One draw back to using a large inverter with the modified sine wave output, is that the X10 remote control power equipment does not work. You know, those modules that allow you to plug in a controller in one room, and control lights and appliances through out the house? They use a small burst of pulses when the voltage sine wave crosses zero volts. (I hope someday to get a full size true sine wave inverter system and it should work then.)
Lighting Problem
With all the winter darkness approaching I needed a solution for a barn light and driveway light on extension cords. It was not the time of year to do real wiring or digging. I thought I’d look for the “as seen on TV” wireless wall switch kind of product to use at the end of both extension cords.
I ran into a great seasonal deal. Its time to stock up on these little wireless remote controlled outdoor plugs made for Christmas lights. I found some at Lowes home improvement store nearby. Think it was about $13 each. Each unit had an outdoor plug and receptacle box for 3 more plugs. The key chain remote would activate the plugs for 75′ to 100′. Now we have two remotes, and each turns on both lights. From the comfort of the house or Jackie’s car, we can use the driveway and barn lights! Problem solved for now.
Activate Way Back Memories …
I really miss that fun X10 technology, and at one point designed a controller that allowed you to use your Amateur Radio hand-held to use X10. You would plug your radio into this controller, then with another radio many miles away, you would enter your commands with the touch tone keypad. It had a small sound chip and 
would respond with Jackie’s voice saying “output 1 on”, “output 5 off”, and such.
Oh, those were the days. Never made any real money with the project, but boosted my career quite a bit. After that product development, documentation, FCC testing and such, I was able to interview as a well rounded Engineer, with better $ that followed.
For a good laugh, take a look at my old “PTS” website. My first one, and rather crude, but hey it was 1996!
Wayback machine copy of old Positive Time Systems Website
Do you have any winter lighting tips? Any questions? Please leave a comment!
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