Re: Home automation newbie questions

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

Normally, when someone is just starting out, I recommend looking at Insteon
because it promises to be more reliable. However, I don't think Insteon
makes any switched outlets so you either have to go with X-10 or use an
Insteon inline relay to control an outlet which complicates matters.

Make sure you get modules with both outlets X-10 controlled as some
teenagers may be smart enough to figure out they only need to plug the TV
into the uncontrolled socket to avoid curfew while the really bright ones
will figure out that they merely need to change the address settings on the
outlet(s). (Insteon is better in this regard as every device has a unique
factory-set ID.)

     http://www.activehomepro.com/accessories/pro/xpr_i_wa1_s.html

You'll need to replace each outlet that you wish to control and the switches
for any lights you want to control. I suggest starting with only a few to
get a feel for what's involved. That way, should you decide to go another
way, you haven't wasted a lot of money and effort.

If you replace the water pump switch, you can use an RF transceiver (I
suggest the Leviton HCPRF.) and handheld remotes or Stick-a-Switches to turn
it on/off.

     http://www.smarthome.com/4017.html
     http://www.smarthome.com/4001x.html
     http://www.x10.com/automation/offer95.htm

I've included links so you can get an idea of what's needed. I'm not
necessarily suggesting you buy from those sites. I usually recommend
AutomationOutlet.com for most things. They are knowledgeable and have good
prices.

GS <GS@xxxxxx> wrote:

>I've been googling home automation today and came across X-10,
>eventually leading to this newsgroup. I've always been interested in
>home automation, ultimately wanting to be able to use my PC to remotely
>turn lights etc. on and off. Now that my semi rural area finally has
>reliable high speed internet and I can start/stop my pc's remotely with
>WOL it appears that this could soon be a reality.
>
>But since it's best to start out with "baby steps", this is what I want
>to do first:
>
>We've recently moved our teenage son to a bedroom in the basement. This
>means he is now 2 stories below our bedroom. Being a typical teenage boy
>he doesnt alway turn the lights out and computer/tv/stereo off when he
>is supposed to, I already have internet access restrictions via my
>router, but I want to be able to turn off the power to certain outlets
>at a set time (or whenever I want) without going to the junction box and
>shutting off the basement breaker (which would also shut off my
>freezers). At this point I don't care if I can do it with a pc or not.
>   Ideally it would be timed for something like 10pm, but manually would
>be fine too.
>
>What do I need to get started? Do I need to replace all the outlets that
>I want to control with x10 units? For this first step I am looking at
>about 6-9 outlets, as well as ceiling light fixtures.
>
>I also have a pump in my basement that supplies water to the house, and
>I always turn it off when leaving the house for the weekend etc. This
>involves going to the pump itself and turning off a light-switch located
>on the wall beside it. Ideally I'd like to have the switch located by
>the main door so I can just turn it on/off as I'm leaving/arriving, but
>having the ability to do it remotely would be real cool for letting
>neighbors come over and water plants etc. I'm assuming x10 technology
>would also work very well here too.
>
>Should I start replacing all my plugs/switches etc with x-10 enabled ones?
>
>thanks!