Customer Reviews

X10 LM465 Lamp Control Module

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I ordered this module thinking it was just another inexpensive lamp module like all the others I own. When I received it, I discovered that, unlike my others of the same brand from years ago, this one has a "soft on/off" feature. When you send the module an on or off signal, it slowly ramps up the voltage over the course of two or three seconds rather than suddenly throwing the switch. This gradual change is much easier on your eyes, and it's easier on the bulbs, which should extend their life slightly.

Unfortunately, these modules are horribly unreliable. Within a couple weeks, the first module I ordered stopped responding to on/off signals. Smarthome replace it quickly, to their credit. Two weeks after receiving the replacement module, it decided to ignore what I had set the dials to and only respond on code A3. I'll be returning it yet again.

I've used these throughout the house, and I particularly like the dimming feature. It's great to be able to turn off everything with one click too.

Two cautions. These don't seem to work well with most CFL's, which aren't dim-able and don't seem to like whatever the module does to the AC power even if you don't dim. They also don't work well with my Christmas Candle lights, probably due to the embedded electronics that turn the Candles off automatically interacting with the Lamp Module's electronics. I have to walk around the house, power cycling most of the candles to make them light. Turning everything off does work, though.

I've been able to use the X10 Appliance Module with both the CFL's and the Christmas Candles, but of course you lose the dimming feature for anything else attached to them.

Otherwise, Great Product at bargain price.

I use these modules with my house alarm. I don't have to enter a dark house and it lights up the rooms on alarm activation.

I've been using these dimmers for years. They used to be available at that RADIO store, but no more. My remote gave out..after about 12 years, so I just bought another one here on Amazon. One of the best ways to decorate and create a mood is using a dimmer on EVERY light..then just tune up the room before guests arrive. If you want to use the dimmer on the new energy-saving bulbs, make sure the bulb has "may be used with dimmers" written on its base. My advice: Install these, set the mood, put on the music, pour the champagne and your special guest will think you actually know what you're doing.

This is a standard Triac-controlled X10 lamp module for incandescent lamps. It works with almost any X10 system, including those sold by Sears and Radio Shack.

These work with compact flourescents, but I've never had one that didn't cause flickers in the bulb while the unit was off. As a note, they really aren't designed for flourescent use. They also have a tendancy to turn themselves on when power flickers, but that's the nature of the beast.

(Edited because I'm a gud spellar.)

X10 system works by using your existing powerlines thus eliminating the need for extra wiring. The cool thing about X10 is you can control lights and appliances with a remote control similar to a TV remote. We love to do this on our Christmas lights outside the house-don't need to get out on the winter weather to unplug and plug the lights. For the remote to operate, you also need an X10 receiver (the unit with an antenna). Once you have the receiver, you can add up to 16 of these units around the house to plug in your table lamps, floor lamps, etc.
Dimming will not work on most compact fluorescent lamps. Actually, the unit is not recommended for CFL lamps, as well as a safety issue. Tried it as an experiment, worked for a few months, but considerably shortened the life of CFLs.

Pros:

Room for Improvement:
-Dimming feature is not very smooth. First few presses on your remote seems not to have any visible change. When you start to see the difference, each press results into a big change in the brightness level that you may need to press up and down to get the right balance.

Accessories:
Receiver:
http://www.amazon.com/Compact-Powerhouse-X10-Plug-TM751/dp/B000BT7XUK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221496562&sr=8-1

Remotes:
http://www.amazon.com/X-10-ur74a-5-Remote-Control/dp/B0007N7HEM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221496319&sr=8-11
http://www.amazon.com/X10-10-Button-Credit-Card-Remote/dp/B0007N5LKO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221496319&sr=8-3
http://www.amazon.com/X10-Pro-Keychain-Wireless-Remote/dp/B0011YME9O/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221496319&sr=8-6

Came in time, used but looked new, but didn't function..I don't know why, such a simple device?
To cheap to return..

We use these to control window lights. We have several controllers and can turn the lights off and on by pushing a single button. With the available timer, we also use this to turn individual lights off and on at random times for security purposes. Note these are what you plug the lights into and you need a controller to make it work..

I bought this a while ago, maybe over 6 months ago for a client. They have not had any problems with it. FYI, these units tend to last 12 months to 24 months only under regular daily use. It came very quickly, maybe in about four days. Packing was VERY good. It is priced right too.

I finally got this lamp module, It did take a while to arrive to my po box, but I finally got it =) thanks, it very handy cause when I arrive home I like that the lamps are on before I open the door. So I like a lot the practical use of this item.