x10 Firecracker home control kit free + $5.90 shipping

[FastEddieG]

x10 is offering the Firecracker starter kit for free again, you just have to pay $5.90 for shipping. This kit supposedly sells for $73.

http://www.x10.com/welcome/firecracker/free_fire_landing1.htm

I have heard my friends rave about this, and I'm glad they are offering it again. I plan on trying it out.

 

[Setral]

Good deal, it occurs so often I don't know if anyone cares to post it Great for light dimmers, to set the "mood".

 

[Hoc]

Yawn.

 

[Ranger X]

Looks like you're paying for the kit with shipping.

 

[clunk]

Actually, the contents of the kit are WELL worth the cost. The hook is that the stuff is addictive. Once you see the basic operation (provided by the free kit), you will realize that for a few more $$$s you can add the basic home control kit to provide programmed timing of lights and appliances.

 

[Zap]

Fry's had it in their ad for $4.95. I think in Sunday's SD Union Trib.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I signed up for this about 3 weeks ago....still no word on my order. Just don't fall for buying one of the upgrade kits unless you think you'll really use it. I know someone who has the kit that used to come with Aptiva computers and they NEVER use it...

 

[illusionm8]

i got mine pretty quickly. they sent it out UPS. by checking the prices at there site, this kit is worth abot $50. so it is a good deal for the $5.90 shipping.

 

[ElKevbo]

If you buy ANYTHING from x10, USE A FAKE E-MAIL ADDRESS. They are notorious spammers.

 

[Kosh69]

I got in on this one last year when they offered it.....I actually did receive it.....it was kinda nifty at first but now it just collects dust in my closet (had no practical use for it)...I do at least get PLENTY of spam EVERY SINGLE DAY from X10 though!!

 

[Photon]

I got one of em and it was pretty cool. I don't use it anymore though, but we were using it at a lan party turning off ppl's stuff. But it's only $6 so I'm gonna order another one.

 

[psxjunky]

ElKevbo: Yes X10 spams a lot, but you can also easily unsubscribe from their list (I have done it and haven't got a single mail since then).

Also, using a FAKE address prevents you from getting an order confirmation.

 

[kendogg]

well if you are getting spam email then try taking a look towards the bottom of the email if you would.. clearly shows an unsubscribe link, and WahLa no more spam.

 

[BiggieN]

where else do they sell this? online or b&M. i would like to check this item out before i purchase. oh, for the people that bought this already, how was the installation, what is involved, would i need an electrical engineering degree or is it a matter of plug n play? thanks. so many questions, so little time.

edit: misspellings (is this right? LOL)

 

[Agamemnon]

They sell the same stuff at Radio Shack.

 

[Bob/NYC]

Installation 5 min-easy as pie. PC is an option. Use x10's overstock, for more 1/2 RCA/X10 price modules.

 

[alaskadan]

I "accidentally" mistyped my email address when ordering their kit and for some strange reason do not receive their SPAM.

 

[charbroiled]

I got one last year too...
Accepted their spam for awhile, then I received some holiday $20 gift cert. Promptly ordered 2 more modules costing just a few bucks, and they threw in a free keychain remote! Now I have unsubscribed to the spam.

Uses:
Lights of course
Subwoofer is always on, so now thats controlled
Christmas lights in December
Fountain in backyard (small birdbath type)

Any good ideas from anybody else?

(I'll have my wife order another starter kit)

 

[roprecht]

I use it for tea in the morning. Press a button...Kettle boils, starts whistling, press another button..off! Those few extra minutes of sleep alone are worth the shipping cost. And its english breakfast tea for all those wondering...stay clear of Earl Grey and always add a spot of milk.

 

[agheno]

I suggest remaining on their 'spam' list. It is only 1 email a day and every few months you will receive a gift certificate with no minimum purchase. The most recent GC was valued at $20 and they gave free shipping for orders over $25. If it is really bothersome, have a seperate email address for their spam, or filter the spam to a folder automatically. It's not a bad deal if you ask me.

Also, the installation was easy. They work similar to surge protection devices. Plug x10 into the wall, plug device into x10.

 

[ucdnam]

they sell X10 stuff at the Frys Electronics here in Sacramento.

 

[PolaroidPaul]

Of all the uses, Christmas lights are at the top of my list for these systems. Put 15 individual candles in windows and either you have extension cords everywhere or twice a day make the rounds to turn them on and off. Leave them off and everyone knows you are away!

Also beats the heck out of bending over to plug in the tree.

All the mechanical timers I have bought always make lots of noise and then die.

Go to Radio Shack and buy yourself the clock/control unit so you can ignore your PC.