Re: Newbie Trying to sort it all out...

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

You should lurk for a few more weeks.

You don't provide much in the way of specifics but it sounds like you want
to add automation features to an existing house rather than to one being
constructed. You also don't say how much you want to spend.

X-10 is probably still the best choice for low budget retrofits but it does
require that you understand its quirks and weaknesses. There are several
manufacturers that use X-10 technology but they do not always make that
clear in their marketing. Get a copy of SmartHome's print catalog. They
usually note when devices are X-10 compatible. (Note that I do not, however,
recommend using their own *Linc brand devices.)

How much do you plan to spend on a programmable remote? How willing are you
to tinker?

"randomnoise" <randomnoise@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>Hello,
>
>I've been lurking for a few days, and I'm looking for some (mainly)
>lighting control advice.  I've got over 20 years electronics experience
>and have done my own home wiring, but never dealt with X10 or any of
>the other lighting control technologies (except switches!)
>
>Of course, every vendor site offers the best thing since sliced bread,
>and I'm looking to sort out who makes what, and what's interoperable
>with what, etc.
>
>I want to be able to shut off all lights from one place, to turn on/off
>the exterior lights singly or in groups, to adjust lighting for
>TV/movie watching in the family room and rec room, control decorative
>lighting (my wife decided we had to have the candle lamps in the
>windows on the front of the house).
>
>I'd also like to be able to control the family room and rec room
>lighting via wireless remote, perhaps one of the home theater
>programmable, universal types - I'd like to control AV equipment (via
>IR) and lighting (via IR or RF, don't care.)
>
>Thanks,
>
>Mike