turn it back off (or manually turn the lamp off). To summarize: we choose the basic lamp module for this project because it is:
- the only way to control the brightness of the lamp
- Inexpensive
Click to Enlarge 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 and an all lights on control that turns all lamp modules on the house code on. 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.
Plug your lamp into the lamp 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. When the lamp is on you can dim it by pressing and holding the dim button until you get the desired light level. Once it is dimmed you can increase the brightness by pressing the bright button. If it works (and it should) you are done. If it doesn't, check troubleshooting below.
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 (incandescent or compact fluorescent only) with one touch on the mini-controller. There is virtually no limit to the number of lamp modules that you can add in this way.
- Add a second module (or more) to switch additional lamps 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.)
- 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.
- Finally you can upgrade to more advanced control. Some of the items below are links to an article on advanced systems.
- A battery-operated controller can be placed anywhere (even mounted on a wall).
- A motion detector can be used instead of the mini-controller to turn the light on when you enter the room.
- A socket rocket can be used instead of the plug-in module.
- A computer can be used for more elaborate control or advanced timing.
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:
OTHER LINKS
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Starter Project --- Select a Project --- Alternatives to the Mini-Controller -- Battery Operated Remotes -- Help with Troubleshooting -- Help with Addressing -- Deal Finder -- Resource Page - Affiliate Information -- The Newbie Club
(C) Donald Scouten 2003
How to choose an X10 address
