Re: ControlLinc Maxi

["BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Those little knobs are handy but surprisingly difficult to turn. If it
had little "wings" to grab or was taller it would be much easier and
more practical.

From:random735
random735@xxxxxxxxx

> I definitely agree with you in general about the need/usefulness of
> this item, but since you keep complaining about needing a
> screwdriver...are you aware of this product?
>
> http://www.smarthome.com/4824r.html
>
> Basically it lets you change the codewheel by just turning a knob,
> instead of needing a screwdriver.  I don't have any myself, but if i
> found myself changing codewheels on my palmpad all the time, i'd
> definitely get a few.
>
>
> Robert Green wrote:
>> "BruceR" <br@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:FZdxf.1638$sd1.252@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>> In reading up on these some more it appears you made a good choice
>>> in spending the extra $10 for X10 only control.
>>
>> Great!  Now I feel less stupid.  Originally, I thought the
>> ControlLinc Maxi X-10-only controller had that same limitation but
>> digging into the PDF manual I had to *download* it showed how to use
>> the 10 buttons discretely.
>>
>>> The one you bought allows you to control all X10 codes
>>> by pressing House, Unit and Command codes "on the fly"
>>> and has all the buttons to do it. The cheaper unit controls
>>> Insteon and X10 devices but only 5 units total. The X10
>>> buttons under the cover are used to program a House
>>> and Unit code to any one of the 5 channels available
>>> when the cover is closed so they really are two
>>> different products.  In fact, since I'm using an X10
>>> translator to control Insteon devices, I ordered one of
>>> these myself.
>>
>> I think the ControlLinc Maxis have enormous potential for both
>> casual and power X-10 user alike but so far, it's failed the SAF
>> test.   I had concealed the two X-10 Maxi's in the nightstand
>> drawers.  The new ControlLinc Maxi will neither fit nor operate from
>> the old position inside the nightstand drawers, so for now the units
>> sits on my desk in the den. Unless I can conceal it in a way that
>> preserves its open and closed functionality, it may be an idea
>> that's ahead of its time for my house - or at least for bedside
>> control.
>>
>> That's too bad because it's remarkably competent in a number of ways,
>> particular with strings of commands and channel control operations.
>> Had these babies been available 10 years ago, my X-10 numbering
>> scheme would probably be quite different.  What would really be nice
>> is have some key ControlLinc Maxi features in an X-10 Maxi footprint.
>>
>> There's no need for a separate housecode keypad.  Just label keys
>> 1-A, 2-B etc. and have one "Housecode" key to press to use a
>> housecode other than the default.
>>
>> Anyone who uses multiple housecodes should really consider getting
>> one of these.  To paraphrase AZ: "Freedom from the screwdriver at
>> last!"
>>
>> --
>> Bobby G.