Re: No more X10 at Radio Shack?

[Joerg <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marc_F_Hult wrote:
> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 18:25:36 GMT, Joerg
> <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> <AQidh.369$Gr2.67@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
>
>
>>IBM, RCA and many others got out of X10. From what I've heard the number
>>of complaints reached suffocating levels. Sure, you and I and most folks
>>on this NG know how to make it work. But John Doe doesn't. Neither does
>>the neighborhood electrician. Let's face it, Jeff's XTB is probably the
>>best thing that happened to X10 since sliced bread. But you cannot buy
>>it in a store or electrician's supply house.
>
>
> To give credit where credit is also due, ACT's www.act-solutions.com  A10
> technology and products also post-date sliced bread and although
> distribution was initially limited to trained and knowledgeable suppliers,


That's usually a recipe for failure in the marketplace.


> at least some products are available from retail outlets. I have also
> purchased from ACT directly.
>


> In particular, the TI103 RS-232 --> Powerline transmitter
> http://www.act-solutions.com/pdfs/PCCSpecs/ti103_spec.pdf has a form-factor
> and transformer that is very similar to Jeff's subsequent XTB.  They also
> both increase available current and output voltage compared to X10's
> transmitters.
>

But from what I can see that's not the same. It requires a PC with RS232
(which "modern" PCs don't have anymore) that has to be always on. Not
something most people would want. Also, this one doesn't boost the RF
transceiver's powerline signal.


> My non-authoritative understanding is that ACT is also leaving the X-10
> arena.
>

Let us know when they start the fire sale.


> (FWIW, I will be parting with both my TI103 and XTB in the near future
> through an electronic 'porch sale'. )
>

Will there be coffee and bagels at the porch sale?

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com