X10 Modules - Warm to Very Hot, depending

[MagisterLudi]

X10 has a deal right now on RCA plug-in modules. These are FANTASTIC for controlling xmas lights:



The lamp modules are $6.99 each, and shipping is free above $25. If you sign up for their mailing list now, you might get a gift voucher offer (one-time use) that's $17 off an order under $50 (more off above $50.)

Using the voucher, I got 4 modules for $9.99, which is screaming hot.

Even if you don't have the voucher, it's a good deal.

Beware, after your first order, X10 spams you with daily mail. Just adjust your preferences and they'll fix it.

X10 Deal

 

[SenorBiggles]

Does anyone know if these work with IBM Home Director? they look very similar.

 

[Bob/NYC]

These work with RShack's, so if IBM does...

I have no more vouchers left...

 

[darth maul]

yes they work with the IBM stuff too, I have stuff branded RS, IBM and X-10, they are all the same stuff.

 

[Siberian dude]

MagisterLudi,
You forgot to mention that, in order to use different X10 moduli, people will need X10 tranciever block as well as one of the control blocks. Fortunately, the introductory start-up package with these items is about $6 at X10.com.
BTW, alt.home.automation newsgroup (look at Dejanews) covers all the topics related to X10 technology.

 

[WT]

X10 stuff is cool. I remember the first night I had my (at the time GF) over. I showed her the dimmer feature built into the X10 lamp module. She is now my fiance' so I guess she dug it

 

[valkyrie]

Just a warning...this stuff is addictive.

I have hallway, kitchen, living room torchieres, hell, even my X-mas lights are now X10 powered! Funny thing is, when someone comes over for the first time, they go "God, what a geek," then the next time they say "where can I get some?" Like I said...addictive.

PS. The $17 free vouchers CAN'T be use for shipping anymore (they used to be able to be), but they're available all the time (at least once a month). I have more controllers than I know what to do with after collecting for a few months. If you really want some fun, buy one of the IR-to-RF converters for your remote control so you can power everything with your home theatre remote, it's much better than the X10 remotes.

Enjoy.

 

[ktg]

X-10 has been selling the RCA modules at this "buyout" price for almost a year now. I love their stuff but have gone through some inexplicable episodes with my PC interface where sometimes the timers work as expected, sometimes not. When it works as advertised, it really is cool controlling all the lights/appliances in the house.

 

[spec411]

now they are hevily promoting the cameras...has anyone gotten them???

16 cameras in the house, can we say Bill Gates!

 

[Madcowz]

Anyone know if they are still running the free firecracker kit deal? Now THAT was HOT. Came w/ a Lamp module, appliance module, control unit, and a serial connector for control right from your computer... all FREE (w/ shipping). It went on for quite a long time and I can't seem to find it anymore

 

[MrBond]

Doesnt look like it's still free. They're selling it on one page for $50. I paid 1/10 of that about a year ago. And had lots of fun messing with the family's head when the lamps kept turning off and on on their own....

 

[cavingjan]

I want a second firecracker kit but I haven't seen the free one in a while. They have been out of the RCA modules for a while now but they stil ship of of their models for the same cost. What is even better is using Homeseer for remote controlling the lights over the internet and running a webcam to see when someone comes to check on your house.

 

[Rockman]

Anyone ever have problems with the dimmer? I press it and it doesn't do anything.

And anyone have an extra $17 off coupon? please email it to: freedsl@onebox.com I deleted mine thinking I wouldn't be buying anything from X10 anymore... Thanks!

 

[ktg]

I have one of their wireless color video cameras. Does poorly in low light situations (which is why they also have introduced a black-and-white camera which is much more capable in low lumens). Otherwise works as advertised, beams decent picture and sound to the TV of your choosing, very small and unobtrusive. Haven't used any of the internet features though...

 

[Xyzzy]

The inexpensive dimmer light switch is only dimmable with the remote control, not manually from the switch. They also have a rocker-type switch. Architect Spec Decorator Style Dimmer Switch (WS12A) $19.99



<< Description: Wire-in modules for incandescent lamps. Ideal for controlling bedroom, living room, and family room ceiling light fixtures. Indoor and outdoor fixtures connected to this switch can be dimmed locally and by X10 controllers. >>

 

[Matt L]

Rockman, are you sure the unit you are trying to dim is dimmable? The Firecracker kit comes with one appliance modual and one lamp modual. Only the lamp unit can be dimmed.
This X-10 stuff is great, I got some last year -had all my family order the Firecracker kits and give them to me-- for my Christmas lights. I've expanded to use it all year round. Only problem is I have a large house and I think I need the coupler/booster unit, too bad it's big bucks..

