anyone got a x10 network

Glaucus · 16 Apr 2007 at 22:16

Just wondering whether anyone has a x10 network to control there lights and heating and stuff. If they have would you care posting you setup and what you think ect.

For anyone who doesn't know what x10 is.

If you're not familiar with X10 technology, you must have been living on planet Ga-Ga or have just discovered this website. For over a decade, X10 has reigned as the king of the Home Automation entry-level market. In its basic form X10 allows you to assign a unique 'address' to a home appliance allowing it to be switched on or off using a controller such as a remote control. Although many other Home Automation protocols and devices exist, X10 has been a success due to its comparatively low price and its ability to harness your home's existing electrical wiring. And the market continues to grow - with a rich range of modules, a growing base of software controllers and now what is titled as the 2nd generation of modules.

basically it allows you to automate your home, using sensors (heat, movement ect), remote controls and/or a central computer. you can link any appliance to it. So for instance you could have a central computer with a command "away". once activated it turns of all lights/appliances/heating at the sockets so no energy is being used.

moid · 16 Apr 2007 at 22:21

Have a look over at the Xlobby forums (Xlobby.com) - a number of those guys use X10 a lot.

dbmzk1 · 16 Apr 2007 at 23:06

Never seen the point. If I need a bit of light I'll get up and turn the light on. No big deal!

Macabre · 16 Apr 2007 at 23:07

I have this x10 thing on my computer, came with it and I can't get rid of it unninstalled it but its still in my processes, don't even need it.

Glaucus · 16 Apr 2007 at 23:08

dbmzk1 said:
Never seen the point. If I need a bit of light I'll get up and turn the light on. No big deal!

it's not just about that though, think how much power all your electrical stuff uses, now imagine with a click on one button you can switch all appliances off and they'll all turn back on when you walk in the door after work. Thats just one of many possibilities.

Macabre said:
I have this x10 thing on my computer, came with it and I can't get rid of it unninstalled it but its still in my processes, don't even need it.

a interface connection?

GarethDW · 16 Apr 2007 at 23:12

A friend at work has this - he's got a little chalet-like thing in his garden that his missus let's him use to play with all his geeky toys

He can control the lights and heating, and can also monitor the temperature online when he's out or at work, etc... He built a WAP page to control it all via his phone.

IIRC, he got the kit he needed from a friend who owed him a favour or two. It works very well, but I think he did it more for the challenge than it being for practical reasons (although he does breed alpacas in his garden, so maybe it makes them happy if they think he's in his chalet when he's not really there)