preset

Preset Dims

The original version of X-10's PLC (Power Line Control) protocol defined Preset Dim commands but X-10 themselves never implemented support for these commands in any of their switches or modules. This is probably because there are some subtle problems with the use of address commands in non-standard ways. The latest X-10 PLC protocol documentation no longer includes Preset Dim.

PCS and SwitchLinc have implemented Preset Dim commands for some of their switches and dimmers and RCS has made use of the commands with their bi-directional X-10 thermostats. (It would have made more sense had RCS used the analog reporting that is built-in to the X-10 PLC protocol.)

Switches and dimmers that implement these commands can be set directly to any of 30 (PCS) or 32 (SwitchLinc) levels. This allows you to go from Off to a given dim level in one step with no need to start at 100% and then dim incrementally as with standard X-10 switches and modules. You can also go directly from the current level to any other level with one command. The Switchlinc switches also report status changes using Preset Dim commands but this requires HA software that reports and makes use of Preset Dim commands.

The IR543 cannot send Preset Dim commands. The IR543AH (a third party modified IR543) can send these commands. I am not 100% sure but think the IR7243W can send these commands. (I am unaware of any 230V devices that will respond to them.)

None of the X-10 RF remotes can send Preset Dims nor can any of the X-10 transceivers handle them.

Scenes are another way to accomplish the same thing with certain dimmers.

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