JCL Automation - Solutions - Get Started with Lighting Control

Get Started with Lighting Controls

For those who are just getting their feet wet with home automation. A great solution for lighting controls to give your home that "lived in look" when you are away is pictured below.

X10 Lighting Controls

Shown are three different X10 lighting devices and a controller. The first device on the left is a SMARTHOME LampLinc module. This device plugs into an electrical outlet. The lamp it controls plugs into the bottom of the device. Note the top center 3-prong receptacle provides an "always on" plug for other use. The second device from the left is a Screw-in Lamp Module. This module screws into the lamp bulb receptacle, and the bulb screws into the lamp module. This device is a good alternative for shaded lamps where the module is hidden from view. The third device from the left is an X10 Powerhouse Wall Dimmer switch which replaces an existing switch. In each case these devices are set to respond to a single X10 address which includes a house code (A-P) and unit code (1-16) plus an ON or OFF command. The dimmer switch and LampLinc module also respond to a DIM command which sets the lamp brightness level. These commands are sent through your house electrical wiring using the X10 signaling protocol.

The fourth item from the left pictured at right is an X10 Powerhouse Mini-Timer. This standalone controller is basically a digital alarm clock that also provides the capability to control up to eight X10 addresses with the same house code and unit codes 1-8. However, only four addresses (1-4 or 5-8) can be programmatically controlled at any one time, while all eight addresses can be directly controlled by the Mini-Timer switches. If you need to programmatically control more than 4 lights, some lights can be assigned the same X10 address and will turn on and off at the same time. The Mini-Timer can be programmed to turn each X10 address on and off at your desired times once or twice during a single day. A "security mode" is available to enable an on or off command to occur within the hour specified, so the lights don't turn on or off at the exact same time every day.

Our services:

On-site Consultation

A Home Automation Consultant will visit your home to discuss your automation needs. Our home automation requirements checklist will be reviewed with you to ensure our solution covers all your interest areas. If a potential solution can be identified, the consultant will note all site preparation requirements and collect all other information required to produce a formal project quote.

Site Preparation Report

In the event site preparation actions are required before a home automation solution can be installed at your home, our Consultant will prepare a detailed description of the actions needed. This report can then be used by you to review the actions with a licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor.

Solution Installation

Per our project quotation, our Consultant will install all components comprising your solution. This includes all hardware devices, the wiring or cabling associated with those devices, and the PC software for computer-based solutions. The complete system will be tested to ensure all functions are working. The system operation will be reviewed with you, and important sections of the user manuals highlighted.

Solution Support

All solutions installed by JCL Automation will be supported by us on a time and material basis. A support visit will include trouble shooting and problem isolation. Any software installed by JCL Automation will be updated, if an update is available. If necessary, replacement hardware devices will be ordered and installed on a subsequent visit. Most hardware devices carry a 1 year warranty.