Website content is for information only, all the modifications that you perform on the original module are AT YOUR OWN RISKS.
Take care of the fact that devices are operating on main voltage line exposing to severe injuries or dead.
If you don't trust me, just take a look at this. (hopefully, I closed the box before plug it on, avoiding the worst).
| Appliance | Light | Controller | Special |
| X10 LM465 | Smarthome 2000STW (2x) | X10 Maxi controller | RF Repeater |
| Smarthome 2001STW (2x) | X10 LM14 (2x) | Smarthome Powerlinc 1132B | Motion detector |
Original appliance module is noisy and could interfere with inductive load.
Following modification based on widely available X10 module (LM465) provides the ability to control all kind of appliance (fluorescent bulb, low voltage halogene, electric heating systems) avoiding the noisy "click" at each power ON-OFF.
By using a low voltage Solid State Relay, the "local control" functionality giving the ability to force the module to switch on or off depending of the state of a "manual" switch on the appliance line is preserved.
1. Modifying a LM465 lamp module in a Silent Appliance with "local control" function :
|
Smarthome 2001STW (two way) |
Why put the 2001STW inside the silent appliance category when it's still using a mechanical relay ?
It's not a fully silent appliance but you should really put your hear on the module to listen something. Main reason is the use of a standard relay (not static) which is driven by a permanent load (inside logic keep in permanent memory the state of the relay, being able to restore it when module is plugged back on the main voltage).
Is it really required to use mecanical contact when SSR are widely available and most of the time at cheaper price.
Answer is definitively yes :
Is all the "fancy" features of it's "lamp sister module" 2000STW available ?
Most, but take care that local control is unable to detect
when the device is manually switched off (also called blasted bulb functionality
in 2000STW).
Stay one good news, local control is less "tricky/sensitive" than the 2000STW meaning for example that electronic halogen transformer ON/OFF states are detected (but not the fluorescent bulbs, too bad...).
|
Smarthome 2000STW (two way) |
Very few X10 modules designed for European voltage support the two ways functionality giving the ability from a controller to request the "real" state of the module.
By modifying a Smarthome 2000STW, we are now able to benefit of advanced functionality (ramp on, local control, blasted bulb detection, preset dim level, restore previous level, group scene) and two ways communication (support X10 standard command REQUEST).
2. Converting two ways lamp module Smarthome 2000STW in 220V :
OK, you will say : why adapt an other two way lamp module in 220V if the more powerfull 2000STW is already available ?
Why not ? I had one sample in one of my drawer and was curious to discover how it works.
It's also true that the modification is more simply especially if you don't have specific tools to unsolder component (it's a one side PCB, 2000STW being a 2 sides).
Expected improvement are :
Let's go.
|
RF Repeater (PSX01 or SR731) |
RF repeater functionality is to increase the RF transmission range by listening incoming RF signal and retransmitting immediately.
By definition, the expected improvement is not twice the original range but 1.5 (half of the transmitting radius cover the original sending source (like olympic rings)).
Why using a repeater ? In fact, X10 US wireless devices are using lower frequency (310 Mhz) which pass more difficultly obstacles like furnitures, walls, etc.. By heavy usage of wood as building material, this particularity doesn't hurt in US environment, but if you plan to use X10 US device in EU (which is not allowed), RF signal will be quickly descreased by crossing concrete/bricks walls
Take care that proposed modification is only related to the power supply side but doesn't modify the operating frequency (which is 310 Mhz for US device). European wireless signal will be not repeated by an US repeater (including when following the mods below). An european model exist, operate in 220V and support 433 Mhz european X10 wireless devices (SR9231).
Hint
Converting RF repeater PSX01 or SR731 to 220V
Seems to be surprising to increase the sensitivity of X10 motion detector when most of the time false triggering is one of the biggest issue.
False triggering occurs more often in outside condition where the surrounding environment could change very fast (temperature, wind) or influenced by foreign elements (pets, animals, truck, car...)
What's the main purpose of increasing the sensitivity ? In interior condition, people are more static (watching TV,...) and follow more predetermined path (like corridor). In this kind of environment, X10 motion detectors are "lazy" and detect difficultly people arriving in front of them or seated people with very limited movement.
Increasing sensitivity for
:
MS14 (EagleEyes), MS16 (ActiveEyes) and DM10A (outdoor)
sensitivity (should be also applicable to others : floodlight, security..)
Powerlinc 1132B has two main characteristics :
Shifting from one mode to the other is automatic and doesn't require any jumper or command seting.
220V modification doesn't require strong skills or expensive parts (thanks to the 2x115V transformer).
Thierry PARENT
TParent@stufly.com