Newbie lighting automation queries

["aldargie" <aldargie@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ok you'll have to forgive me if these questions are a bit basic, but
this is my first attempt at understanding any home automation! I am
in the middle of refurbishing my 100 year old stone cottage which I
have extended and open up the living area. I now have one large
living space (70 square metres) which has 4 areas within it these
being a kitchen area, a dining area, a games room area and a living
area. I have detailed below what I have planned in terms of lights
for each of the areas. In the short term I can't afford to automate
these lights so I will have to use dimmer switches. A friend who is
an electrician is coming up for a long weekend this weekend to do
all of the first fix wiring and I was wondering if he can do
anything now that will make automation easier when I can afford it.

In terms of automation I would eventually like to be able to control
all of the lighting areas by remote control I think something like a
Phillips Proto Neo would that do what I need? I would like to be
able to pre program lighting scenes such as watching a movie or a
having a dinner party, etc. Where do the likes of X10 fit in to this
scenario? My understanding at a very basic level is that X10
actually controls the lights brightness / on off function from a
cupboard somewhere! Do I have this correct?

Kitchen area:-  4 halogen GU10 (50watt) down lighters and some under
cabinet lighting
Dining area:- 4 Halogen GU10 (50watt) down lighters and two wall
lights (max 60watts each)
Games room area:- 4 Halogen GU10 (50watt) down lighters and two wall
lights (max 60watts each)
Living area:- 6 Halogen GU10 (50watt) down lighters and two wall
lights (max 60watts each)

Any thoughts and advice would be welcomed!

Many Thanks

Al Dargie




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