Centralized lighting Control

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:57 am

Based partly off of the conversation that Rick,Ghaz and I had at the last meeting I have been doing more research into what I want to do with the new Condo I am "buying".

Part of that is centralizing my lighting control so I dont have multiple timers all over the place (not as big an issue for me as it is for many of you but still).

I am looking into various alternatives since I am also looking at doing more then just fishtank lighting control.

I will try to update this as I find more info but so far most controllers seem to average a few hundred bucks but they are also multi purpose. I am still looking for an ethernet controlled base if at all possible.

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:03 pm

Are you "stealing" the condo? Are you the next character on that TV show The Riches?

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:01 pm

Im in a sense stealing it yes.

Everything I pay in rent goes towards the purchase price.

The owner is cute but seems pretty damn naive about the whole renting thing so I kinda feel like I am taking advantage but I know I am not.

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:46 pm

Depends on what you work out as the final price as to who is naive.....better get the total to buy locked in.....

mab · Post by **mab** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:32 pm

If you can isolate from the building power I suggest using an x10 system. I'm giving that some thought for my fishroom. PC controls for x10 systems are available.

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 4:41 pm

I know they are, the problem is that X10 still has issues with crossing the breaker box. They have gotten better but still arent great at it.

mab · Post by **mab** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 5:11 pm

I have the box for the crossover on the x10 system for the house and have no problems whatsover. Really neat to lay in bed, hit one button and have all the lights in the house turn on!! Really kick myself now that I didn't use x10 outlets when wiring the fishroom since I have a computer controller for the whole system in the upstairs util room.

RTRJR · Post by **RTRJR** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:24 pm

I have lots of X-10 junk around and it a PITA. But we also have multiple circuit breaker boxes - which is beyond X-10's capability. Within a circuit it works a charm. Or in some cases (but not all) within a box, it is fine. Across boxes it is a no-go. The fish room is powered by circuits from two boxes, and requires 3 controllers. Wonnerful!

Multiple controllers are better than multiple timers though - at least they are battery backed and give you an idiot light when it is time to trade out the battery.

All IME, YMMV.

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:52 am

http://www.neptunesys.com/products.htm

Looks like I will probably take the lead from Rick and get one of these to incorporate into the other automation plans I have.

Centralized lighting Control

Centralized lighting Control

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