DS10a wireless X-10 sensors and W800 wireless receiver

[scottwood2]

HI everyone.

I am looking at a way to monitor my garage door to check it's open state. My system is mostly X-10 and I really like it.

I hear alot about the DS10a wireless X-10 sensors and W800 wireless recievier. I have a computer on all the time so this should be good. Most of what I read about this setup is somewhat dated. Is this still a good option?

Scott

 

[pete_c]

Welcome to the forum Scott!
 
Here I utilize a W800 and DS10a's.  My garage doors are wired to the security panel.  That said I use the W800 and DS10a's for other stuff. 
 
One of those things is the old Rainbird rain sensor triggers a DS10A; works well.   Been working for years.
 
I do utilize the W800 with software called Homeseer and a plugin called ACRF2. 
 
I still also utilize an X-10 Palm pad outdoors for manual switching of my sprinkler zones when I test them.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

A lot of people are moving away from X-10; but, if it's working out for you it's a lot cheaper solution than replacing those switches with UPB, Z-Wave, or Insteon ones!
 
Most that complain about the technology do not take the time to condition/test their power systems, install isolation blockers, and also install a good repeater/coupler between the two phases.
 
HERE is a good example of the many thing that can influence the signal on your powerline.
 
What are you using now for software to monitor your system?  Do you currently have a CM11a interface to the computer?

 

[scottwood2]

A lot of people are moving away from X-10; but, if it's working out for you it's a lot cheaper solution than replacing those switches with UPB, Z-Wave, or Insteon ones!
 
Most that complain about the technology do not take the time to condition/test their power systems, install isolation blockers, and also install a good repeater/coupler between the two phases.
 
HERE is a good example of the many thing that can influence the signal on your powerline.
 
What are you using now for software to monitor your system?  Do you currently have a CM11a interface to the computer?

I am using Homevision.  This is the second home using this controler.  I have been through the filter, coupler thing and use many of them.   The system has been stable for many years.  I would guess I had this system running for more than 10 years for sure, maybe more than that.  
 
The system works well.  Just looking to expand it to monitor doors, maybe some windows, my door bell (which is hard to hear on the  other side of the house).  I have seen a few posts with ideas for the DS10a's.   It is amazing how many things people are using them for.  For $10 a pop it is a deal.  

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

It looks like the DS10a got an upgrade on X-10's site.
 
I would check to see if Homevision had a driver/plugin to monitor something like a WGL800 RF receiver so you can incorporate DS10a's into it.
 
The doorbell is a piece of cake with a DS10a.  Just put the sensor near the coil of the "ding dong" relay and when the doorbell rings, the coil will emit a magnetic signal that will trigger the DS10a.  (Pic on HomeSeer's site)

 

[drozwood90]

for the door bell, I would say, test it before you do a more permanent install.  I tried that, and my doorbell did not put out a strong enough field to trip the DS10a.
 
I had to actually press and HOLD the doorbell for a period of time before the DS10A tripped.
 
--Dan