Re: Newbie Advice needed

[Mitch <sumcoolgai@xxxxxxxxx>]

I think most people would recommend against using any of the X10 Inc
switches.  Personally, I've had nothing but bad experiences with them.

One friend of mine does use them.  He buys them in bulk so he can
replace them when they die.

My guess is if you look at total cost of ownership, the Leviton or
Smarthome switches aren't as expensive as they seem based on purchase price.

Also, the "click" on the leviton and smarthome switches is very nice
compared to the "squish" you feel when you hit an X10 inc switch.

I've used all of them in different installations.

My current favorite is the Smarthome stuff.  Their first generation
switches had a few problems, but I just finished a house with 30+
switches and everything works great.

I put in a couple of the "booster" switches in distant locations (from
the panel with the coupler/repeater) and reliability has been excellent.

I'm also using their 8-key keypads in a number of locations.  I had bad
luck with an older 6-key unit.  But, all the "new" ones are working just
fine.

Be sure to get a "maxi controller" from X10 though.  It makes
programming much easier.

Mitch


Free wrote:
> I am wavering between an Ocelot controller (with PLC interface, about
> $175) and the SmartHome 1132CUP ($100).  I expect to go through a
> trial phase and eventually end up with something like HomeSeer running
> on a dedicated PC, so I want something economical to start with that
> won't be too much of a waste to throw away when I move up.
>
> When I began looking, UPB was the most attractive technology, but the
> price discouraged me, so I think X10 is best for now.  I recognize the
> need for filters and a coupler/repeater.  The coupler is a small
> problem - my only 220v outlet is for my dryer and there is no room for
> one of the plug-in modules; so I need a hard-wired unit at the breaker
> box.  The problem is I can't find one that is both a coupler/repeater.
> Any suggestions?
>
> The SmartHome switches and outlets are much higher (2-3x) than
> x10.com.  If I went with either the Ocelot or 1132CUP, should I stay
> with SmartHome devices or would x10.com receivers work nearly as well?
> Is there another brand that gives better price/performance?
>
> Thanks to all.
>
> "Tech-Home" <brian@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>>SmartHome in general has the highest prices around.
>>
>>X10.com has gret deals when you buy Sale or Packages deals.
>>
>>Remember you get what you pay for. I yanked all my X10 stuff out for
>>better reliability.
>>
>>Plan on buying Filters and a Coupler /Repeater.
>>
>>With new technologies X10 isn't my choice it is obviously the cheapest
>>but its for a reason.
>>
>>Brian
>>http://tech-home.com
>
>