Re: is x10.com dead?

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

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.