|
I've been using these dimmers for years. 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. 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. 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.
Within a couple weeks, the first module I ordered stopped responding to on/off signals. 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. I ordered this module thinking it was just another inexpensive lamp module like all the others I own. Smarthome replace it quickly, to their credit. 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. 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.
The modules work well, however, they do NOT 'fade-in' or 'fade-out' the lamp bulbs as advertised for this model.
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).
A month later they still have not got the part to me. I filled my house with these products thinking that it was great. They sent it to the wrong address once and I informed them of there error and they assured me that it was fixed. The system worked okay until one day the $13 transceiver went out. I called customer service and they said that they would replace it but it would take two weeks after they received the part. Well it wasn't. Anyway not to bore you with this, my opinion is if you want a cheesy system then buy it, don't plan on using the warranty or customer service though.
|
