10 7
Programming Scene Membership and On-Levels
(Note: After you activate a scene, you can adjust all the lighting circuits in the scene by sending dim or brighten com-
mands to the scene address.)
Removing a SwitchLinc LS from a Scene
Programming Scene Ramp Rates (optional)
You can adjust the rate at which each SwitchLinc LS in a scene ramps up and down. If you do not adjust this option for
a switch, its scene ramp rate will be the same as its primary address ramp rate.
Helpful Tools
If you’re investing in home automation,there are a few tools that will make your projects run smoother:
Invest in a Maxi-Controller
This plug-in transmitter has the ability to send individual X10 commands. The buttons are sepa-
rated into Addresses and Command functions. To use this controller,you have to press the address
(for example,“5”), then the command (ON, OFF, BRIGHT, etc.). Some of the KeypadLinc and
SwitchLinc advanced programming features need to be programmed with individual button press-
es in order to set certain features.For more info visit: http://www.smarthome.com/4020.html
X10 Signal Meter
This is an invaluable tool when it comes to installing and diagnosing problems.By knowing the signal strength at a
specific location, you can make sure that the signal will always trigger that X10 module.Generally, it’s ideal to have at
least 100mV at each location. Conservative installers will want even more; perhaps 250mV just in case the homeowner
installs a new big-screen TV after final installation. The extra margin will still give
the X10 receivers enough signal to be reliably triggered. These units can also be used
to measure the effects of signal absorption mentioned earlier. Plug in the transmitter
and measure the signal, then unplug the device that’s plugged into that outlet. If you
see a 10% or greater change, it’s time for a filter on that device. Smarthome has three
units to choose from:
http://www.smarthome.com/4814.html
http://www.smarthome.com/4811.html
http://www.smarthome.com/4813.html
Voltmeter or Voltage Tester
During the installation of SwitchLincs, it may be necessary to identify the wires inside the wall box. Knowing for sure
which wire is the HOT or LINE wires can reduce the guesswork when installing a single switch and it absolutely neces-
sary when working with 3-way lighting circuits. A voltmeter is ideal for this application. Many of the digital models
can also read current so you'll know how much power is being drawn by the SwitchLinc's load.
A simpler measurement tool, available at most home improvement centers, is a voltage sensor. This device, often cost-
ing less than $20, can sense voltage when its tip is placed near a wire. The tip of the voltage sensor can tell if voltage is
inside the wire without touching the bare copper conductor or breaking the insulation.
When using these tools, be certain to read and understand the safety instructions. Often when these tools are
used, the power to the circuit will need to be turned on. When working around live electrical wires, take your
time and concentrate on the task.
Helpful Hints for New Construction
By design, X10 equipment does not need much in the way of special wiring. The following are six items we recom-
mend for all homes with X10 installations:
1. Ask the builder or electrician to run the neutral wire to each wall switch location. This wiring may be a code
requirement or a regular practice in your area, but unless explicitly specified, it may get omitted. The SwitchLinc and
KeypadLinc controllers require the neutral connection.
2. Specify the installation of deep J-boxes in all locations where X10 switches, receptacles, or transmitters will be used.
While all X10 products fit in the spacing offered by all North American electrical boxes, the deep models have extra
working space and make the installation go a little easier. Deep boxes only costs a few cents more than normal depth
models. Look for single gang boxes that are 22cu or higher (cubic inches) and double gang boxes that are 36cu or
higher.
3. If the SwitchLinc is going to be controlling 400 watts or more,do not place insulation around the wall box and con-
sider using metal junction boxes. Dimmers that control high loads will dissipate heat that may be felt through the
switch faceplate. Metal boxes will more efficiently draw out the heat and spread it over all the surfaces of the box. By
keeping wall insulation four inches from the box, free air will help move the heat away from the switch and box.
4. Install a whole-house surge suppressor. Adding one whole-house surge protector at the beaker will help protect
against costly damage to the X10 components and other delicate electrical equipment.
Using a Maxi-Controller or
Similar Device
1. Transmit O16, N16, M16, P16, M16
(“clear” sequence)
2. Adjust all SwitchLincs (manually or
remotely) involved in this scene to the
desired brightness for the scene.
3. Transmit M16,N16,O16,P16 within 4
minutes of adjusting the first SwitchLinc
4. Transmit the desired scene address
(e.g., L1). The lights will blink.
Using TouchLinc
Control Setup Application
1. Press “CLR”
2. Adjust all SwitchLincs (manually or
remotely) to the brightness at which you
desire them to come on when the scene
is triggered
3. Press the desired scene address
(e.g., L1)
4. Press “Set”. The lights will blink.
Using TouchLinc
Control Setup Application
1. Press “CLR”
2. For each SwitchLinc to be removed from
the scene, activate the switch (either
manually or remotely) by turning it on/off,
brightening/dimming it, or sending its
Housecode and Unit Code and ON
3. Press the scene address from which
you want the SwitchLinc(s)
removed (e.g., L1)
4. Press “Del”. The lights will blink.
Using a Maxi-Controller or
Similar Device
1. Transmit O16, N16, M16, P16, M16
(“clear” sequence)
2. For each SwitchLinc to be removed from
the scene, activate the switch (either
manually or remotely) by turning it on/off,
brightening/dimming it, or sending its
Housecode and Unit Code and ON
3. Transmit O16,P16,M16,N16 within 4
minutes of activating the first SwitchLinc
to be removed
4. Transmit the scene address from which
you want the SwitchLinc(s) removed
removed (e.g., L1). The light(s) con
trolled by the SwitchLinc(s) removed from
the scene will blink (if they are still on.)
Using TouchLinc Control
Setup Application
1. Press “CLR”
2. For each SwitchLinc in the scene whose
ramp rate you want to change, adjust
the Brightness level (either manually
or remotely) to correspond to the
desired ramp rate (brighter=faster)
3. Press the scene address (e.g., L1)
4. Press “RR”. The lights will blink.
Using a Maxi-Controller or
Similar Device
1. Transmit O16, N16, M16, P16, M16
(“clear” sequence)
2. For each SwitchLinc in the scene whose
ramp rate you want to change, adjust
the Brightness level (either manually
or remotely) to correspond to the
desired ramp rate (brighter=faster)
3. Transmit N16,O16,P16,M16 within 4
minutes of adjusting the first SwitchLinc
4. Transmit the scene address (e.g., L1).
The lights will blink.
#4020 Maxi-
Controller
#4814 Power Line Signal Analyzer
