X10 PLC a few questions and if you have viable modules I might be interested. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 01:02:41 pm
content: I would like to get a simple logic signal (contact open/close signal) from a shed that is about 300' from my house. The shed has an existing 120V GFI power feed from the house. WiFi does not reach the shed. I'm thinking of using X10. I realize the X10 is more or less obsolete at this point, however it still seems like a better solution than running 300' of cable underground. Much prefer to have no batteries involved.Ideally, I would have a transmitter module in the form of a push-button or even in the form of a conventional residential light switch that I could toggle, and a receiver module ideally with a dry contact output, however a receptacle or lamp controller would also work as I can simply connect a relay or voltage divided opto isolater to the 120V output at the receive end.I see controllers (transmitters) like this:https://www.x10.com/collections/x10-plug-in-controllers/products/mc10a.or simple switch like this:https://www.x10.com/collections/switches/products/ws467For the receiver, something like this:https://www.x10.com/products/am486Anyone use these X10 modules at ~300', any reason it won't work?

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 01:28:57 pm
content: Have you considered LoRa? Or even a second Wifi AP fitted with a directional high gain antenna?

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 02:23:09 pm
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on June 28, 2021, 01:28:57 pmHmmm, LoRa might be an option, I just watched a video using RYLR896 looks simple enough, however ebay pricing is $30 per module+shipping + Arduino so about $150I see other dirt cheap ebay $3 RFM69HW modules, that look like they need an antenna, for example:https://www.ebay.com/itm/401221695985?hash=item5d6aad39f1:g:dD8AAOSwNmVaWcZ3Not sure if these are as easy to use ie. just AT commands or what documentation is available?

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 02:37:37 pm
content: It's a shame the distance is probably a bit too long at 300' otherwise these Quinetic switches might be an idea. They claim 80m range in free space.I've just used them at home to set up a remote control irrigation system for some plants. Seems to work well and a great idea.The transmitters don't require any batteries or power supply. They harvest enough kinetic energy from you pressing the switch to send a 32bit RFID to the receiver. A great idea if you want to move light switches around in your house - no rewiring or chasing cables into walls and ceilings, just stick the switch on the wall where you want it with double sided sticky tape!I used the car alarm key fob style transmitter and the WIFI enabled receiver for my project so we can also switch the system on/off from a phone app when we are away.Simple Switch:https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QUWS1W.htmlSimple Receiver:https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QUR303.htmlFull Range:https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Quinetic/index.html

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 03:42:13 pm
content: Quote from: DenzilPenberthy on June 28, 2021, 02:37:37 pmCool idea

author: spostma
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 10:27:35 pm
content: did you consider to use a RF doorbell transmitter + receiver?They are almost always built around a Holtek HT12E and HT12E chips,and can easily be repurposed...

author: antimatter503
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 07:17:34 am
content: Do you have line of sight to the shed? or minimal obstructions?WiFi with a Yagi antenna will do miles and miles or patch panel type will easily do 300 meters.I think your WiFi setup might be out of date. You've got to think about DJI drones.. mine uses WiFi and i've flown it 8 miles away... on WiFi

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2021, 02:05:37 am
content: I picked up a big box about 50 units in total for $30 on Kijiji. Seems to work so far. Now I need to sell the remaining 48 modules on Kijiji 😉