Need a replacement for plug n power system

I'm renting a house and use one of those Radio Shack 'plug n power' systems for turning the fluorescent overhead lights on and off. An X10 system, where the signals are sent through the electrical wiring.

The unit is ~20 years old and the controller is getting worn down. Harder and harder to turn the lights on. I'd like to get a replacement and wasn't sure what the options are out there now. Doesn't appear RS sells them anymore.

Would love one that has a remote so I can turn the lights on at the top of the garage stairs. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money for top shelf stuff, but need a quality remote and modules. Thanks guys.

look on ebay for x-10 home automation

larryq said:

I'm renting a house and use one of those Radio Shack 'plug n power' systems for turning the fluorescent overhead lights on and off. An X10 system, where the signals are sent through the electrical wiring.

The unit is ~20 years old and the controller is getting worn down. Harder and harder to turn the lights on. I'd like to get a replacement and wasn't sure what the options are out there now. Doesn't appear RS sells them anymore.

Would love one that has a remote so I can turn the lights on at the top of the garage stairs. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money for top shelf stuff, but need a quality remote and modules. Thanks guys.

Click to expand...

If all you need is a replacement hand-held remote, then this:

http://www.smarthome.com/4001X/X10-HR12A-or-PHR03-Wireless-X10-Remote-Control/p.aspx


will do the trick.

However, your mention of ALSO wanting new modules, and to expand the capabilities of the system, leads me to suggest that you abandon X10 entirely in favor of a higher quality system. X10 has always been "bottom of the barrel" in terms of home automation systems; and the situation has NOT gotten better over time. And by now, there is truly effective (and reasonably priced, if still not as dirt cheap as X10) competition in the form of the Insteon system.

For fluorescent lights, you will need a relay-based controller module. Depending on whether this needs to be in hard-wired, plug-in, or wallswitch form, any of the following could be suitable:

http://www.smarthome.com/2475SDB/In...ontrol-In-Line-On-Off-Switch-Dual-Band/p.aspx


http://www.smarthome.com/2473SWH/Ou...ontrol-On-Off-Outlet-Non-Dimming-White/p.aspx


http://www.smarthome.com/2456S3/App...Plug-in-Appliance-Control-Module-3-pin/p.aspx


http://www.smarthome.com/2466SW/Tog...ontrol-On-Off-Switch-Non-Dimming-White/p.aspx


http://www.smarthome.com/2477S/Swit...-Remote-Control-Switch-Dual-Band-White/p.aspx


http://www.smarthome.com/2487S/Keyp...pad-with-On-Off-Switch-Dual-Band-White/p.aspx


As you will note, some of the above devices also provide a control interface. But if you want a separate stand-alone control (be that hand-held or not), consider:

http://www.smarthome.com/2342-232/INSTEON-Mini-Remote-4-Scene/p.aspx




http://www.smarthome.com/2335-222/I...l-Keypad-with-Tabletop-Enclosure-White/p.aspx


http://www.smarthome.com/2411RCC/IRLinc-Credit-Card-Remote/p.aspx


Note that the above only scratches the surface of what you can do with an Insteon system; but it should be enough to at least get you started, and perhaps pique your imagination.

Insteon is okay and it's probably the best option. If you have issues with the fluorescent lights, you'll need to add a filter before they're plugged in.

My barn is on a separate meter 100' from my house (probably 250' of wire), and I can turn the lights on/off in the barn from the house, however it does take a couple attempts sometimes when the fluorescent lights are on. The Insteon powerline signals make it over the 250' through two meters, aerials and buried cable no problem.

They will also interface with existing X10 stuff if you have it, though I've never tried it.

Hi, and I searched and this thread is simulator to my question.
I have my house and three outbuildings that is feed from one 200 amp distribution metered panel central to all structures, all within a 150 - 200 feet of feeders.
I would like to be able to remote control several outlets, mainly for block heaters that are 600 watts. Mostly, the outlets would be inside a building, but would be nice to be able to have one rated for outdoor use?
Does any options include a indication feedback that the outlet is on? Thanks for some ideas, Artie