Recent content by SethP

Definitely not possible for me. I have two breaker boxes that are full, plus a separate structure with its own power feed off the same transformer, so the UPB signals make it there no problem. I have many UPB devices across both phases in both locations. Phase coupler is absolutely necessary...

Can you explain what a phase alignment is?

If you don't have a phase coupler, this could be your problem. I use a phase coupler plugged into my 220v dryer outlet, so nothing had to be done in the panel. If you go for the panel phase coupler, I strongly recommend an electrician for the job. It may not look too difficult, but it's...

Standard automotive or "starting" batteries are not designed to be constantly topped off by a charger. Especially if it's not used much, it will get destroyed in this environment. I would not suggest you use this kind of battery. I took an old Belkin UPS, removed the dead internal battery...

I went back and checked my code with a brand new DS18S20, and it's working perfectly -- COUNT_REMAIN and COUNT_PER_C are correct, and my results match the one wire viewer. I suspect I damaged my first DS18S20, and that caused the problem. The CRC check passed, which is why I thought perhaps I...

I have a built-in recirculator. It has a separate pipe running back from the kitchen to the hot water heater. It works very well - BUT: I'm using a current transformer connected to a 1-wire input to log all activity of my furnaces. With the recirculator off, the heater runs every 4 hours to...

Genie, for example, makes a receiver. You can see it at: http://www.genieremotesonline.com/?gclid=C...CFQeAHgodAlPJ9w It's about $40. That can trip a contact closure and activate a UPB link with the UPB contact closure input. I've been trying to come up with a way to know when we leave, and...

I have several Belkin UPSs and they all work great, some for several years. Batteries go, of course. I hooked one unit up to an old car battery, and that was great, but it burned out the battery pretty quickly. I'm going to pick up a deep cycle battery this weekend. The cheap UPS + deep...

I'm using TMEX to read the DS18S20, exactly as the data sheet says. COUNT_REMAIN is always zero. In the 1-wire viewer, you can select the resolution and it flashes "setting resolution". I looked at the view source, and it appears to be set something on the device, but I couldn't determine...

You are right -- I didn't need the split core, and could have saved some money. However, I figured they are a bit more flexible, so I can monitor other things with them as well without having to cut wires. Figure it's around $20 for a wired up CR3110, plus the cost of the 1-wire input. I'm...

You can use this: http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufact...GL/Item/UPB572/ With any of the x-10 remotes. They aren't pretty, but they are RF, so they can go through walls. I have one of these: http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...at=0&page=1 It does IR to UPB. I haven't tried...

If you are not looking to be secure, then you should easily be able to train the dogs to press a button to open the doors. We had our dogs trained to ring a bell when they wanted to go out. It was a small bell hanging on a rope. Once, the dog wanted to go out so bad that he yanked the bell...

Very cool...I'm using a few CR3110s connected to DS2406s and a DS2450 on my 1-wire network to monitor furnaces & heat zones. Thigs would be simplified with the transistor built in. Question: How are you getting data into a database with the x-10 devices? I wrote my own plugin for Homeseer...

Exactly right. Plus, I think that the current transformer is a much simpler circuit. I picked up round bridge rectifiers at Radio Shack with long legs, and soldered the capacitor and resistor inside the legs, and put heat shrink tubing over it, so it's a very compact package. You could...

I ordered a Hall effect sensor as well, but it hasn't arrived yet. I didn't think about the fact that we're monitoring A/C, so I'm not sure if what I ordered will even work. Definitely let me know how your setup works out. Seth