| Author |  | 
      
        | jostim Groupie
 
  
  
 Joined: February 12 2007
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 45
 | 
          Experts,
           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 14:46 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |  
 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
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |     | 
       
       
        |  | 
        | ginigma Senior Member
 
  
 
 Joined: June 18 2006
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 127
 | 
          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.
           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 15:10 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |  
 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
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |       | 
       
       
        |  | 
        | TonyNo Moderator Group
 
  
  
 Joined: December 05 2001
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 2889
 | 
          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.
           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 16:57 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |  
 Another option would be to hack an X10 controller and put the contact across one button's terminals.
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |       | 
       
       
        |  | 
        | ginigma Senior Member
 
  
 
 Joined: June 18 2006
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 127
 | 
          I'd really hate to add X10 to my system.  Any other suggestions?
           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 19:29 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |  
 __________________
 Insteon (40 devices) ^ PowerHome (435 links) ^ Logitech Harmony 880
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |       | 
       
       
        |  | 
        | TonyNo Moderator Group
 
  
  
 Joined: December 05 2001
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 2889
 | 
          FWIW, X10 RF is not X10.
           | Posted: March 09 2007 at 21:39 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |    
 X10 RF is rock solid.
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |       | 
       
       
        |  | 
        | jostim Groupie
 
  
  
 Joined: February 12 2007
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 45
 | 
          Tonyno,
           | Posted: March 10 2007 at 08:03 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |  
 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
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |     | 
       
       
        |  | 
        | jostim Groupie
 
  
  
 Joined: February 12 2007
 Location: United States
 Online Status: Offline
 Posts: 45
 | 
          Update:
           | Posted: March 24 2007 at 17:46 | IP Logged |   |  
           | 
 |  
 works great. At least it did, but than my PC died.
 My automation will continue when I get my new PC.
 
 thanks again.
 
 __________________
 - jos
 | 
       
        | Back to Top |     | 
       
       
        |  |