RE: X10 Questions

["Mark Hetherington" <mark.egroups@xxxxxxx>]

David Claxton wrote:
> Hello,
> Just a few X10 questions from a beginner:
>
> 1. What's the maximum distance that the X10 transmitter will be
> able to send
> a signal? (for example will I be able to switch on/off a
> light/appliance in
> my garage which is not adjoined to my house?)

Distance tends to vary based on local conditions. X10 signals are largely
governed by the length of wiring rather than a physical distance. RF
signals
are again governed by issues such as the type of obstructions the command
has to travel through (number and type of walls etc). Many people have
little if any problems with distance. It is something that you would have
to
try to be sure, but should not be a problem and there are ways around it if
it is.

> 2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using an X10 wall
> switch over an
> X10 light socket?

Basically, the Light Wall switch (LW10) allows dimming of the light. The
Socket Rocket (LM15B) does not. The light switch is a little harder to fix
but it no more difficult than changing a light switch. The light switch
also
has a fuse which may occasionally need changing. The socket rocket is a
quick and eawsy plug and play solution, but it is not suitable for all
lights since it may cause the bulb to protude too far from the bayonet for
some light fittings.

> 3. Will I still be able to use the light switch to switch the light on
and
> off regardless of what state I last left the X10 light switch
controller?
> (for example if I have switched the light off via X10 will I be
> able to walk
> into the room and switch the light back on with the light switch?)

Using the LW10 you would still have local control from the switch no matter
what state an X10 transmitter had set. However, this would not send an X10
command so would result in anything tracking states losing the state of
that
light.

With a socket rocket and a standard light switch, you would have problems
since it is designed to be permanently on. Turning it off locally would
result in X10 control no longer being possible. If you need local control,
you should look at fitting an X10 light switch or if you must use a socket
rocket, place some form of X10 transmitter where you want to have local
control and stop using the oriiginal switch completely.

> 4.I saw mention of an IR controlled/touch sensitive light switch from
TLC
> Direct, can these be used in conjunction with an X10 socket?

I am not familiar with this product but it is unlikely to interface to X10
as such. It could probably be "persuaded" to with some additional
hardware
so that it becomes a switch to an X10 device which then sent the actual X10
command to the device you want to control but this would be complex and
likely expensive to setup. Going the other way, it could potentially be
controlled from X10 with an appropriate X10 IR emitter system.

There are specific X10 IR solutions available if that was your aim which
would likely work out easier and cheaper than trying to interface with a
non-X10 solution.


HTH.

Mark.