X10 rain sensor

Post by **andywee** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:01 am

anyone knows if there is a x10 rain sensor.
would like to get a rain sensor to automate closing the windows.

Post by **andywee** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:13 am

I haven't exactly started on my windows yet.

the windows will be powered by a folding arm from www.easivent.co.uk.
my windows are casement non cranked type. and nope i wish i can change my windows. the government doesn't allow other types of windows except friction stop casement windows and sliding windows. not complying to regulations results in confiscation of house. yeah. that's the law in singapore.

so I am thinking of retrofitting the folding arm to existing windows for rain reasons. but i would like to integrate it with my x10 systems so that I can get it be involved in macros like when i watch TV, the windows close, the aircon on, etc etc. anyone with ideas?

Post by **Esteban** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:13 am

I don't know about any X10 rain sensor but you can set one up yourself using e.g. a DS10a.

Myself I have a DS10a in combination with this:
http://www.vego.nl/kemo/58/58.htm

Homeseer takes care of the rest and give a message through the house that it's raining.

The location of the rain sensor is very important. Also I'm not sure you'd want your windows on such a system as it might already be raining a little bit before the alarm goes of, these sensors are not always catching the very first drop. Depends a lot on placement as well.

Good luck,
Esteban

Post by **andywee** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 5:01 pm

i dont quite understand how you would use DS10a with this..

I cant read dutch. google translation to english is also quite screwy.

Post by **Esteban** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 7:15 pm

A rain sensor of this type just closes a relais when it detects rain and opens it when it stops detecting rain So you remove the magnet contacts from the DS10a and connect the DS10a to the rain sensor's relais.

Now when rain is detected or stopped the DS10a sends out an X10 ON or OFF signal. Depending on which one you receive in a program like Homeseer you know if it's raining or not. Based on that information you can have events happen. (like closing windows or other things)

Post by **andywee** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 3:40 pm

oh ok. i get it.

Post by **andywee** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:28 pm

qns. isnt ds10a like ds90 where it's a secured RF then it needs a security panel like visonic or SC9000?

Post by **Esteban** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:38 am

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by andywee
 qns. isnt ds10a like ds90 where it's a secured RF then it needs a security panel like visonic or SC9000?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

No, they also work with an RFXcom receiver. (but you already figured that out didn't you [;)] ) It is kind of 'secured' but the RFXcom receiver can receive these types of signals as well. The important thing remember before buying is to always check a couple of things:

-What kind of receiver do I have? (433MHZ, 310MHz etc)
-Does my receiver support the type of device?
-What frequency does the device work on (433Mhz, 310 etc)
Be mindful of this, otherwise you might end up with a device or a receiver that works on the wrong frequency.

As a rule of thumb: X10 stuff you buy in the USA is usually 310MHz X10 stuff you buy in Europe is 433MHz for Asia I'm not sure what you guys have. Probably 433MHz as well.

Post by **andywee** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 10:27 am

i decided to be uber safe. i got a 433mhz with a secondary 310mhz. so i should be covered both ways ya?

Post by **Esteban** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 5:49 pm

Yes a safe option and a versatile one [:)] as you can now use stuff from both sides of the pond. US X10 stuff is often 5 times or more cheaper than EU stuff. But having 433 as well allows you to add things like oregon temp sensors, a wireless body weight scale etc should you want to go a little more crazy with domotica. Don't forget that you'll need some sort of server with some software on it (like e.g. Homeseer+rfplugin) running 24/7 for the logic-part to work. Several people on the forum use a small PC called the 'EEE Box' for this purpose as it consumes very little energy and is very tiny.

Good luck,
Esteban

Post by **andywee** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:52 pm

i realise that device Kemo Electronic M152 needs 12v. did you hook up any 12v to yours?

Post by **Esteban** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 4:15 pm

Yes I bought a 12v stabilized power-adapter with it on which it runs. They sell one there as well, which according to them should work with it:
http://www.vego.nl/kemo/99/99.htm

Ciao,
Esteban

Post by **andywee** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 4:30 pm

I am wondering if there is a need to use an adapter. from what i read correctly it's just to power the heating coils to prevent false detection during morning dew. but other than that, can it still work without the 12v power? here in singapore, morning dew is almost unheard of.

Post by **Esteban** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 4:47 pm

It's not only for morning dew, the sensor heats up anytime it is wet, helping it dry quicker as well. Also it not only powers the heating, it also powers the relais. (no power = no detection)

Also remember that detection is never 100% fool-proof. False positives are a possibility so be careful with connecting critical stuff to it. (But, as I said before, good sensor placement can help a lot with getting reliable detection.)

Ciao,
Esteban

Post by **andywee** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:28 pm

I need help ordering it.. english?