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MODIFYING  X-10 MINI-CONTROLLERS FOR MOMENTARY CONTROLm 
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OVERVIEW:

These plans describe the procedure for modifying the X-10 POWERHOUSE
MC460 Mini-Controllers to provide momentary control. These plans DO NOT
apply to the older MC260 Mini Controllers. The momentary mini controller
will give you momentary control of ANY X-10 Module. Applications of this
modification are for requirements where a period of ON and then OFF is
requested, such as flashing a light to notify someone that an event has
happened.


OPERATION:

When a modified controller's unit ON button is pressed, the associated
X-10 module will remain ON for as long as the button is depressed. When
the button is released, an X-10 OFF command is sent to the associated
X-10 module.

When a modified controller's unit OFF button is pressed, the associated
X-10 module will remain OFF for as long as the button is depressed. When
the button is released, an X-10 ON command is sent to the associated
X-10 module.

This modification will also result in the following operation:

When a modified controllers ALL LIGHTS ON button is pressed,  ALL X-10
lights on the associated housecode will remain ON for as long as the
button is depressed. When the button is released, an  X-10 ALL LIGHTS
OFF command is sent to all units on the associated housecode.

When a modified controllers ALL LIGHTS OFF button is pressed,  ALL X-10
lights on the associated housecode will remain OFF for as long as the
button is depressed. When the button is released, an  X-10 ALL LIGHTS ON
command is sent to all units on the associated housecode.


MODIFICATION:

Before performing any of the steps listed below, first UNPLUG the MC460
from any electrical source.

Remove the back cover by unscrewing the four rear panel screws carefully.

Place the mini controller in front of you such that the black IC chip
number 78567 is positioned such that the notch on the chip is at the top.
This notch is used to define the pin numbers of the 24 pin chip. Pin
number 1 is to the left hand corner of the chip(to the left of the
notch). Pin 2 is directly below pin 1. The bottom left hand corner of
the chip is Pin 12, bottom right Pin 13, top right Pin 24.

Using a soldering iron, solder, and a short strip of wire, connect pins
3 and 14 of the chip together.

Careful attention should be paid to not getting the leads to hot,
otherwise the chip will be damaged. A helpful hint is to 'tin' the leads
before you perform this soldering operation.

Now re-assemble the mini controller. Make sure that this new wire is not
crimped in the assembly process.

You have now converted the mini controller for momentary action. Test it
using a X-10 module.


NOTES:

It should be noted that this publication is intended for informational
purposes only and should not be considered a guide to the modification
of electrical devices.


Generally, this type of modification will be for a specialized
application. Care should be taken to make sure that no damage can result
if a unmodified controller is substituted for a modified controller. It
is advised that you allocate specific housecodes for controllers such as
this, to avoid the mix of devices on the same house/unit code. Another
possible modification to this device is to add a toggle switch to
de-activate the mini-controller
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