RE: X10 how popular is it in the UK, Update No1

["Nikola Kasic" <nikola@xxxxxxx>]

Depends, what. If that's just status reporting device that you attach to Lamp module or appliance module it could be expensive, because such modules are already overpriced here, compared to US.

- But if it's some standalone device with it's own purpose, like door bell that will send command to TM12U, then it's not. Any alternative would be more expensive an time consuming. People were ripping keyfob and similar. I think for £20 noone would bother.

- Why not making TM12U, without appliance module on itself. If you make it for £20, more reliable, and some advanced features you might find many people interested.

- You can also make Home automator's remote, that would talk to such devices. With macro learning or some advanced features.

- Maybe combine it with IR

- TM12 might be plugged into mains, but also into ethernet, or xAP network, so your remote can do more than just send X10 commands.

- people are now looking for displays that they will attach to xAP network (or whatever the term is). But if I want to put display high on the wall, it's easier if I don't have to wire it, just hang it. Tomorrow, if I decide to move it somewhere else, it's easier with RF then wired solution.

You just need to sort out security, because you don't want neighbours to have the same display :-). But that shouldn't be a big problem.

Nik

-----Original Message-----
From: vectra999uk2002 [mailto:questuk1@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 21 August 2002 15:55
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxxSubject: [ukha_d] X10 how popular is it in the UK, Update No1

I dont think the RF Hardware would be to much of a problem, its the
cost that may be per module, 433 Mhz Transmitter =£5, Micro £3, then
my profit, plus various electronic odds looking at £20, is that too
expensive?

Gary



Gary,
here are few of the ideas RF related:

- RF xAP interface. The guys are currently developing protocol that
will allow different home automation devices to talk to each other.
They will use Cat5 for connecting, but where it's not possible, maybe
small RF devices will help, one on device side and the other on xAP
network side.
- any application where it's not simple to implement cabling like
doorbell. Basically, you press button, it's RF transmitted to TM12
and converted to X10 command and it either triggers X10 module, or
it's detected by homevision or homeseer and triggers some event.
Application can be in bathrooms and similar environments where you
cannot put normal, high voltage switch, so you use RF one.
- You can try to create small, cheap status senders, which can send
statuses of different devices to some receiver, which is "brain" and
it transfers statuses to Homevision (serial) or Homeseer (plugin) or
other controller giving the status of different devices. If it can
easily handle a lot of channels, then you can put all kinds of
sensors throughout the house (pressure mats, PIRs, proximity etc..)
much denser then at the moment because no wires wires will be needed
and installation and re-positioning later should be much easier. For
any good automation, you need a lot of feedback and getting even
simple X10 statuses is a problem at the moment (few modules,
expensive).
There are lots of people on this group, which would be able to help
with software and writing different plug-ins for their controlers.
The main problem is developing hardware for home automation, and if
you can offer that at acceptable price, software base will probably
grow easily if device is well documented and interesting to the
people.
Cheers,
Nik


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