Inexpensive two way fluorescent control

[simonmason]

I have a circuit in my kitchen with four CFL flood bulbs on it. I want to add it to the automation in my house and I am looking for recommendations on inexpensive two way X-10 switches. Currently I am running X-10 and UPB in the house. I know that UPB can control them but this seems to be a complete overkill for this because with CFL I can't use any of the nice features of UPB. Thanks.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I would just search for a used switch, maybe something like THIS?

 

[BLH]

You want two way? So when localy toggeled or a status request is sent. You know its On or Off state?

 

[simonmason]

You want two way? So when localy toggeled or a status request is sent. You know its On or Off state?

Yep. I do want two-way so I can keep Homeseer up to date. I am having trouble finding reasonably priced 2 way for CFL. I don't want to buy more expensive switches where all the features are going to be wasted. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Deane Johnson]

Yep. I do want two-way so I can keep Homeseer up to date. I am having trouble finding reasonably priced 2 way for CFL. I don't want to buy more expensive switches where all the features are going to be wasted. Any ideas? Thanks.

Since you're wanting to keep it simple and low cost, one of these should work well with a CFL.
http://www.enasco.com/science/Electricity/Electronic+Components/Knife+Switches/

 

[simonmason]

Very funny

 

[Lagerhead]

http://www.enasco.co...Knife+Switches/

Probably not allowed by code. Pretty sure.

 

[simonmason]

But they are not two way!

 

[simonmason]

Is this switch two way (i.e. - reports status back to PC controller)?

http://www.smarthome.com/2876DB/ICON-Dimmer-INSTEON-Remote-Control-Dimmer-Switch/p.aspx

 

[BLH]

Yes it is two way and can have an X10 address programmed into it.
Since it is a dimmer it should not be used with CFL lights.
Also Smarthome chose a different X10 protocol for dimming. They used %dim.
So if a status request is sent to it. It sends back a %dim if not fully on or off.
When locally dimmed it also send a %dim. Though full on sends an X10 On and full Off sends an X10 Off.

The relay type of the Icon switch should work fine with CFLs.
http://www.smarthome.com/2876SB/ICON-Relay-INSTEON-Remote-Control-On-Off-Switch-Non-Dimming-White/p.aspx