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Normally, one uses a motion sensor to control lights directly with X10 commands or indirectly via a "virtual wiring" macro in programs such as Active Home which sends the X10 light commands from a CM11A interface. In my case, I like the dimmed outdoor lights to come to full brightness when someone approaches or leaves. However, as I added various lights, I soon discovered a need for more flexibility and control capability.

Some lights - such as my low-voltage driveway lights and lampposts - I wanted lit regardless of someone approaching or leaving, but to be on only in the evening (dusk to 11 PM). However, at night (11 PM to dawn), I wanted them off unless someone approaches or leaves - then I wanted them on only for a few minutes. I needed a way to use one sensor, but have it control the lights differently based on time periods.

As seen in the figure below, my solution was to use Power Flash Modules which are active (powered) based on time period. I now have two of these - one for evening and for night. The evening Power Flash Module is simply powered from an X10-controlled AC outlet which comes on at dusk and turns off at 11 PM -- the night Power Flash Module is powered from 11 PM until dawn. The Active Home CM11A interface does this powering schedule reliably using its timer settings. During the day, neither Power Flash Module is powered - this becomes useful as noted later.

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