Speaker Timer?

[Jrock]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this...

I have a computer running iTunes connected to a receiver and an FM Transmitter to broadcast Christmas music. The FM transmitter is used to play the music throughout the house or in your car if you are near the house checking out our light display. The receiver drives outdoor speakers. I would like the outdoor speakers to only be on during certain times.

There is no automation in the house other than X-10 outlets and modules to turn the Christmas lights on and off. I thought about plugging the receiver into an appliance module but it will not resume its power state when it loses power. I can setup the computer to only play the music during certain times however I want to be able to listen to the music via the FM transmitter at any time.

Any suggestions?

 

[pete_c]

Maybe finding an older FM receiver. (or clock radio or car stereo).

 

[tmbrown97]

If you can't just find a different receiver for the outdoor speakers (I always use computer speakers); then here's another idea:

You can go to Radio Shack and grab a 12V DPDT Relay like this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049722

Grab one of those and an old 12V wall wart you probably have laying around and for $9, you have a solution.

I don't know your comfort level with electronics, but basically it's got room to switch two circuits; connect the speakers through the relay so that when the relay is off, the speakers are disconnected. When the relay is energized, it reconnects the speakers. You can do this by just passing either one of the speaker wires (one from each) through the relay.

Power the wall-wart through an appliance module, and there you have your automation.

If you need us to elaborate just say so - we can get more specific.