32 years using x-10

[greenpjs <greenpjs@xxxxxxxxxx>]

(I posted this in alt.home.automation yesterday.  I thought I would
try this group today.  Any input?)

Background:

I've been successfully using X-10 for 32 years now.  Like many of you,
I have had my share of issues but always managed to use filters and
phase couplers to solve them.  Again, like many of you, the last five
years have seen the level of intermittent operation increase.  Every
new piece of electronics brought into the house usually requires
another day of troubleshooting.  I managed to swap circuits around in
the breaker box such that all X-10 equipment is on one side of the box
thereby eliminating the need for a phase coupler, but problems still
occur.  Of the 16 modules in use (all on one house code), 14 work all
the time while the other 2 work most of the time.  It's that "most of
time" that drives me nuts.  (By the way, our house is a little over
1300 sq ft in size plus a basement so I don't think my issues are
caused by excessively long runs).


The question:


Is it time to upgrade to a new technology?  Insteon, Z-Wave, Zigbee,
etc all sound promising, but I have no real experience with them.
What, in your opinion, is the right choice if I were to decide to
start over?  Which, if any, of the above has a chance to be around
decades from now such that spare parts will still be available?


Secondary question:


Why is the new stuff so expensive?  I have typically paid $10 - $15
for X-10 modules.   (Although I have to admit that has been true all
these years in spite of inflation).  The new stuff seems to cost $50
to $70 per module.  I just retired so I'm watching my spending... $69
is a lot of money for a wall switch.  Multiply that by 16 or so
modules and add a few controllers (manual controllers and a computer
interface) and we are talking a lot of money.  Maybe I should just buy
a few more X-10 filters ;-)


Final question:


If I stay with X-10, do the signal boosters I see discussed here
really work?  Many of the devices are designed to solve the
cross-phase issue which I don't have (as stated above, all my X-10
equipment is on one phase).   While I do believe my problems are
caused by low signal levels rather than noise, I believe the low
signals are caused by each new electronic appliance cutting the signal
just a little more.  There isn't any one thing I can unplug which
solves all the issues.   Filters have solved the big issues (eg, Sony
TV's), but I'm guessing that many minor issues are now adding up to an
overall marginal situation.


What would you do?  Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Pat