Re: Newbie to Home Automation, Newbie Question on X10, Please Help

["Jim In So Calif" <jimfouch@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

X10 is the cheapest, but alas, it is far from reliable.  In the past few
years some of the companies that were making X10 type switches and other
devices have developed other schemes for sending signals - some over the
power line and some by radio.  I have been using X10 for 10 years and am not
current with the newer techologies.

I have an attic and a crawl space and if I were to do it again, I would use
a hard wired system.  I would be happy to trade less automation for greater
reliability.  Most people, especially those living with you, will expect
lights to work first time every time - not at all unreasonable.

Be prepared to add a coupler and repeater and probably filters to devices
that put noise on the power line.  Also, the X10 Brand devices are usually
of not very high quality.

This News Group was once very active, but that is no longer the case.  You
ight want to check the forums at http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php
for more and better info.

Cheers, Jim.




"curtiplas" <Curtis.LaPrise@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:cd3515cb-3f0b-4435-b4b9-775833db72fa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> So I looked through the last four pages or so and didn't see a post
> related to my question so here it goes, hopefully I don't get too much
> flac for asking this.
>
> I want to start implementing x10 devices through out my home.  I have
> a server that is being used as a personal web server but can
> definitely handle more, so I was planning on running the automation
> software off of that (probably something like MisterHouse or something
> else that also offers a web interface).  I understand (atleast I think
> I do) that the X10 devices send and recieve their signals through the
> power lines, but heres my real question how do I "link" them with my
> computer so that my software can control them.  Also I'm probably
> assuming this is way to simple but here is my assumption of how x10
> works I hardwire the device or plug and play depending such as a new
> light fixture or electrical outlet, I then hardwire some device into
> the power lines, I'm assuming this device would have a USB interface
> (or serial but I don't have any serial ports).  Please help me clear
> this all up and also tell me what this device is called so that I can
> use my computer to control the devices, or point me in a better
> direction (cheaper) than X10.