cheap way to control ceiling fans?

----There's not enough room---!

I built the rf modulator that I described above which allows my Ocelot to control each of my six ceiling fans, giving me x-10 control of my fans. And I plan to use x-10 lamp dimmer modules for the lights in the fans. But there's no room above the fans in the fan wiring area for both the rf fan module and the wired-in style lamp module. In fact, even with the rf module removed, the lamp module still doesn't fit..it's too thick. The fans are hard wired to the power, no switches on the wall (this is in a swimming pool room, foam and aluminum roof material), and no easy access to the wiring except at the fan mounting.

Before I dive into the task of adding an ugly j-box next to each fan on the ceiling to hold at least the lamp modules I thought I'd check to see if there was a better way to control both fan speed and light brightness via x-10 with a receiver module that would fit above the fan. From what I've read it doesn't appear that there is such a unit?

Any comments?

Thanks,
Dave

I'm going to try using an Ocelot to control the fan RF by means of the Ocelot IR output. I've just ordered the rf transmitter portion, here is a link to Dave Houston's site:

http://www.mbx-usa.com/appnotes.htm

Here is that Ocelot thread:

http://www.appdigsupport.com/cgi-bin...=000088#000000

I presently have 6 Hampton Bay fans, all on different codes. I strongly dislike the way Hampton Bay uses repeated keypresses to change the light status (dim/bright/on&off), I would much rather use a lamp module for the light portion and the rf technique for the fan speed control.

If this works well for the fan speed control I may just separate out the light power wires to lamp modules.

Dave

[Rupp]

I was assuming (you know what they say) there would be 2 switches.

-Rupp

I like the compose switch as well but it only controls the fan not the light and fan. If there is only one wire running to the fan currently then there would be no way to control the light and fan separately with an X-10 wall switch.

Eric

[Rupp]

http://ubb.homeseer.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...085#1466051085

-Rupp

[scaleste]

By the way, the previous suggestion to take apart an appliance module is A good one if all you want is on/off. I did that with my doorbell transformer. Turns off the doorbell after 10:00. I use to have trouble with some Kids. I don't know if I still because after 10:00 there is no good pushing the button.

[Czechmarty]

See here:
http://ubb.homeseer.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...4&m=3526090085

and for wiring here:
http://ubb.homeseer.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...4&m=7556029485

[scaleste]

Cost aside, what would be a good switch for a ceiling fan with speed control and light that someone has some actual experience?

Here is what I use. It works great, but you make up for the cost savings with work. One remote and 8 pins on the parallel port will allow control of all the fans you might have (assuming the range is good enough). You can probably find these remotes very cheap through non-retail outlets (ebay, direct, etc).

[This message was edited by MikeMatthews on Tue, 09 March 2004 at 01:39 PM.]

[Czechmarty]

David,
When you find it, let us know. I'm sure everybody will go for it.
Even if you'd make it yourself (See Dr Edward Cheung design at http://www.edcheung.com/automa/nohumkit.htm) it will cost you pretty penny.
I had one fan controlled with appliance module as Will suggested and it worked OK.

Marty

David,

I don't think you will find a dimmable X-10 switch for that price that would not have hum and other performance issues. You could use some sort or relay but I'm not sure that it would be to code and would be harder to implement.

True X-10 fan switches with speed control cost much more than even the $35 to $40 you said was not cheap. I wish that the cost of automation hardware was cheaper but unless you build it yourself its gonna cost.

Eric

[Bill Brower]

Wire an appliance module inline.
I would remove the PC board and mount it in a grounded J-Box.
I dont think you are going to get variable speed for cheap unless you use more than one AM and rheostats.

[proudx]

btw Please don't assume I have not looked. I am trying to find a Cheap way, not a 35 to 40$ a switch way.

[proudx]

I do a search for "cheap reliable way to control my ceiling fans" and come up with nothing cheap. I need a method for under 15$ a switch to control ceiling fans without hum.

[DC]

Have you read all the other threads about it?