Re: Newbie Advice needed

[Free <Free-spam-me-not@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for the links.  I will check them all out.

It sounds like I want to avoid "2-way" - good info about the extra
load.

If I buy any x10.com products, I am still wondering whether the "Pro"
line provides any real benefit.  Also, am I correct to believe that
ActiveHome, ActiveHomePro, x10.com and x10pro are all the same
company?


nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston) wrote:

>As you have found, X-10 pricing is unbeatable.
>
>X-10's patent on the basic PLC technology expired a few years ago so there
>are now several manufacturers that use X-10 PLC technology - Leviton,
>Lightolier, PCS, SmartHome's *Linc, and others. Mixing and matching is
>usually OK but you do need to be aware of some 'gotchas' (see below).
>
>While it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain reliability of an
>X-10 based system, it is possible as long as you understand the
>fundamentals. I've tried to cover the essentials on a web page at
>http://www.mbx-usa.com.
>
>I always write my own software so I cannot comment on what might be
>available from the manufacturers.
>
>Two-way devices must incorporate both a PLC receiver and a PLC transmitter.
>Most PLC transmitters load the system (It's possible to design ones that do
>not but that adds cost.) and attenuate the signal. The more transmitters you
>have, the lower the signal strength. Two-way functionality varies. Devices
>do not respond with an ACK or NAK but some respond to a STATUS REQUEST poll
>although their response may not actually reflect the condition of the load.
>Some report local control changes. It is probably best to limit two-way
>modules to areas/situations where they may be most useful.
>
>Terminolgy can be confusing as marketing departments try to differentiate
>what are essentially near identical technologies. Leviton's DHC line uses
>X-10 PLC technology. Lightolier's Compose line uses X-10 PLC technology.
>Most of SmartHome's *Linc line uses X-10 PLC technology. Etc., etc., etc.
>
>There are two "preset dim" methods. One, X-10 defined in the original PLC
>protocol but never used and have 'undefined' it in later documentation of
>the PLC protocol. SmartHome and PCS use it. It has 32 levels. It can have
>strange interactions with other devices. The other, 'extended dim', was
>defined by X-10 about 7-8 years ago. It has 64 levels. X-10 uses it in the
>LM14A and similar European devices. Leviton uses it in some of their
>devices.
>
>Most of the more useful stand-alone controllers are not USB but you can
>usually use a USB-to-RS232 adapter with them.
>
>I think the Ocelot still gives the most bang for the buck. It is expandable
>but you can start with the basic unit for about $150. I do not recommend the
>higher priced controllers for beginners as I think there may soon be
>developments that will make them obsolete.
>
>HomePlug has concentrated on high bandwidth applications like Ethernet over
>powerlines and HomePlug AV (multiple audio/video streams) but, I think, it's
>just a matter of time before someone introduces lighting and appliance
>control using their technology. With BPL modems retailing near $20, the
>economics have finally started to make sense.
>
>Free <Free-spam-me-not@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>>[I am posting this on USENET as well as YAHOO GROUPS - so if you
>>monitor both, please bear with me.]
>>
>>I have been scouring the web for info for a couple of weeks, but there
>>are some fundamental questions I cannot seem to resolve to my
>>satisfaction.  I would appreciate any advice I can get.  I have a
>>2-story house with about 2000 sf per floor.  I want to start with some
>>simple automation, but quickly move to more complex capabilities.
>>
>>I don't see any of the newer technologies coming anwhere close to X-10
>>prices; and also they mostly don't have the wide selection of
>>supported devices as X-10.  So, I think I am going to start with X-10,
>>if reliability is anything close to tolerable.  Comments?
>>
>>X10.com seems to have excellent pricing.  SmartHome is pretty close.
>>Is X-10 technology implementation any better with either one of these?
>>Any reason not to mix-and-match?  Does either have an edge in software
>>robustness?  ActiveHomePro has a plug-in for conditional macros - does
>>SmartHome have similar capability?
>>
>>I would prefer a stand-alone programmable controller (i.e. set it up
>>with a USB-linked computer and then let it run alone), but I could
>>dedicate an old W98-capable laptop to the task if that gave me a lot
>>more flexibility.  How does computer control compare to the standalone
>>X-10 (CM1xA or PowerLinc controllers)?
>>
>>Is there any difference between X10 and "X10 Pro" besides a longer
>>warranty?
>>
>>I don't get X-10 "2 way".  If all devices are 2-way and support a
>>report back of status, and if the controller can understand this
>>status, it would seem that would solve intermittent transmission
>>issues and X-10 would be near 100% reliable.  Apparently, it does not
>>have "five 9's" reliability so I am left wondering what "2-way" does
>>and why the controller cannot sense when a command has failed and
>>retry until it works.  (Obviously, if a transmission is never able to
>>be received, this wouldn't work but I would expect intermittent
>>problems to be solvable.)  What am I missing?
>>
>>Thanks to you wise men!