co2/refug light solenoid not shuting off

[turtlespd]

I have a few problems that i been trying to figure out. On my calcium reactor i have it set
If time>12:00 co2 off

I can hear the x10 click off but the solenoid still has a dimly lit light. I was wondering do i need a diff x10 to control a solenoid because it seems to still stay open and allow power to get through. The solenoid i have is the M3 marine monolith solenoid. I can set up a manual type controller to do that job but i prefer the features of a ACII.

I also have a problem controlling my refigium light. When the ACII sends signal to the contoller i can hear the x10 click but the light flicks on then back on right away. I am using a HD Power compact flood light kinda of lamp, that many are using in the refigium now. I think the manufacture is Commercial lighting, it has a built in ballast into the bulb and works great but im wondering what is the reason for it comming on and off. Is it cause its electronic? I have ice cap ballast now and have no issues.

Any ideas on whats going on and what alternatives? I rather not use manual controllers like i am now but if the AC cant do the job then so be it. I just like to keep everything uniform and use as many features i can on the AC.


Paul

 

[karma]

Turtlespd,

The X10 appliance modules allow a small current to pass through the unit even when they are off. Items that don't require much current like neon indicator lamps and solenoids will sometimes stay energized. If you plug one of those 2 or 3-way plug splitters into your X10 unit then plug your solenoid and a small incandescent nightlight into the splitter, I bet it will take care of your problem. The filament in the bulb will offer a path of least resistance for the sensing current in the appliance module. The nightlight HAS to be an old incandescent type.

Most X10 units also have a local control feature. The idea is that if you had a table lamp plugged into a unit and turned the lamp off then on, the unit would sense this and turn itself on. In our situation a small amount of stored charge in the ballast is fooling the appliance module into turning itself back on. You can defeat this by opening the unit and clipping lead or two. Neptune outlines this in their FAQ.

http://www.neptunesys.com/hardwareFAQ.htm#LOCALCONTROL

Hope this helps.

 

[turtlespd]

karma,

thanks for the heads up. works like a charm now

Paul