Disabling the local control feature
THE TIPS ARE PROVIDED AS IS, AND IN NO WAY CAN I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY KIND OF DAMAGE RESULTING FROM USING THE TIPS. USE THESE TIPS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I have been reading through the X10 Forum and one of the posts really caught my attention.
One customer used X10 components to control TV time for the kids. As smart as kids are these days, this boy figured out a way to bypass Dad's X10 control.
Problem:
I installed several hardwired x10 receptacles and a central controller. they control the TV, computer and radio. when bedtime comes I turn off the modules.but now my kid has figured out a way around this .
if you turn off the switch on the surge bar and turn it back on,
or unplug and replug the the cord in the outlet the x10 resets, and power is restored...
(complete original post can be found here)
Cause:
This is caused by a circuit in the module that is called “local control”. Local control is a feature that allows the unit to be controlled locally - without an X10 controller - by removing the power and reapplying it.Solution:
There are two ways to disable "local control", one a bit more involved than the other. Remember, I don't give any guarantees here, everything you do with these tips you do at your own risk!1. Cutting the circuit responsible for "local control"
- Make sure your module is OFF and unplugged. Take of the cover.
- Cut the small wire link next to pin 7 on the integrated Circuit in the Appliance Module.
(Click picture for larger version)
2. Keeping a light in circuit
It is possible to disable the local control feature of the Appliance Module by plugging a "cube tap" into the Module then two items can be plugged into the same Module. Plug a 7 1/2 watt night light into one of the receptacles of the cube tap and the appliance you want to control into the other. When the Module is on, the appliance and night light will be on. When the Module is off, the appliance and the night light will be off. Now, even if you operate the power switch on the appliance, the night light is always "in circuit" so the Appliance Module's local control circuit is disabled.