Re: X10 replacement?

["RickR" <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've recommended and installed a couple dozen X10 systems, 10-20 years
ago.
(My expertise is lighting and controls are an important part.)

Lots of times they just worked. Everyone was happy!
But, before even recommending it to the owner I had to look carefully
at the job and try to predict the problems. That level of insecurity
from a pro just does't sit well. I'm not interested in taking the risk,
and don't even consider X10 for clients.

Have you ever had a call at midnight because a clients house was
flashing on/off like an ammusment ride? I have and that was with a big
name ($) HA system.

What all homeowners and business people want is assurance that it will
work. Fixing it later is still counted as a loss!

RickR

Jeff Volp wrote:
> Many people say X10 is not reliable, but it certainly can be.  Even before
> adding the XTB, we only had one living room light with a CF bulb that was a
> little cranky.  It missed its OFF command several times a year.  Everything
> else just worked.  That includes almost all lighting, irrigation, hot water
> recirculation, supplemental ventilation, etc.
>
> The sheer number of devices installed here had reduced signal levels on a
> couple of circuits to the 100 mV area.  While everything except that one
> light worked perfectly, I designed the XTB to boost signal levels throughout
> the house.  Even that one cranky light hasn't had a miss since then.
>
> Properly installed, X10 can give a lot of value for the dollar.  It can meet
> all your requirements.
>
> Jeff
>
> "RickR" <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:1159469739.074022.52650@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > So many systems, and not enough time to play!
> >
> > Everyone wants to be the X10 replacement but who is the closest?
> >
> > I'm looking for:
> > * Cheap to start. No central controler at $500+ and not huge for a
> > simple retrofit. What is the cost for a single dimmer and 3way pair? (I
> > once saw a retail price sheet for Lutron RadioRa that listed a single
> > basic dimmer at $395.00. I laughed so hard it hurt.)
> >
> > * Flexible! Must be able to grow a system to handle a whole house of
> > lighting, devices, and timers. AV control integration, security systems
> > and all of that should be possible. I'm biased towards lighting control
> > but the ideal system covers it all.
> >
> > * RELIABLE of course, itherwise I'd just stick with X10! Everyone
> > claims to be reliable but only a good track record counts as proof. Hot
> > new products come and go every day!
> >
> > Let the ranting begin!
> >
> > RickR
> >