I was first planning to get a European version of the TSU-7000 (RU980) to make it compatible with my RF Philips dimmers but its so expensive here so I think I'm going for the US version instead, buying a US RF Extender and new X-10 components including a IR->X10 converter.
It will still be cheaper than buying the European version.

Here are my questions: Can I control a European X-10 system with a US Pronto TSU-7000 + 6000 RF Extender, using a IR->X10 converter?
Basically: Pronto(US)-->RF Ext(US)-->IR>X10(EU)-->X10(EU).

Should I use European X-10 codes or US codes?
Will I be able to perform all standard X-10 commands like dimmer presets and so on using this US/EU mix of stuff?
Will programming the Pronto be any different?
Can I use the US Pronto docking station in Europe or would I have to buy a new docking station here?

Thanks//D

I use a TSU7000 and TSU3000 (both US), RF extender (US) and UK X10 kit inc a UK IR743 with all X10 lamp and appliance modules and it all works fine.

TBH, I did not even know there were different (US and UK) X10 codes.

X-10 codes are the same everywhere. Your question really is "Does the UK X10/IR controller use the same IR codes as the U.S. X10/IR controller?". AFAIK the answer is yes.

As far as Docking Station goes, they are identical except for the power pack that plugs directly into the wall power plug. You can but a UK version for around 10 GBP at any electronics store.

Yes.


There's no difference. X-10's IR and RF protocols are independent of locale.


Dimmer presets are not a standard X-10 command.

You need to distinguish between preset dim and extended dim.

Preset Dim was defined in the original X-10 PLC protocol but X-10 has never made any devices that use it. It was a bit of a kludge and can create problems. In the USA, PCS and Switchlinc make switches and modules and RCS makes thermostats that use it. None of these companies supply 230V versions of their products.

X-10 modified their PLC protocol about five years ago. Preset Dim was eliminated and Extended Dim was added. I'm in the USA so my familiarity with European X-10 products is sketchy but AFAIK only the LD11 Rail Mounted Dimmer responds to extended dim. To further complicate the jargon, X-10 Europe now refers to this as Professional Protocol.

[Link: x-10europe.com]

Neither preset dim nor extended dim commands were defined in X-10's IR protocol (nor their RF protocol for that matter). Laser Systems developed an extension of the X-10 IR protocol and used it in their IR543AH and IR7243AH. Initially, it only supported the standard commands. A revision added support for both preset dim and extended dim. X-10 Europe has now copied Laser's protocol but I'm not sure whether it's used in the latest IR7243 or only the IR7243W. You might e-mail Laser to find out.

http://www.laser.com/

Will programming the Pronto be any different?

No, except for setting the X-10 devices to use RF and setting the ID to be the same as selected on the RF Extender.

Can I use the US Pronto docking station in Europe
or would I have to buy a new docking station here?

Yes, but you'll need to buy a power supply.



This message was edited by Dave Houston on 05/26/04 07:15.

I use a tsu7000 here in denmar, without rf extender with my european x-10 (marmitek ir7243) and it works 100%

Let me know if you need the tsu7000 file for the setup.

Tommy

Thanks all for excellent answers!

I'm not an X10 expert as you may notice so preset dim was just my guess of terminology, what I'm after is the possibility to have a 'Cinema' setting on my Pronto that I can press so that the lights are dimmed by say 50%.
Could I do this by some clever Pronto programming, like a macro that first shut the lights off and then sends a repeating dimmer command until I've reached desired levels?
Or is there a better way of doing this?

//D

I know what you mean, when i get my new projector screen i want a botton that turns on my corner lamps and dims them meanwhil the screen comes down and the projector powers on.

very cool.

I dont know if it is possible, since you ACTUALLY NEED TO HOLD DOWN THE DIM BOTTON, but a guess that it is possible to program someway.
Tommy

With standard X-10 switches and lamp modules, you can DIM to 0%. With a 100W incandescent, they will use about 2.5W when DIMMED to 0% vs. about 0.5W when turned OFF.

You can then send a series of BRIGHT commands to reach the level you want. Each BRIGHT command will increase the level by about 6%.

If you prefer to turn them OFF. Sending a DIM command will turn them ON at 100% (actually 96%) and then DIM one step (~6%). You'll need to send a series of DIMs to reach ~50%.

Now, before someone complains, I should note that the best place to ask purely X-10 questions is in the X-10 forum or on Usenet's comp.home.automation newsgroup.

Dave
Is it possible to change 418Mhg transmitter on TSU7000 to 433.92Mhg?
You've done similar before on TSU1000.
Regards Iouri

Iouri,
I have no idea as I've never seen the insides of a TSU7000. If you want to buy me one to experiment with I'll let you know. ;-^)

Seriously, I don't think this is practical until refurb TSU7000s are available for $100 or so. You would certainly void your warranty.

But, I'm sure it's possible. You just need to find the IR signal. Use the same signal conditioning board with a 433.92MHz version of the same small RF transmitter. You could send 433.92MHz using 0100 codes sent as IR and still send 418MHz codes to the RX77/RFX6000 extenders.



This message was edited by Dave Houston on 05/27/04 08:34.

Dave,
Honestly it's not a bad idea.I ready to pay $50-100 if someone from UK or Europe want to join us.
What do you think?
Regards Iouri

Could you please email me the tsu7000 file if it isn't too much trouble. I am using tsu7000 and ir7243 in Australia. Thanks

Rob
On 05/26/04 12:44, Tommy21 said...

[Link: laser.com]