Holiday Lights?

[langenet]

Well.... I still don't see how you can source that much power when the specs for an AM466 is only rated at 15 amps, 1/3 hp, 500 watts.

I'd like to play it safe...

[dmohr]

A few years ago I tried an appliance module inside ziplock bag (just pushing the module prongs right through the bag). I found if I tried to seal it up tight an little moisture always got trapped inside and corroded things. Now I still use the bag, but more as just a rain shield and leave the bottom open. It keeps it dry and no moisture buildup problem. I have at least a couple of years on the one that controls my low voltage lights on and around my deck.

Tape or zip-tie the module to a stick, stick the stick into the ground. Put a ziploc over it and a rubber band around the bottom of the bag where the wires come out. Provides enough air to keep things from condensing and the bag protects it from rain & snow. I have been doing it this way for the last 4 years without a single module failing.

Doug

[dmohr]

Appliance modules are definitely better.

I read a while back about someone using several sets of different color lights each on its own controller in some bushes and having them dim and brighten according to a schedule to fade colors.

Doug

[JLehnert]

I read a while back about someone using several sets of different color lights each on its own controller in some bushes and having them dim and brighten according to a schedule to fade colors.

I'm one of the people doing this. The original script came from this forum, but it probably got lost 2-3 board changes ago. I'm on a schedule at the moment, but I'll try to post the script later today.

[JLehnert]

Okay, here is the script. It cycles through 4 different colors, on a trigger every 3 minutes. I'm not the original author. This is just my version.

[outbackrob]

Bags work!

I have heard of people taking regular X10 modules and putting them in Ziplock bags- letting the prongs push thru-- then taking the wire to be plugged in and putting that in the bag and sealing it as much as possible- or wrapping a rubber band around it.

Maybe not the most asthetic solution but I have a cover on my ourdoor outlet- so this isn't noticable for me.

This works! I have been using the same Stanley Modules each Christmas for 12 years. 6 modules plugged into 3 HD 3-outlet extention cords (modules are too big to put 3 on one extention) Each extention end with X10 modules is put inside a baggie with all the wires gathered and coming out the open end of the bag. I use a quick-tie to tighten it up then hang the bundle with bottom of the baggie facing up. It never gathers water, stays nice and dry and has never caused a EFI breaker to flip. It must not be too hard on the modules either. 3 are originals since 1993 and I have them out there now. Granted, we don't get the harsh cold some of you guys do, but we do get a LOT of rain and the occasional ice storm....

[dmohr]

Okay, here is the script. It cycles through 4 different colors, on a trigger every 3 minutes. I'm not the original author. This is just my version.

Thanks!

[JLehnert]

Hah!
I lost my HS setup/scripts/events/etc. in a HD crash back around 2012, and didn't rebuild the system at the time. I just recently started playing with HS again and was planning on writing a Christmas light color change script from scratch. While cleaning up ~130 thread subscriptions in this forum (most from back in 2005), what shows up but the script I need, IN MY OWN POST from 14 years ago! Maybe all the times I helped little old ladies across the street DID result in some good karma!