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

[David White <whitedavidp@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

curtiplas wrote:
> 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.

Here is one of the possible interfaces
<http://cgi.ebay.com/PowerLinc-Controller-USB-X10-PC-Interface-1132CU_W0QQitemZ110382176189QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item110382176189&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50>

and here is the one I have been using for years
<http://cgi.ebay.com/CM11A-RCA-X10-PC-Interface-unit-Free-Software_W0QQitemZ140306650652QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item140306650652&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50>

There are, no doubt others as well.