Re: No more X10 at Radio Shack?

[Joerg <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marc_F_Hult wrote:

> 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
>

Do you know why they are leaving X10? Too many "it don't work all the
time" complaints?


> 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.
>

For you and me, yes. For the casual hobby user, no. These converters are
usually north of $50 which is past the pain threshold of a typical home
user for stuff that's needed "just to make it work". They are also not
available in local stores, those only offer USB-Parallel and even they
might vanish soon.


> 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.
>

Agree. Unfortunately the PC industry doesn't :-(


> 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 ?
>

The transceiver would need to be plugged into the XTB receptacle, not
into the powerline side.

>
>>>(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).
>

Ok, maybe a beer then :-)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com