Hello,

I've been trying to read and learn as much info as I can in the past few months and now I'm thinking of finally putting together a small setup.

Eventually I'd like to do lighting scenes but for now, I'm just looking to install lamp modules and wall switches for on off and maybe dim lamps.

My first question is, is that RCA overstock deal at X10 web any good for starters? It seems it would all I would require to seup up a basic room (as far as switches). I am also ordering a transceiver and I have an MX-500 remote in that room.

I believe I also need an IR543 to convert IR to X10 RF but since the setup comes with a remote base, I figured I'd play around with that first and add the IR543 later.

I guess I'm trying to find out if that overstock from X10 is any good for starters or if not, what are alternatives for beginners.

Thanks.

Several people have reported they received regular X-10 modules rather than the RCA modules when they responded to the special offer. In any case, all were made by X-10 and they are more-or-less identical on the inside.

The IR543 receives IR and converts to PLC codes which it sends to the powerline. It does not transmit RF that can be heard by the RF transceiver.

I do not believe the MX-500 can send RF that the RF transceiver will understand so you will need the IR543 (or IR543AH).

The IR543AH is a better choice since it can handle all 16 housecodes as well as do preset dim and extended commands.

The LM14A is the only scene-capable lamp module from X-10. Others make X-10 compatible scene-capable switches and modules.

Thanks for the info/advice Dave.

I'm going to go ahead and order that RCA bundle and cross my fingers that I will get the regular X10 modules instead.

Thanks for the info on the IR543AH too. I wasn't sure what the diff was between the two, but for advanced capability, it looks like the 543AH is the way to go.

The IR543AH requires a programmable remote like the Pronto or a PDA.

The MX-500 has a certain number of codes for the IR543, but don't forget that IRClone can be used for programming. It can even import learned codes from Pronto CCF files.

Irclone.com

Besides the MX-500 I also have the MX-800 in another room. I'm hoping one or the other will have the codes for the X-10. I think it does since I've seen the labels in the remotes.

So, I got a basic set today (I had ordered one that was on sale a week ago). It included a Transceiver, a table remote and a lamp module. First question, is there such thing as a quieter transceiver? The model they sent me was the TM751. I can live with the clicking, but would prefer a silent one (if available).

How much does that add to the cost? I've seen their web page but it's not clear to me whether you need the hardware also.

I think ALL have the IR543 codes but none will have the IR543AH codes. You'll need a way to program or learn these into the remote.


All of the X-10 transceivers use a relay. If you are not using the relay, you can disable it by clipping the leads to it.

Dave,

Can you please explain more about the relay and the advantage and disadvantage of clipping it? Will I lose capability by clipping it?

Is this a simple procedure or is this more for the advanced group?

Thanks again for being patient with me.

The relay in all of the X-10 transceivers is operated directly by the RF signal. In effect, it gives you an appliance module at the house/unit code you set.

It's been a while since I opened one up but the relay is easy to distinguish. Cutting the wire to its coil will disable it. Or, just don't send RF commands to that house/unit code.

You can still use the transceiver normally to relay RF commands to the powerline. All you lose is the built-in appliance module and the "clack" associated with it.

When you say "don't send RF commands to that house/unit code." will I still be able to use the transceiver to send the commands.

For example, my palm pad is house A, Lamp is house A and Transceiver is A, all works fine but there's the "click".

Now I tried my palm pad at A, lamp at A but transceiver at B but it didn't work. Is this what you were telling me to do?

No. If your transceiver is set to A, its relay is at A1 or A9. Do not assign any other module to that address and don't send RF commands for that address.

For example, if your relay is on A1 then A2-A16 will work fine.

Woo Hoo!

That did it. I didn't even think about trying that. And only having one lamp module, couldn't try multiple lamps.

I'm waiting for the $50 overstock pack to come in. Can't wait to join you guys in this addictive hobby. I'm already trying to think what else I could automate.

X-10 is a rather addictive hobby. You have been warned.