  
Date: 05-07-91 (15:17)              Number: 1415 of 1450
  To: ALL                           Refer#: NONE
From: LEWIS MOSELEY                   Read: (N/A)
Subj: X-10 info, part 1             Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE
Conf: GADGETS (116)              Read Type: GENERAL

There was some discussion here a while back on X-10 compatable
devices.  This post contains information that was posted in similar
discussions on boards in the Atlanta area.  As with all opinions,
they should be taken with a grain of salt.  Note that prices can vary
DRASTICALLY, depending on where you buy.  Also, look for sources that
offer a refund policy, so you are not stuck with something you don't
like and can't use.

Sources, Prices, and Descriptions for some of the more "Exotic" X-10
and Compatible Equipment Currently Available:

     HAL 4050 Computer Interface and Controller for X-10 (Available for
              Apple IIc/IIe, Mac, or IBM PC; Must Specify) from Home 
              Automation for $69.95. 
              

     HAL7250  Sensor Chime from HAL for $24.95

     HAL 2530 Timer / Mini Command Center (V.G. Clock / Good RF Output /
              Battery Back-Up) for $29.95.
      
     HAL 7121 Universal / Alarm Control Interface; DC/Open/Closure can
              Activate X-10 Units (Burglar Alarm turns on Ext/Int Lites,
              for Instance) for $19.95

     HAL 2027 Universal Control / Sounder / Actuator (Works Good with
              Alarm Systems, Low-Voltage Solenoid Valves in Lawn Sprink-
              ler Systems, and as an Annunciator) for $18.95 

     HAL 2520 Mini Command Center (Low RF Output; I don't Recommend it
              for Long or "Quirky" A.C. Wiring Runs) for $10.95.

     HAL 2585 Command Center / Infra-Red Receiver; (This is a
              Replacement for the old X10-014301 Ultra-Sonic Receiver / 
              Command Center) Manufactured by X-10 for the URC People to 
              be used Singularly or with the URC-5000; for $34.99.
    
     HAL 2580 Universal Infra-Red Hand-Held Remote Controller for TV,
              VCR, Stereo, etc. and X-10 Devices (When used with the
              HAL 2585; This is a Super-Enhanced Replacement for
              the old X10-014401 Ultra-Sonic Hand-Held Transmitter;
              There is no Radio Shack Equivalent for this Unit Currently
              Planned nor is it Manufactured by the X-10 Folks.

     HAL 2590 X-10 POWERMID Set Consisting of an ST539 IR Converter /
              RF Transmitter and an RE549 RF Receiver / IR Converter.
              Manufactured by X-10 and as far as I know, There is a jack 
              on the RE549 Receiver for an HAL 2593 Infrared Extender. This
              is a 3-ft. long pair of wires with an IR LED on one end
              and a Mating plug for the RE549 on the other, so's you can
              position the Receiver other than directly in front of your
              equipment (or in case the IR-Controlled Eqpt. is located
              inside a cabinet). 

              I'm guessing that the RX569 is identical to a part sup-
              plied with Radio Shack's 15-1289 Infrared Remote Control
              Extender (Converts IR to DC, Transmits the DC via your
              RG-59 or RG-6 Video/RF Coax Distribution System, and then
              Converts the DC back to IR Signals). I bought several ex-
              tra of the RS parts by ordering as an RS Part Number. I'll
              bet that the X-10 POWERMID and the RS 15-1289 IR Extender
              will work together handsomely. I'll let you know ...

     HAL 2535 Exterior Motion Sensor Light Control; a far More Versatile 
              Unit than Heath's SL-5315-A altho' not as Sensitive; 16 House 
              Codes, 16 Start Codes; Adjustable "On" Time, Sensor 
              Sensitivity, and PhotoCell Sensitivity; Can send Signals up 
              to Eight X-10 Groups (4 X 2 Modes); Works Good with HAL 7250 
              for an Annunciator. Poor Man's Burglar Alarm Combination;
              $49.95


FOR CONTROLLING FLOURESCENT LIGHTS:

Advanced Control Technology (ACT - Formerly Leviton PCC) Manufactures
the ACT #6241 Commercial Quality, X-10 Compatible, SPST Non-Dimmable
Wall Switch Module (125V @ 20A). It is available from Home Automation
Labs (HAL 9621) for $59.95. But if you're only going to buy
one, Perhaps this Solution is not out of the Question. It's an Attract-
ive, "Decora" Style, Paddle Switch Module; This Could Pose a Problem
unless the Switch you're Replacing is "Single-Gang". If it is in a
Multi-Gang Arrangement (and the other items are not Decora Style), Each
Gang of Switches/Outlets would have to be Replaced with its Decora Style
Equivalent Together with an Appropriate Decora Wall Plate; This assumes
the #6241 Wall Plate is Removable. Should your Kitchen Fixture be Con-
trolled by Three-Way Switches, the Slave switch costs but $29.95 (plus
the #6421 for $89.90).

Also, a HAL 9601 Fixture Relay Switch (125V @ 15A) sells for $40.95. It 
looks Small Enough to Place inside a Light Fixture or perhaps a Deep 
Electrical Box; It Resembles a Standard X-10 Appliance Module except that 
it has leads for Wiring it in versus Plugging it in. I'm not Familiar 
with this unit, so I'm unsure whether it can be locally controlled by a 
Std. Wall Switch. The usual X-10 Modules can be Activated locally by 
Switching on a Minimum 60 watt load - then off - then back on again. 
If the ACT #6725 works similarly, then a Std. Wall Switch in Series 
between the Module and the Light Fixture Might just Work ...
HAL also sells a Wall Transmitter/On-Off KeyPad Combination that will
Perform Local Control Properly via X-10 Codes but it costs an Additional
$80.90 and would make this Solution even more Costly than the Former
one. Home Automation Labs is Primarily a Mail Order Outfit, but I think
their Tech Support Group at 800-HAL-TECH can Answer most Questions
about the ACT Modules ...
---
  SLMR 1.05  'Cos I'm so afraid of the Tommyknocker man.

