Re: ControlLinc Maxi

["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.