X10 and home automation systems

[bandXtrb]

Anybody use systems that automate the home?

I've looked at X10, but I'm not sure about the communication through the electrical wiring. I hear it doesn't always work, especially if you have alot of electronics, which I do.

 

[chainbolt]

:|:Q:disgust::frown::frown::disgust::Q:|

what is X10???

 

[pulse8]

I have X10 and it sends NOTHING through the electrical wiring. The entire system is based off of radio frequencies.

 

[dc]

i got so much x10 gear from their stupid vouchers the past year. i have to set it up sometime and give it a try.

 

[Helpless]

...isn't that the porn spy camera?

 

[bandXtrb]

hmmm...

"Plug the included Transceiver Module into any wall outlet. This allows ActiveHome to communicate through your existing house wiring!"

http://www.x10.com/8welcome_how.htm

The modules don't have antennas on them, they just plug into the wall, Only the 'transceiver' is what i see that has an antenna.

Correct me if I'm wrong

 

[pulse8]

hrm...Well, the transceiver in the picture has an antenna on it. I always assumed that's how it worked. Maybe I've been living a lie all these years. Anyway, if it does use the wiring, I haven't noticed any problems with it.

 

[Mungla]

We use the Panja Phast system. Are you wanting to control everything in your house? Such as lights, electronic equipment (TV, DVD, DSS), the pool? heh. We are controlling everything I just mentioned, with the Phast system, plus a lot more that I cannot think of right now. Expect to pay mega $$ for this sytem if you plan to go all out. For a decent sized system, you also have to have a dedicated computer (we use a laptop).

 

[Fermilevel]

I can't speak for all X-10, but here's a little info on what I do know.

1) X-10 developed their own communication protocol at least as early as 1982 (that's when I first saw it). It's been around a while.
2) The original X-10 modulated the signal onto the power line (modem). Some newer modules are now wireless. This is why the base controller has *both* an antenna and outlet interface.
3) Early problems were observed when the signal traveled too far down the power line and triggered devices in other houses. I believe this one is mostly solved.
4) Sometimes when a good surge-suppressor with EMI/RF protection is plugged in, the signal gets filtered and the modules don't work. This can be tested by temporarily removing any surge strips with this protection.
5) Developer modules are available for designers who want to interface the outlet with microcontrollers that can speak the X-10 protocol. See Application Note for details and Parallax website for basic information.
6) X-10 is a communications protocol, so you can use X-10 modules from other companies like Tandy (Radio Shack).

 

[blueghost75]

X10 is primarily transmitted through your electrical wiring. A transiver receives wireless signals and retransmits them through your homes wiring. I use X10 to control my christmas lights (a lot of them), but nothing else.

If you want to have a lot of stuff automated in your house, then you probably should find some other system to use, even though it will cost a lot more. X10 is really only feasable for controlling 16 items. You can control more, but then it gets complicated.

A common problem for X10 not working is if the signal has to travel from one electrical phase to another in your house. There are two separate phases of electricity in your house. If you "combine" the two phases, you get 220 volt, instead of 110 volts. The 220 is used for stoves and other large appliences. Everything else uses one of those phases and gets 110 volts. You can buy a little device that you wire into a box that will provide a bride between the two phases for X10 signals. I had to use one of those to get everything to work. Depending on the size of your house, you might not have problems....

 

[Parrotheader]

I just want to know who finances all their online advertising. Those guys must spending 8-figures+ seeing as how I come across their ads and pop-ups all over the place.

 

[Aves]

Click here to opt out of X10 ads, for 30 days anyway.

 

[samarth]

X-10 modules are good if you are too lazy to do anyhting.
I got a tansciever unit and bunch of appliance and lamp modules.
The weird thing is that none of it works if you are using your microwave or anything that will create noise in the electrical wiring throughout your house.
They are also noisy at times, when you turn them on//off.
But overall, still pretty good.

 

[RossGr]

I have been using x10 moduals for nearly 20yrs, yes, you read that right. I got the first control box and moduals with a Promethus serial card for my AppleII+ in the early 1980's. The AppleII could control the box via a ultrasonic squeeker. I have never seen any interferance with other electronics or had signifant troubles. Though I am still running one of the original control boxes and modules, I have also been through about 3 of the NEW control boxes and at least that many modules. I do not think the newer units are of the same quality as the originals.

EDIT
Each module and condtroller has a "house code" that you set to avoid interference with neighbors, each modual can be set to a number which is used by the controller.