DS10A Sensor

[Just Another Joe]

Would like to use a DS10A X-10 door/window sensor to sense when the bathroom door is open/closed, but don't wish to make holes in the door and wall. Both halves of the contact have double-sided tape, and there are two additional pieces of double-sided tape included which I assume could be used to fasten the transmitter.

But, this is the main bath, and the shower is used daily, so there is lots of moisture is generated. Does anyone have any experience with how well the tape holds up, especially when used with the heavier transmitter unit, and under high humidity conditions?

 

[mustangcoupe]

even without the bathroom moisture mine fell off in a few months. maybe a better tape from the HW store.

 

[electron]

The tape is pretty crappy IMO. I would replace it with something stronger, or velcro strips.

 

[drozwood90]

I screwed my DS10's into the wall. I didn't want the jarring from the door being closed to drop any of the sensors off the wall.

The only sensors that I do tape, are the regular X10 motions...so I can get their placement right.

I use 3M VHB Double sided tape. They used to have a "white" foam-like one. That was the best! You could stick it to stuff, and it would stay, but you could peel it off without ruining anything!

I had some on a washer that went into storage for a while. I had taken the module OFF, left the tape on the washer. When I got it back (~7 months later), I stuck the module to it, and it's still there!

I also used this to put a motion sensor in my bath tub. It stuck to the walls without any issues... that is, it was INSIDE the tub / shower area. So, I'd suggest you get some of this stuff.

The one I found at Walmart (last time I was there) was clear. It works just as well, but it's a bit harder to work with.

--Dan

 

[Just Another Joe]

Thanks so much for the replies! I'm glad I asked before just sticking them on with the supplied tape.

And I appreciate the pointer. Is there a common source for the 3M VHB Double sided tape? If not, I'll just get whatever is available at Wally-Wart.

 

[drozwood90]

Thanks so much for the replies! I'm glad I asked before just sticking them on with the supplied tape.

And I appreciate the pointer. Is there a common source for the 3M VHB Double sided tape? If not, I'll just get whatever is available at Wally-Wart.

I found that Walmart has both...but the while foam version is not marked VHB....So I'm not sure it's the same thing. Basically if it's white and "streatchy (i.e. needs to be cut), that's the stuff.

I know the clear one there works well...just make sure it's marked VHB, if you want what I'm using.

--Dan

 

[Just Another Joe]

Just got back from boxing-week-sale shopping, including Wally-Wart. They had two types: carpet tape and hanging tape; I got the hanging tape in a removable type. It is white, but not foamy in the way of the tape included with the DS10As and the x10.com slim switches (likely the same). So will see how this tape works.

The slim-switch tape worked well enough for me (not in the bathroom), except in one particular location which was directly above a heating register. I could never get a switch to stay on the wall in that location, which I attributed to the constant air-flow.

 

[Just Another Joe]

Mounted the DS10A this morning, using the supplied tape on the two contact pieces, and the Wally-Wart tape on the transmitter. [Correction: it is called Mounting Tape, not Hanging Tape, and it is foamy.] Because of the ridges on the back of the transmitter, the tape was not thick enough, so I applied two layers of tape.

Five hours later, and the transmitter just came loose and dropped; it is now hanging by the wire from the contact. So, the supplied contact tape is holding better than the purchased tape--this tape is not the answer. So, I'll need to find better tape, or make holes in the wall .

 

[SnyperBob]

Mounted the DS10A this morning, using the supplied tape on the two contact pieces, and the Wally-Wart tape on the transmitter. [Correction: it is called Mounting Tape, not Hanging Tape, and it is foamy.] Because of the ridges on the back of the transmitter, the tape was not thick enough, so I applied two layers of tape.

Five hours later, and the transmitter just came loose and dropped; it is now hanging by the wire from the contact. So, the supplied contact tape is holding better than the purchased tape--this tape is not the answer. So, I'll need to find better tape, or make holes in the wall :huh: .

If you don't want to spend more money, I'd just screw it into the wall. You won't have much to lose, since the transmitter will be covering the holes you're making. The screws aren't that big, so patching the holes later shouldn't be a hassle (unlike tape issues)

I super glued my stuff in some locations. I'm planning on using the screws in drywall locations

 

[Just Another Joe]

I ended up just using a small sewing pin nailed into the drywall. The transmitter was then slipped over the protruding pin (hole much larger than pinhead), and the pin bent over to hold it in place. If/when it is ever removed, it should leave only a very tiny hole.

The tape that came on the contacts seems to be holding well. It's only been a day, but the wired contact held the weight of the transmitter for nearly a day.

 

[drozwood90]

For the size of the screws...you can just "patch" the holes with latex caulk (so you can paint over it).

--Dan