Timers for MH ballasts (1 Viewer)

[KarenB]

So do you plug in directly to this gizmo, or is there an extra dealie that you'd need for that?

 

[Guest]

Karen,

You plug one of the X10 modules into an electrical outlet and then plug your appliance, light or whatever, into the module. You then have the mini-timer that plugs into an outlet anywhere in the house you like, just as you would plug in a clock because that is basically what the timer is. The timer will then control the appliance from that point by sending a signal through the electrical line to the module telling it to turn on or off.

Tom

 

[ScubaMedic]

You would need one of these for up to 4 items you wanted to control.
http://www.x10.com/automation/mt10a_s.html

And one of these per item to be controlled.
http://www.x10.com/automation/am466_s.html

 

[Guest]

Once more just to be sure it's clear, the timer will automate 4 modules at once.
It will control 8 but you must move the slide switch to control the other 4.

 

[KarenB]

Would the clock/timer thingy interfere with other appliances in the house, like the TV remote and cell phones and whatnot?

 

[KarenB]

ROFL.......I'm starting to think a trip to Wally World is in order.

 

[Guest]

Nope, should not cause problems for other appliances, cell phones or anything else of that nature.

 

[KarenB]

So say I had a plug converter that doubles the number of things I can plug into one outlet. Could I plug that into the module and, say, have two lights on one module that work together? or would that overpower it? Seems like if I had five things that I wanted to control, and two of them at exactly the same time, that's the only way it will work, unless I flip the switch, which will make the other four not work. I don't see the point in having eight if you can only use four at a time.

 

[ScubaMedic]

As long as the total does not exceed:

Rated at 15 amps, 1/3 hp, 500 watts

Also:

Schedule up to 4 lights & appliances to turn on & off.

 

[DRH]

Sorry for the delayed response but it looks like others have covered the important info. I use X10 for everything. I even have a module that shuts off the solenoid to the R/O float switch when it detects water on the floor

The stuff is inexpensive and I use lamp modules to turn on moon lighting, the refuge lighting, a doser, and the main MH lights (each fixture comes on at a different time to simulate the sun rising/setting with the 400W only on for 5 hours in the middle of the day - saves electricity $). I also use X10 for our lizard enclosure and our russian tortoise enclosure. With a computer, you can also do everything remotely (like from work or while on vacation) via the internet or a modem.

My main source is smarthome.com. If you are a tinkerer like me, the X10 stuff is really fun

Darrell