RE: Newbie - controlling lights and creating scenes (Ocelot?)

["Ian Davidson" <ian@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Li


> >             There are two big issues with X10 - one is the actual
technology
> > which is rather long in the tooth now. Whilst it is easy to
retrofit
because
>
> I disagree with that statement, bearing in mind that I am commercially
> biased towards X-10 as you are commercially biased towards C-Bus.
>
> Power Line Technology (PLT) is not "long in the tooth" but
the X-10
> application of the technology could do with more frequent updates. PLT
is
> being used on a trial basis to deliver broadband services in the UK
now so
> it is hardly yesterday's technology. The standard X-10 command set is
> fairly comprehensive and it is further enhanced by the addition of
> X-10 Extended Commands.

I agree that PLT is not long in the tooth in fact it is very much
current, however X10 is. Yes I agree it can be made better, improved
sensitivity, and a little improvement to options but it is so limited.
Speed is a big issue with a lot of users and this simply can not be
improved upon, in fact as extended codes are used it actually gets
slower.

X10 is so well established with millions of units out there, and
supported by every HA system I know, but that should not allow us to
continue to use and develop it when it can not deliver much of what we
need today. Look at the interest of the group over the last few weeks of
C-BUS, I believe that is because people can not achieve what they need
with even the latest breeds of X10. Imagine a cross between C-BUS and
X10, the flexibility, style and reliability of C-BUS with the no special
wiring needs and affordability of X10.

Yes I am biased, but only in the sense of the fact that I could not get
what I needed from X10 and other options were to expensive. That is the
sole reason I embarked on designing a replacement. I still do not know
if it will be marketed, I needed the product and decided to give it a
go. It proves the point that PLT can work more reliably than people
experience with the older X10. I do think it is important not to group
X10 and other PLT.

X10 does suit some people, but I do believe now is the time to start and
improve things.

Ian D