Re: What is X-10?

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

X10 is still around because it is good value home automation. There are more
reliable systems, but at five times the cost. I have over 100 X10 control
points and have 95% command reliability which isn't bad for the investment
price.  Also Smarthome.com offers 2-way modules reporting back a status
change, so system can be closed loop if desired. X10 has been around since
1979 and is long on tooth, but Z-Wave, UPB, Insteon aren't exactly winning
the market because people are afraid of spending a small fortune on home
automation only to find out they bought another Betamax VCR or HD format DVD
player.

"AZ Nomad" <aznomad.3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:slrnhag41v.293.aznomad.3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> On Mon, 7 Sep 2009 10:32:45 -0400, SBH <Meanie.Brat@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>By what I gather, it appears to be an all in one package or system which
>>offers surveillance, and remote control for electronic devices. If so, I
>>would like such a system.
>
>>Can someone explain what exactly is X-10, how does it work, if it's what I
>>want and what would I need to do to get started using it?
>
> X10 is an incredibly primative and low performance communications
> system that operates over power lines at the zero crossing.  It's good
> for 60bps, or about a full second for a single command.  It's original
> spec is open loop,  permits 16 devices, 16 house codes, and commands
> to turn on on or off all or one of 16 devices.
>
> It has been enhanced over the years with such features as status
> reporting and using multiple house codes to permit more than 16
> devices, and proprietary multicommand sequences to get around some of
> its limitations.
>
> It's a incredible joke that it is still in use.