Any X10 Controller Users?

wxforecaster

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Looking for help/ideas from an X10 controller users.

Back when we finished our basement in 2008, I had the electricians go overboard and add in a completely separate breaker box for much of the basement. We did this so that I could have a breaker-per-outlet setup for each of my pins/games, hoping to eliminate low voltage issues that were causing my Addams Family to constantly reset during game play (it did).

Now I'm at the stage where I have 7 pins down there and looking to add several of the neon signs being talked about in the other threads. It's a pain in the arse to have to manually flip on every single game and light (especially RFM since some idiot designer put the on/off switch at the bottom rear of the cabinet).

I was thinking that an X10 controller might solve this whole problem. Essentially, as I understand it, all the games/lights are left in the on position, with the X10 wall plugs acting as the current flow permitter, which is in then controlled by an RF signal coming from a remote.
Granted I haven't read in great detail on this, but it would seem that one remote or panel would be capable of turning on everything at once? Has anyone done this? What do I need to purchase?

Evan
 
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X10 modules are perfect for this. First you need a 'controller' module to send the on/off signals through the power lines to the individual switch modules. I like the TM751 since it works with RF remotes and has an 2-prong outlet built in. (suitable for neon lights and such) http://www.x10.com/products/x10_tm751.htm

I recommend the HR12A remote to control it. It will control up to 16 modules and you can put a little legend beside each button pair to indicate which games/devices it controls. See MacPDaddy's example here: http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showpost.php?p=1714235&postcount=28

Then you just need some appliance modules (outlets) to plug your games into so they can be turned on/off by the X10 controller. The AM466 is ideal.. it's 3-prong and handles up to 15A so you can plug multiple games into one. http://www.x10.com/products/x10_am466.htm

There are also remote light sockets, IR controller modules so you can use a universal remote to turn on/off your stuff, computer interfaces, smart phone software... the sky's the limit. eBay is the best place to find X10 stuff for cheap.
 
I use them. Best thing ever for the gameroom. The one pictured in the link in the above post can actually control 256 units. You would need to change the chanel with a coin or flat head screw driver to switch over. But the first 16 are a breeze to use.

And you can still power up a row of games if you prefer to do it that way. Just have one for the power strip and you're set.

Hector
 
X10 is the best!
I've been using it for over 10 years in the gameroom with no issues.

Pick up the suggested units mentioned above and enjoy.

Tom
 
I have been using them for many years, and like them. Best way to turn your games on! Just a FYI- make sure all the games are on the same circuit or same pole in your gameroom area. For example if your gameroom has 3 breakers for the games, the breakers need to be on the same pole for the X10 to wrok properly. They do sell an adaptor to correct this, but it is a potential problem.
-Mark
 
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