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         jostim Groupie 
          
  
  Joined: February 12 2007 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline Posts: 45
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           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 14:46 | IP Logged
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Experts,
 
 I have another newbie question.  I would like to use a low voltage signal (or a dry contact closure) as an input for PH.
 Is there a cheaper solution than the Sarthome Input/Output Controller #31271? (http://www.smarthome.com/31271.html)
 
 I only need one input to give a (any) signal to PH on contact closure, so I can have PH turn on the shop vac I use as a poor man's central vacuum system.
 
 Any idea's?
 
 thanks
 
  __________________ - jos
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         ginigma Senior Member 
          
 
  Joined: June 18 2006 Location: United States
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           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 15:10 | IP Logged
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Wow, I've just been looking for the same.  The SimpleHome Insteon module is too expensive for what I'm trying to do (garage door contacts).  I saw that PH supports the Velleman 8000 and I've been searching all over for it, but it looks like it's a discontinued product.
 
 I'm also looking for something supported by PH (Serial, Parallel or USB port) for input/output.
 
 Thanks,
 Charles
 
  __________________ Insteon (40 devices) ^ PowerHome (435 links) ^ Logitech Harmony 880
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         TonyNo Moderator Group 
          
  
  Joined: December 05 2001 Location: United States
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           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 16:57 | IP Logged
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I would suggest using a DS10A (or the new one at Radio Shack) X10 RF Security sensor. You would need a W800 or RFXCom unit, though.
 
 Another option would be to hack an X10 controller and put the contact across one button's terminals.
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         ginigma Senior Member 
          
 
  Joined: June 18 2006 Location: United States
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           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 19:29 | IP Logged
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I'd really hate to add X10 to my system.  Any other suggestions?
  __________________ Insteon (40 devices) ^ PowerHome (435 links) ^ Logitech Harmony 880
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         TonyNo Moderator Group 
          
  
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           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 21:39 | IP Logged
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FWIW, X10 RF is not X10.    
 
 X10 RF is rock solid.
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         jostim Groupie 
          
  
  Joined: February 12 2007 Location: United States
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           | Posted: March 10 2007 at 08:03 | IP Logged
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Tonyno,
 
 Thanks for your suggestion.  I was hoping to find a cheaper solution, but the W800RF32 opens up all kinds of (future) possibilities.
 I have a number of DS10A's laying around waiting to contribute to my home automation. I guess I'll spend the money on the RF receiver.
 
 thanks
  __________________ - jos
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         jostim Groupie 
          
  
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           | Posted: March 24 2007 at 17:46 | IP Logged
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Update:
 
 works great. At least it did, but than my PC died.
 My automation will continue when I get my new PC.
 
 thanks again.
  __________________ - jos
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