 

[RU482]

I love the X-10 stuff to.

But, I think they hired PORN site developers to make their webpage

I mean, damn, how many ideas can you put into a guy's head?

 

[emanon]

I have problems using the X10 dimmer feature as well...when I press the dimmer buttons, it just slowly dims the selected light to nothing, and crashes my remote/transceiver interaction - I need to unplug the transceiver in order to reset it.

I've tried with multiple transceivers, with the same result.

 

[Rockman]

<< when I press the dimmer buttons, it just slowly dims the selected light to nothing, and crashes my remote/transceiver interaction - I need to unplug the transceiver in order to reset it. >>




This is exactly what happens to me. :frown: Anyone out there have any solutions?

 

[stilinsm]

Check your mail. Had a Christmas bonus for $20 voucher

 

[cavingjan]

The dimming problem is related to the remote you are using to dim it. I had this problem with a slimline wall switch but as long as you are short on the dimming (AKA not holding it in for the dim but tapping the button a couple of times) it works fine. If this is not the case, call CS and they'll replace it. I love there palmpads but I just wish they had an all on/off button. Thos appliance modules are perfect for holiday decorations both inside and out. But I'm out of large ziplock bags to seal the outside modules from the weather. Guess I've gotta head to the store tonight.

 

[Pilgrim]

I had two firecracker kits and two wall switches from X-10,
they were all dead in less than a year.
It was great while it worked.

 

[blueghost75]

These ARE great for chirstmas lights........

I have over 80 strings (haven't bothered to count them recently), on 5 different circuts, something like 45 amps of power total, i think, but that was last year.....

Those IBM home director computer interfaces are really crap. I have one, but I don't use it. It did the same thing, didn't always work. I found some info on it a long time ago that said that it would &quot;fall asleep&quot; if no one used it for a while. (Sounds crazy).

I guess I will have to pick up a few of those modules, I have some electric candles lying around to put in the windows, but I don't even use them because I don't have remote controll over them

 

[Zap]

I just wanted to comment on this discussion...

Yes, the X10 stuff is very addictive. I'm carrying a balance on my credit card, but last night I still had to use my $20 coupon (of course, I had to bump my purchase over $25 for the free shipping, heh). At home I use the tranceiver for my halogen torchiere, an appliance module for a fan and a wall switch in the bathroom. I use either a keychain remote or their 8 in 1 universal remote. I also set up my GF with one of these remotes, as well as the x10 credit card remote. A tranceiver for a heater, lamp module for bedside light, appliance module for a halogen torchiere. Besides all this, I have about 5 more lamp modules, another appliance module, a 3-prong appliance module, tranceiver, two more keychain remotes, the firecracker remote pad, firecracker serial port controller and two more wall light switches... all unused. And what do I do? Buy more stuff last night. I got another tranceiver and a mouse remote kit. Free shipping, $20 off the order, two free micro keychain remotes... all for under $15 on my credit card. Crazy. I am looking forward to it, though. Wireless universal remote that doubles as a mouse for computer and triples as an x10 remote... yum! Also, the micro keychain remotes are about half the thickness of the one I use and has 2½ times the range.

I use my setup mostly in my room, and have no problems. Once, during a LAN party (hosted in my living room) I set up a few fans with the x10 stuff to cool us off, and I had major problems with it not responding. Yet, since the LAN party, I've been using the same units in my room (for about 1/2 year now) daily without problems. I think for the people having intermittent problems, perhaps it could be interference from other equipment (in my case, 10+ computers in one room).

I think their &quot;Free&quot; firecracker deal (with $5.90 shipping) is dead after all this time. They now have it regular priced at around $50, and a special for new customers with $10 off. Though I'm poorer for it I'm glad I got the &quot;free&quot; kit.

I don't have any experience with their surveillance and audio/visual components, so no comment there.

 

[Rockman]

So what's the difference between a lamp module and an appliance module? Would an appliance blow up if you used a lamp module on it?