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

["D&SW" <d&sw@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Assuming you are in North America:
1. There is nothing cheaper than X10.
2. The cheapest USB interface is the X10, CM15 which comes with software.
The interface with software is $50 US. The only other USB X10 interface is
by Smarthome.com and it (with software )is about $200 US.

"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.