awpaeth@watcgl.waterloo.edu (Alan Wm Paeth) (01/26/89)
I have a three-way switch (Radio Shack) that comes with a companion switch;
I need it wire the master as a conventional (2-way) switch for use without the
companion. Presumably, I just need to add a resistor across the two (SP)DT
output legs of the master (to allow current to flow to power the switch)? I'd
like a UL approved sort of answer before I fool with this (eg "use the blue
wire", not "play with it until it works").
It is a mystery to me why these switches even require a double output rail;
a single rail design (SPST with shunt resistor) should work, as the previous
X-10 lamp controllers I've seen will toggle state in the presence of switch
action. This would also allow n-switch (to the limit of the summed series
resistance) without the additional "4-way" DPDT complexity normally associated
with extending 3-way lights for control at >=3 stations. Would make wiring
simplier, too, though not back compatible.
/Alan Paeth
Computer Graphics Laboratory
University of Waterloo