Re: is x10.com dead?

["Dennis" <djr-google.djrlar@xxxxxxxx>]

Jeff,

Your comments regarding the use of the compact florescent lights and
the inline filters got my attention. I am building a new house, and
will be using these lights extensively and want them to be controllable
through an HA system. Could you expand on your explination of how to
make this setup more reliable.

Thanks
Dennis

Jeff Volp wrote:
> Hi Bob,
>
> We had a few discussions years ago while you were still in Connecticut.
>
> The main problem is that many people don't understand how to put together a
> reliable X10 system.  Yes, there are problem loads that exist now that were
> never thought of back when the X10 protocol was designed.  So it takes more
> planning now than just plugging in a few modules and expect everything to
> work.
>
> When this house was built, we had our electrician route one circuit for all
> problem loads.  There are outlets in each room on this circuit, which is fed
> through one of those big 20A filters adjacent to the breaker panel.  Our
> computer and all A/V equipment run off that circuit, which can also be fed
> by a big UPS.  As a result, we have yet to need any plug-in filters in this
> house.
>
> I installed the older Leviton "red-line" switches in all lighting circuits.
> These still have the code wheels, so we don't have to worry about lost
> housecodes from power glitches.  These have worked 100% since their
> installation a couple of years ago.
>
> Planning ahead, I installed the small in-line Leviton filters in all ceiling
> lighting circuits that could possibly use compact fluorescent bulbs.  So we
> don't have to worry about compatibility issues.
>
> The last thing I did was put all circuits that could possibly need X10
> control on the same phase.  So no phase coupler is required.  The TW523 is a
> little marginal for our square footage, but it does the job.
>
> With this planning, our X10 system is virtually 100% reliable.  We use X10
> for lighting, ventilation, and irrigation, and hot water recirculation.
> There are 100's of commands sent daily.  As mentioned here in the past, we
> have one living room light with a CF bulb that misses the off command once
> in a blue moon.  Since it has only occurred a few times, I never bothered to
> pursue it.
>
> Not bad for a cost effective system.
>
> Jeff
>
> "Robert L Bass" <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:sji6v1p5seqj3c2at4sa9h9jva72jne34d@xxxxxxxxxx
> > > I hear what you're saying, it's just not worth the aggravation.
> >
> > I agree.  I stopped using X10 years ago because I don't have
> > patience with hardware that works *most* of the time, fails
> > regularly, can't handle interference from much of my other
> > hardware, etc.
> >
> > Then again, I'm not willing to spend the price per load that
> > Lutron demands for Radio RA.  That and a past bad experience with
> > Lutron kept me from considering it.
> >
> > I feel that Zwave is an acceptable alternative.  Like Radio RA,
> > it is still missing a few desirable features.  Unlike X10, it
> > works reliably and failure rates are quite low.  It's
> > significantly less than the cost of RA though more than twice the
> > cost of X10.
> >
> > I understand the need to economize and the willingness of many
> > hobbyists to tolerate frequent hassles with X10.  That is just as
> > valid as the desire for 100% reliability and the willingness to
> > pay for it.  It's the reason companies like mine sell DSC and
> > Napco, Sanyo and Aiphone or *X10 and Elk.  In short, there's a
> > legitimate market for X10 and higher quality systems.
> >
> > * I rarely sell any X10 stuff though I do sell X10 control
> > components with several of my security and HA systems.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Robert L Bass
> >
> > Bass Burglar Alarms
> > The Online DIY Store
> > http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
> >
> > --
> >
> > Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large
> > groups.