Re: No more X10 at Radio Shack?

[Marc_F_Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:42:16 GMT, Joerg
<notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
<s2Fdh.27005$wP1.18733@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

>Marc_F_Hult wrote:
>> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 18:25:36 GMT, Joerg
>> <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> <AQidh.369$Gr2.67@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:

>> 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.

Had ACT decided to stay with X-10, it would have been easy to provide a USB
or TTL version. As is, they provide four different versions for 110 or 230,
single-phase or three phase 50 or 60 hz.
www.act-solutions.com/PCCSpecFrame.htm

Point is that an X-10  transmitter with a much stiffer power supply and
higher output voltage (designed by folks trying to make X-10 work in real
environments, including industrial and commercial locations, instead of
pushing the cheapest product possible) has been available for years.

Of course USB -->RS-RS232 converters are cheap and not functionally bigger
or less convenient than a USB cable. So availability or not of a USB version
is at best a 3rd-order consideration IME.

And RS-232 is *far* from dead in HA and AV applications. RS-232 is more
prevalent than ever in high audio in part because it is better suited than
USB in most/many cases.

My thermostats use RS-232-->RS-485 (as best I know, there are *no* USB
thermostats) my audio matrix mixers are RS-232-->485, the interface to my
security system is RS-232, the Elk is RS-232, the IR controller is RS-232,
and on and on. The only device I can think of that might be USB is the
INSTEON controller and I have both RS-232 and USB versions with the RS
version the one in actual use  because I can plug it in next to the entrance
panel which is too far from the HA PC for un-aided USB.

>Also, this one doesn't boost the RF  transceiver's powerline signal.

Ok, I'll bite ;-)  How does an XTB "boost the RF transceivers powerline
signal" when it is used between an TW523 or CM11a and the PL in a way that
TI102 family of devices don't ?

>> (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?

I don't cook bagels, but coffee and home-baked bread are available --
assuming that your transporter is compatible with RS-232802(MING).

... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.ECOntrol.org