Hey guys - I currently have a pronto and I love it. I want to incorporate some automated lighting into my theater. I would like to put in a couple of recess cans that all dim when I press play. Is this something that others have done and if so where should I start? Do I just need to get a wall switch that controlls all the cans? Then how do I get the code into the pronto? Any suggestions or help is appriciated.

Thanks
Merlin

First set up your X-10 lighting solution to control the cans. For smooth dimming, you'll want something more than just a simple light switch. Then, get an IR543 or something similar to accept the IR signal from the Pronto and translate it to X-10 signals. Then program add the appropriate X-1o IR codes to your CCF.

You can probably find most of the gear you'll need by clicking on the sponsors here at Remote Central.

Thanks,
Dale

an alternative would be to buy a lutron dimmer from home depot (about $50) - the one with the included remote control. it is ir-based and completely compatible with the pronto. it can control up to 600w of lighting and allows for on/off as well as an infinitely adjustable dimmer and a one-stop dimmed (you decide when) setting.

the ir receiver for this device is built into the wall dimmer that simply replaces your existing light switch. if this switch is outside your room then obviously it's not going to work well for you (no line of sight - unless you use a couple of mirrors lol).

gregbr - So with the lutron dimmer and remote all I would have to do is replace the wall switch, save the dim settings into the lutron remote then have the pronto learn that? Sounds simple enough.

Thanks

Lutron makes several models. The one referenced above has controls for on/off (a toggle) dim and brighten. There is no "saving of the dim settings". Lutron does make a more expensive model with scene settings which you can configure for preset dimming. Yes they are just replacement wall switches.

Jim L

yes what you would have is a full-on setting, a full-off setting and a value somewhere in between - but only one value (no scenes). by using the wall component of this dimmer you can adjust the value of this in-between setting - the nice part from the pronto perspective is that you don't need to relearn to the pronto - it just stores this in-between ir code once and then wherever you set it on the wall switch is what your pronto will give you when you use this in-between setting...

hmm - that was pretty wordy - i hope you can understand what i just said... :( lol

What I was referring to is here: [Link: lutron.com] item 2b. Four preset scenes controlable from the remote only. Don't need the additional 5 scene switchbox.

Jim L

Jim and Greg - I am new to this so I might be stupid.
I cant find any web sites that sell Lutron only one where I can request literature, so I am waiting to receive that. The remote from lutron learns the settings right? I need a Lutron wall switch but the setting is in the remote right? Couldnt the Pronto then learn that onto a dummy button, then Cut and paste it onto the end of the code for play? Then when I press play the lights go to the dim level that the original remote saved.
What about this PCS switch: [Link: smarthome.com]
Is says it has scene memory in the switch. How would the Pronto learn that code?
Thanks again guys for your time
Merlin

Merlin,

There are some ccf's for Lutron in the files area. Depending on what you get, you might not need to learn codes - just copy. The switch you linked to is an X-10
unit. Pronto won't control this directly. I believe you would need a 543 X-10 controller - but I'm no expert. Here's some pricing for Lutron (it seems maybe a tad high) you would need the switch (and maybe a slave switch) a switch plate cover and the remote. More info is on the "design your spacer system" link at the bottom of the page.

Jim L

Well, Myrrdin Emrys, hop on over to the X-10 Forum here on RC:


click me
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    MIKE

Ok, to chime in with my 2 cents...

Once you do X10 in your theatre it won't be long before you want it everywhere (2 lights in my home turned into 15, my aquarium, patio lights, and fireplace rather quickly) because it really isn't that expensive.

I'd definetly start with the IR543 ($22 - couldn't find it at smarthome, but that's where I got mine)

[Link: x10.com]

This will convert IR commands from your Pronto to X10 to control up to 16 devices (there are plenty of ccf's for it in the files section)

I then got the SwitchLinc Lite for $49 from Smarthome.com

([Link: smarthome.com]).

It does everything you describe above. You can program it to dim up to a preset level in a preset amount of time (1-9 seconds). I have mine dim up to about 30% in 2 seconds. I then set a macro on a hard key to pause my DVD (or TiVo) and then dim the light up. Basically you just send an ON code to the device, 1 ON = dim to preset level. The second ON code dims it the rest of the way up. When you dim it up to the first level and send it an OFF code it dims down to 0 in the same amount of time it dimmed up to your preset level (in my case 2 seconds).

Basically it makes a very nice effect when you pause the movie. It is actually one of the things people seem to think is so cool (other than my projector and DTS-ES sound, not to brag :-)

The whole setup it about $70 but it's worth it (in my opinion). You can then add other lights and devices to your house at about $8-10 per light switch.

Did I mention it just replaces your existing light switch? Only down side is it doesn't work with flourscents, just standard lights (I used some simple cans in my HT).

Good luck!

Ross
http://ross.htheatre.net

Ross - Ive seen a couple of threads on here about x10 and how unreliable it is. Have you experienced any problems? I was thinking about going with Lutron because I heard it is a slightly better product, it better be for 80 bucks a switch.
The problems related to distance and the switches having a mind of thier own. The room that I am doing is only 15X12 so I dont think I will have distance issues but I dont want to get a switch that I will have to replace in a year.

Is Lutron the only one that doesnt require IR conversion?

This is the one I think I will get -
[Link: crutchfield.com]

Can I get the one without the remote and then just copy someone elses CCF with Lutron codes in it?

Thanks again guys for all your input
Merlin

FJ - the one you have picked is similar to the model that Home Depot sells (in ivory and white colours only) - the Crutchfield price seems way too expensive though - $99. i bought this dimmer for $65 in Canada at Home Depot - so would expect it to be in the $45 dollar range in the US.

Not sure if you can buy the one without the remote or not. This series of Lutron dimmers is designed to allow multiple keypads but they require one master keypad to be in place first (then up to 8 more slave keypads i think is how it works). You would need to confirm that the units without keypads are indeed masters...

I believe you could probably just copy the ccf codes from someone else but haven't done that so am not sure if they're all the same - i would assume so however.

i don't have any experience with x-10 so can't say whether this is a more stable solution or not but from the standpoint of expandibility x-10 is probably far superior. however if all you're looking for is to control one lightswitch this lutron product is a very stable and effective solution.

Merlin,

Yes you can use the file codes. It's the same switch I use and the codes in the files area will work fine. Understand that if you have more than one switch controlling your lights, you'll also need a slave switch(es) as well. You can easily tell whether the switch is a master, it's the only one that has an IR "eye" in the rocker switch. I agree the price seems high, but there is a difference between spacers that allow preset dim settings and those that don't. The one you linked to allows presets, so the additional cost may be reasonable. Crutchfield normally charges full MSRP however.

Jim L


This message was edited by bomberjim on 07/18/02 11:24.32.

the unit at home depot allows full-on, full-off and one adjustable preset in between.