Who can explain X10 automation to me?

[KY Chris]

Is there a good FAQ somewhere? Anyone familiar with X10? I've checked out www.smarthome.com, but I can't really find any basic info on there. I know that X10 is handy for people who don't wanna get off the couch to turn the lights on. School me if ya can. Thanks. KY.

 

[WebEditor]

it's simple, it's a remote for electrical devices. You either
a. plug in a device into a wall jack
or
b. replace a wall socket/switch with one of those devices

and in conjunction with a controller use a mix of RF remote and a feeding of the signal through electrical wires from a control unit to control devices.

What particular questions would you have?

 

[IntrepidXJ]

x10 is a protocol that sends data over power lines:

http://www.nwlink.com/~kellee/images/HomeAutomation/X10FAQ3.htm

power companies are working on internet access to homes over the power lines using x10

 

[bgcntry72]

I think that the X-10 is also some mini spy-camera that I get 119 emails each week about.
YMMV.
Hasta.

 

[KY Chris]

I was interested in using as x10 module to turn on/off/dim the lights in my living room with my Sony universal remote. I guess if X10 uses RF, an IR remote wouldn't work.

 

[Beezil]

yer such a liar.....

yer installing a underwater mini camera in the bathroom aren't you?

i guess we'll have to look at your work on pottyshots.com......

 

[Lou]

They have IR controllers as well.....for dimming lights

...and apparently the cameras will work in low-light conditions.

(been to frakentaco?)

 

[XJguy]

I was interested in using as x10 module to turn on/off/dim the lights in my living room with my Sony universal remote. I guess if X10 uses RF, an IR remote wouldn't work.

They have remotes and systems that allow you to uses IR and RF combined. Check Smarthome, they are pricey but its a good place to start and get an idea of whats available.

I have my lights and AC in my den/home theater room all controlled by X-10. They work alright, but not great, things mysteriously turn on and off, I am guessing due to different appliances that I have on the lines that must send frquencis that interfere with proper operation. Even with the isolators and filters they sell I still have less than perfect operation. There are other home automation system protocols available that are much more advanced and feature rich than X-10, but they are pricey. I think Lutron makes one such system.

XJguy

 

[KY Chris]

I get the Smarthome catalog; the have cool stuff, but the insruction/descriptions of there devices is lacking. I was hoping to use my Sony RM VL-90 remote to control the lights because it has three "system control" buttons, but I am macro stupid, and I don't know what module I need. I guess I need to read a little deeper into their site.

 

[Lou]

I haven't dealt with the X10 stuff since the 80s, but from that perpective....

They had modules that you plug into an outlet, then you plug the lamp into the module. You need the lamp-type module if you want to dim.
They also had 'NEMA' size switches/dimmers that were used to replace the existing wall sitch/dimmer.
The modules had settable house/module IDs.

You also need a controller that transmit the commands to the modules via the power lines to the modules. You need to get the IR capable controller. In addtion, you will need to get one of their remotes so that you can clone it to your Sony romote.

(as suggested you may want to look at other vendors like LUTRON or LEVITON)

 

[TC]

K.I.S.S.
The Clapper is where it's at. Clap on, Clap off, the Clapper!