X-10 Mods - IBM Home Director

Here we explain how to modify a USA 115V IBM Home Director module to operate at 230V.

Introduction

These instructions are based on Hans Attersjö's Home page.  I have not attempted this modification and I accept no responsibility for the effects of anyone making these modifications.   You follow these instructions at your own risk.

This is a report from Charles Stringer from the UK who has purchased three IBM Home Director kits (transmitter and receiver) for $9.95 each. He has successfully modified these units to operate at 240 volts by following the instructions for the RR501 transceiver module.

Modification Steps

Remember, the circuits inside all the transceiver modules are the same, they just have a different case design.

I have recently purchased 3 IBM home director starter kits from Smarthome at $9.99 each! The kit consists of a 7 in 1 remote control and an RF receiver.   I have modified the RF receivers for UK voltage, following the guidelines on your pages. Unfortunately, when I wired in the relay using a 100ohm resistor it would only respond to an on command ( being a cam relay pressing on toggled the relay status) as a result I decided to disconnect it completely. I have enclosed a photo showing the board modifications. Please feel free to use this and distribute freely. Replacement values were as per your guidelines

Charles shows the components he has removed.

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If you attempt these modifications, please let me know your results, and read the warning on the X-10 and 115V & 230V page.

Comments received at Redoak

Charles Stringer from the UK has confirmed these modifications work.

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