[Meric]

Is anyone using X10 to control their lighting or Powerheads?

Just curious. I am using it to simulate Dawn to Dusk on my Lizard cage, and thought I can use it for the same thing on my Tank. I thought I could also use it to turn on and off powerheads at random intervals to simulate waves.

I have the X10 software that runs on a PC, you can then configure special outlets that will turn on and off based on timer programs you setup. It runs over the AC lines in you wall and also has an RF receiver to allow overrides on a remote control.

Any thoughts?

[underseaworld]

Can you give me some more details on the x10? Sounds like something I may be interested in. Thanks

[dougc]

The AquaControllers use X-10 to control lights, heaters, etc. X-10 signals travel over the power lines, which can lead to some interference and signal loss problems. For this reason, Neptune developed their Direct Connect boxes, which internally use X-10, but bypass the power lines. I am currently using a mix of X-10 and Direct Connect. I have two dedicated circuits for my tank, but the signals don't make it back to the panel and out to the end of the second circuit, so I can use X-10 modules only on one circuit. I use DC4 direct connect modules on the other circuit.

There is something new called Insteon, which could potentially be more reliable than X-10. It not only transmits signals over the power lines, but also using RF, similar to a wireless network. Not only that, but each module can act as a repeater, rebroadcasting the signal to other nearby devices. Insteon can be intermixed with X-10 and there is a module that will accept X-10 commands and retransmit them using Insteon. Because it is fairly new, there are some gaps in availability of modules, but there are now appliance modules available, which is the type most commonly used with aquariums.

[icemark]

I am using X10 for lights, but find that with some ballasts the RF coming of the ballasts will Jam the signal.

So I ended up using a alarm clock style controller plugged into the same power strip as the X10 moduals.

and

I would doubt that even the best appliance modual would hold up to the switching that would be required of a wave maker set up.

[billyrauschenbach]

I am an Alarm company owner in georgia and we have been using x-10 devices, controlled by the alarm panel, to operate lights and things to simulate a lived in summer home, etc.., for certain alarm conditions. You could effectively hook up top up devices, water level alarms, etc.. and actually have a fully automated system without the worries of a run away heater or anything. X-10 has been around for quite a long time, and I have found them to be pretty reliable.

[billyrauschenbach]

I am planning on starting to sell alarm systems for aquarium systems.., so that your aquarium could be monitored 24/7. Once I have mine finished, I'll start to offer it. It would be nice to know when you are away from home that your tank has a problem. I would probably also monitor the tank for about 10.00 a month..., not bad for that ease of mind...

[devgru]

i too am a low voltage contractor.ive used x10 in my homes for over 12yrs now and still using some of my first devices.technology has changed quite aot since x10 being introduced(cebus,insteon etc.....) but x10 is the more 'cost effective' for me right now(cheapest) i do agree that the on/off switching for wavemakers would have its toll on the module.as of right now i only run lighting on my automation system(have a total of 67 modules in my house.i have seen schematics for x10 reef controllers that are DIY(requires PCB soldering and knowledge of resisters,diodes,bridge-rectifiers and oh FLUX-CAPACITORS(jj).anyone planning to do the x10 runing on the PC(i use mac's)should look into the x10 PowerHouse software($50.00) it will give you full control of up to 256 modules(ie presets,timers once a day,daily etc...id love to hear from anyone using x10 on their tanks as i am trying to do the same.

[cmpenney]

I have used X for years but just for my lights. I use a PLC and dedicated controllers to manage some more of my mission critically stuff.

[kc9dre]

I tried using x10 a few years back through out the house and had issues with interference, I would be asleep and the light in the hall would pop on and wake me up. Thought it was a programming issue, but it wasn't. So I gave up on using it. I would like the idea of running the lights at 50%, but using PCs...

For my freshies I have a single Light timer, for the reef I am using two power strip style timer on Single and one Dual Timer. The Single alternates the powerheads and the Dual runs my Orbit PC/LED lighting.