Dimming Keypad Load

[PalChgo]

I wrote a program that would brighten my bedroom table lamps early in the morning to get me up. I had been using a plug in dimming module and I also have a Keypad that would turn the lights on and off manually. Well I needed a new circuit this weekend because the Iron was tripping the circuit in the morning. I decided that while I had the devices all open I would eliminate the plug in module and just run a switchleg wire directly from my table lamp outlet to the Load wire on the KeyPad (Previously was not using its load wire).

 

While it works at the keypad On/Off and also dimming, the program part no longer works. I changed the devices around in the program but now it seems to be "Writing" commands to the keypad when the program activates and not turning on the lights. Before I was dimming at the module, now I can't seem to figure out how to get the keypad to do the proper dimming. I tried the program a few different ways, adjusting the scene etc... but the lights just don't come up. Here's a copy of what I have right now. Any clues to help me figure this one out.

 

 

If

On Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

Time is 5:35:00AM

And Status 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' is not On

 

Then

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 10% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 15% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 20% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 25% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 30% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 35% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 40% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 45% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 50% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 55% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 60% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 65% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 70% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 75% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 80% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 85% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 90% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

In Scene 'Bedroom.1' Set 'Bedroom.1-Table Lamps' 95% (On Level)

Wait 10 seconds

Set Scene 'Bedroom.1' On

 

Else

- No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

[LeeG]

The Adjust Scene statements change the Responder On Level for Scene Bedroom.1 but they have no direct effect on the KeypadLinc load. They have an effect if the Scene is then turned On. The KeypadLinc load can be controlled using Direct commands that turn the KeypadLinc On to the various On Levels. No Scene needed.

 

NOTE THAT CONTROLLING AN OUTLET WITH A DIMMER IS AGAINST CODE AND DANGEROUS.

 

An OutletLinc Dimmer has a special magnetic key that must be in place for the OutletLinc Dimmer to affect the load level.

[PalChgo]

Hi Lee,

 

I'll see about removing the scene and then try a direct command to make them dim. I am aware its a code violation but since I am an electrician I know better than to plug an electric blanket or a vacuum into it Some of my customers though aren't so smart, haha.

[oberkc]

but since I am an electrician I know better than to plug an electric blanket or a vacuum into it

 

You forgot to mention whether you have advised all those living with you and guests about the limitations of that outlet and that you intend to remove the dimmer switch when you sell the house.

 

My sisters house has an outlet controlled by a dimmer. It was this way when she bought it. I assume that it was installed by someone like you (and me)...someone who understood electrical systems and to not plug vacuum cleaners into such an outlet. Unfortunately, they did not remove it when they sold the house and now my sister must live with the additioinal risk, being unaware that this risk was there (until I told her).

[G W]

but since I am an electrician I know better than to plug an electric blanket or a vacuum into it

 

You forgot to mention whether you have advised all those living with you and guests about the limitations of that outlet and that you intend to remove the dimmer switch when you sell the house.

 

My sisters house has an outlet controlled by a dimmer. It was this way when she bought it. I assume that it was installed by someone like you (and me)...someone who understood electrical systems and to not plug vacuum cleaners into such an outlet. Unfortunately, they did not remove it when they sold the house and now my sister must live with the additioinal risk, being unaware that this risk was there (until I told her).

 

Sounds like she didn't have an inspection done before she bought the house.

[oberkc]

Sounds like she didn't have an inspection done before she bought the house.

 

Not a comprehensive one, at least.

[G W]

I will be glad to send her a switch to replace the dimmer. Where do I ship it?

[oberkc]

Thanks, but I have plenty, and have offered even to swap it out. Like PalChgo, she has a lamp attached and likes the dimming feature. It did not occur to her, however, that plugging in a vacuum or hair dryer or clock radio might be a problem.

 

Now she knows. I always tell her how lucky she is to have a brother like me.

[PalChgo]

but since I am an electrician I know better than to plug an electric blanket or a vacuum into it

 

You forgot to mention whether you have advised all those living with you and guests about the limitations of that outlet and that you intend to remove the dimmer switch when you sell the house.

 

My sisters house has an outlet controlled by a dimmer. It was this way when she bought it. I assume that it was installed by someone like you (and me)...someone who understood electrical systems and to not plug vacuum cleaners into such an outlet. Unfortunately, they did not remove it when they sold the house and now my sister must live with the additioinal risk, being unaware that this risk was there (until I told her).

 

 

Not to worry its behind the bed and since I'm usually the only one that runs the vacuum anyway I would know better besides if I should decide to move I'm taking all my insteon devices and the ISY with me! I've been into a lot of homes were customers are trying to use the CFL bulbs that aren't supposed to dim in dimmers. Haven't seen any fires yet from it but a lot of bad dimmers..

 

I was able to get this program to work after Lee's suggestion about the direct non scene command. I did however get bit by the "wait" statement re-evaluating the "If" statement so I made a second program to actually call the dim up part of the original program..