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WOW! Free X-10 Firecracker Set! (1 Viewer)

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Cakepro

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http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=356415

Excellent price (you just pay shipping of $5.90!!) for a system that will let you control your tank's lights, pumps, moonlights, feeders, etc. Use it in conjunction with eLightMaster: "eLightMaster is a program that calculates the rise and set of the sun and moon for your Location, or any location you select, along with the moon's phase (intensity). eLightMaster then sends the appropriate commands to the X10 FireCracker to turn your main lamps on and off, and adjust your moon lamp to simulate the real moon. New to eLightMaster is the WaveMaker Feature." Source

Finally an affordable new toy for my tanks!

~ Sherri
 
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Thanks for the notice! Very cool when your checkout looks like this!:

Thank you for your business!

Order Number: ?????
Comments / More Information: --
Ordering Instructions: --

Qty Name SKU Price Sub Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 FREE FireCracker 4 Piece Kit - Sol... CK18A-NC... $ 0.00 $ 0.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Total $ 0.00
Shipping Total $ 5.90
Tax Total $ 0.00
Grand Total $ 5.90



Please Come Again!
 
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The "catch" is that they figure once you have the basic setup, you will be buying more modules to complete your system.

Also, be aware that the X10 brand modules are horribly unreliable. About 5 years ago, my father-in-law setup his whole shop on X10 and within a few months probably half the modules had failed. He replaced them with Leviton modules and they are still working to this day.
 
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Cakepro

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According to those who use this system, they run this freebie offer every so often. Apparently you can only control one appliance with the freebie package, so they know you'll be back for more. :) They are the manufacturer, after all.

Mine's on the way too. Can't wait for moonlight!

~ Sherri
 
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Wildfire

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Just FYI:

I use the firecracker system on my 135 to control the VHOs, Skimmer, and Top-Off Pump (I've got the remote keypad, so I can turn on the top-off pump at will). The X10 modules WILL NOT work if you have eBallasts on your MHs. I have a standard $6 Radio Shack dial-in timer for the MH lights.

I have the firecracker set up on my linux server, and use CRON to hit the devices with on/off commands, and have a PHP controlpage (yep, I'm a geek) so that I can turn on / off things from a web browser.....

It works REALLY well. I'm getting a few more modules so that I can hook the nano tank I'm working on in the kids' playroom up on the same "timing" for it's lights, skimmer, etc. So that everything is on at the same time, off at the same time....
 
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scottk

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OK. Repeat this again for the technologically challenged. I have seen people with X-10 modules for light control.

Am I correct in thinking this is computer control for X-10 modules to run everything. Is it wireless?

I'm still new to this idea. All my lights are on digital appliance timers. It sounds promising. Will it work with Levitron modules?

What do you have running on X-10 right now?

Hip me up on this....... :?
 
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Wildfire

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It is wireless. THe Firecracker module hooks onto a 9-pin serial port on a PC, and the receiver plugs into a wall socket somewhere out of the way (I've got mine in a closet).
You can then use the PC control software to shoot commands via the serial-port interface to the receiver. you can ALSO buy the wireless remotes.

I've got the multi-remote (it's a learning remote for the TV/DVD/stero which also sends X10 commands) and the 16-button "wall mountable" remote. You can get keychain fobs, etc.... They all will use the receiver that you are getting with the firecracker set.

You can buy more "lamp modules" at Radio Shack for about $12 a pop. You can also get X10 OUTLETS (which replace the wall outlets) and switches (for lights, ceiling fans, etc). There are also 200v relays (for pool pumps, etc) and bridge relays...

If you guys are interested, I can write up how I've got our house wired (or not, depending on how you look at it) and how I'm practically applying these things....

I am also on the X10 Corporation Beta Development team, so I get a feedback channel to X10 development for new products / commands. Let me know if you can think of anything that you don't see.

The product I'm pushing for is an X10 outlet strip. Something with 8 or 10 outlets, 5 on X10 control, 5 normal operation. It would eliminate needing 5 lamp modules (which are bulky) and gie me a lot more control over my system....... I'll let you know if that ever happens
 
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If you scroll all the way to the bottom of the free offer page, there's a coupon for $15 off a $20 order. Not good on shipping, of course.

Wildfire -- since you're experienced with this product, what's a good way to spend $20 to beef up the beginner system a bit? I was thinking it might be a good idea to buy a couple of appliance modules? $13.99 each, so it comes out to $12.98 after the discount. No additional shipping charge. Is there a different product you'd add on?

-Suzy
 
kris4647

kris4647

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X-10 technology sends a signal through your home's electrical system.
It can be unreliable due to the fact that appliances can cause "noise" in your electrical system that could mimic the x-10 signal. You then have to isolate the source of "noise" and put a filter on it to eliminate the problem. When I tried to use the sattelites I had all sorts of problems. Not being negative for you guys, I think its great for home lighting if you are away, but its applications, IME, for our tank equipment is pretty crappy.

My .02.
[I still may order one for our home lights when we go to Disney :wink: ]
 
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Wildfire

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pernelf said:
Do you use any of these for your fishtanks? If so, what kind of set up do you use
Click to expand...

I use X10 modules for:
135 G
Skimmer
VHO lighting
Small pumps (top off)
20 G
Skimmer
Lighting

For a while I had my firecracker sending commands every 1/2 hour to turn on / turn off smaller powerheads for "wavemakers".... then I needed the outlets on the strip for a heater, and didn't want the heater cutting on and off so I "disabled" that
 
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Got the kit today in the mail.. that was fast. I also have a brand new Activehome set that has been sitting up in the closet for a while, never opened. Now I have enough to play with!
 
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Cakepro

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I got mine today too. Radio Shack sells the grounded modules for higher amperage applicances. The one they sent in the kit probably wouldn't work for anything we have except a powerhead.

~ Sherri
 
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