Holiday Window Candles - all on\off

[x10rookie]

Hello All -

I am new to the forum and to the home automation scene. We built a house and knew we wanted xmas candles in the windows so we placed outlets under each window. Now I need to figure out how to turn them all on and off with one switch rather than walking to each window. We have thirteen windows front and back and one of the window outlets is controlled by a single pole switch.

My research tells me that 13 x10 Lamp Modules and one switch controller should do the job but there are limitations such as number of lights controlled or the wattage of the lights. As these are the little 15 watt nightlight candles I think they may be too lightweight for an x10 application?

Any suggestions on correct parts or reading material to get this project started would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help!!

[smoothtlk]

I have done exactly that and have not had any problem with the X10 plug ins. Great cheap solution for that problem.

[AccessHA]

We use Insteon appliance modules for this purpose but like ST said, the X10 stuff should work fine in this application.

[Gibbie]

Keep in mind you may need a phase coupler. Best to try them first and then determine if they all work or not.

Of course if you go Insteon you won't need the coupler but the modules are a little more expensive.

[Golitzbt]

AcessHA, curious why you use appliance modules in this case as opposed to the lamp modules? I just placed an order (should be here by Thursday) for 8 Insteon lamp modules and a controller for this same purpose, hoping to put two candle lamps on each module.

[AccessHA]

Hi Golitzbt,

I have LED candles that don't work well with dimmers but if you have incandescent lights, they will work just fine.

[Golitzbt]

Well, I received my Insteon package last night, consisting of one controller, two signal lincs and 8 lamp modules. Since I got around to hooking everything up pretty late last night, I figured it was too late to call tech support to help with my problem. So I'll spend some time at work today and ask some questions here.

I was able to get the two signal lincs to communicate, and was able to link all 8 lamp modules to the controller under one scene within the allowed time. But for whatever reason, 5 modules respond when in setup mode, but do not respond to the controllers on/off commands. I went through the process of resetting all modules and controller and tried the process again. Same result. Moved some of the modules to other outlets. It appears it's only one side of the house. The modules that are on the other side of the two story foyer and garage do not respond. Is there a trick as to where to place the signal lincs, how far apart, one on each floor, opposite ends of the house, etc? All lamp modules are on exterior wall outlets, with one being in the garage windows. Hope that doesn't make a difference. That's really my only option for holiday candle lamps. Also, all modules have a 3 to 1 outlet adapter, so I can plug 2-3 candle lamps into one module. Thanks for any ideas.

Brian ~

[smoothtlk]

mmake sure the signal lincs are truly on different electrical phases. With Insteon, more devices the better to achieve good network coverage.

[Golitzbt]

How do you know if the signal lincs are on different phases? I am able to get the fast blinking leds. Doesn't that represent a proper link? It took a few outlets, but eventually got it. Although, they are fairly close to each other: adjacent rooms, same floor. Would also link up in rooms directly above/below each other, not on opposite ends of the house though.

[AccessHA]

Want to do something really cool with your holiday lights and Insteon... try this:

http://www.accessha.com/forums/light-show-master-insteon/

[Gibbie]

I would try and spread the signal-lincs farther apart. It could also be something causing noise on the other phase. PC's are known for causing noise. Move one of your candles closer to the signal linc and see if it responds. Keep moving it farther away to see if distance is the problem.

[Golitzbt]

Ah, the problem was I was trying to program all the modules at once with the controller as opposed to each module individually; start setup link on controller, set lamp module, close setup link on controller, repeat process with other modules. So now all modules work except one, and I believe it happens to be on the same circuit as my HTPC, so the PC could be causing noise, as the module works on other outlets. Might have to pick up a noise filter. Thanks for the help.

[eq_shadimar]

If you are going to use the X10 modules don't forget that you can have several modules all set to the same house code and address. This will make turning off and on multiple modules much easier as all the modules will toggle at the same time.

Laters,
Jeff