Need a Review of ActiveHome Pro

[upstatemike]

My brother-in-law is about to inherit all of my remaining X10 stuff and wants to know what he should use to control it all. I'm thinking ActiveHome Pro would be the most straight forward entry-level system for him to use but I don't really know anything about it. Are there any ActiveHome Pro users who can endorse (or warn me off) the ActiveHome Pro interface and software? It looks OK for a $50 computer interface but is it really reliable and trouble free?

 

[upstatemike]

OK I guess nobody uses ActiveHome Pro... would a Powerlinc Controller & Smarthome Manager Plus Software be a better choice for entry level X10?

 

[electron]

It's a little outdated, but check the Home Automation software thread for interesting freebies. If you aren't sure about ActiveHome, install it quickly (assuming there is a trial) in a sandbox or virtual environment, and see how you like it. I know I couldn't stand the original software, but it has changed a little.

 

[nightwalker]

OK I guess nobody uses ActiveHome Pro... would a Powerlinc Controller & Smarthome Manager Plus Software be a better choice for entry level X10?

I can't speak to ActiveHome but i did use the powerlinc with smarthome manager a few years ago. I found smarthome manager to not be very intuitive and the powerlinc lasted about a year and a half. I replaced it with the act TI-103 for my remaining x10 stuff which is much better.

 

[judge_l]

For the couple of x10 things I have, I've been using HomeZix to control them. That program works fine for that, and can do more, but I haven't done much with it.

 

[davefred99]

My brother-in-law is about to inherit all of my remaining X10 stuff and wants to know what he should use to control it all. I'm thinking ActiveHome Pro would be the most straight forward entry-level system for him to use but I don't really know anything about it. Are there any ActiveHome Pro users who can endorse (or warn me off) the ActiveHome Pro interface and software? It looks OK for a $50 computer interface but is it really reliable and trouble free?

I have been trying out ActiveHome Pro for about 3 weeks now. I actually don't see anything terribly bad about it at all. The only drawback is that it is X10 only and requirese the CM15a controller you get the controller as a package along with the software. I f you purchase it be sure to get the package that includes all the add ons like smartmacros, myHouse, OnAlert and Iwitness. basically the CM15a is a newer version of the CM11a with an Rf tranciever built in. Be sure to check out Bill Voice Commander too it is a neat little 3rd party ap that adds Voice recognition and announcements and can even do Ir commads with a usbuirt . Sort of a low cost HAL alternative. Lots of People will Poo Poo this because its so cheap but IMHO its just fine for most Beginner to Intermediate X10 users. It does what its suppose to and can control devices,run macros.and run timers. The CM15a can run without the PC on as it stores most stuff in memory and just needs to be occasionally updated as you add devices Timers or Macros.

 

[Robin Grunwald]

How about taking a chance with the new AHL2 software, it offers full two-way X10 support (via a CM11 or compatible), its helpfully intuitive, easy and quick. Allowing X10 modules to be controlled manually, automatically and / or remotely. It also supports two-way UPB, easing possible future migration + many other nice features!

 

[upstatemike]

How about taking a chance with the new AHL2 software, it offers full two-way X10 support (via a CM11 or compatible), its helpfully intuitive, easy and quick. Allowing X10 modules to be controlled manually, automatically and / or remotely. It also supports two-way UPB, easing possible future migration + many other nice features!

It is already on my "short list". I need to look at all the options before I make a final decision since I will have to supply long distance support for whatever I recommend.

 

[upstatemike]

I f you purchase it be sure to get the package that includes all the add ons like smartmacros, myHouse, OnAlert and Iwitness.

How much does this add to the basic $50 price?

Be sure to check out Bill Voice Commander too it is a neat little 3rd party ap that adds Voice recognition and announcements and can even do Ir commads with a usbuirt . Sort of a low cost HAL alternative. Lots of People will Poo Poo this because its so cheap but IMHO its just fine for most Beginner to Intermediate X10 users. It does what its suppose to and can control devices,run macros.and run timers. The CM15a can run without the PC on as it stores most stuff in memory and just needs to be occasionally updated as you add devices Timers or Macros.

Do you use Bill Voice Commander with ActiveHome Pro or as an alternative to it?

 

[upstatemike]

It's a little outdated, but check the Home Automation software thread for interesting freebies. If you aren't sure about ActiveHome, install it quickly (assuming there is a trial) in a sandbox or virtual environment, and see how you like it. I know I couldn't stand the original software, but it has changed a little.

I did look there but a lot of the links don't work anymore.

 

[upstatemike]

For the couple of x10 things I have, I've been using HomeZix to control them. That program works fine for that, and can do more, but I haven't done much with it.

Thanks, I'll give it a look.

 

[ver0776]

Back in 2005, vCrib was built around the CM15A and the AHP API that came with it. I had no problems with it except for the range on its receiver and normal X10 Phase/Repeater needs.

Someone on my board just hit me up for CM15A support. I only dropped the code because when I asked around everyone said screw the CM15A and that HS and others were skipping support for it. It really is Very easy to code against.

I think you are safe recommending it and if he outgrows it, he can replace the PLC with an Insteon one and not lose control of his X10 stuff.

Vaughn

 

[upstatemike]

Back in 2005, vCrib was built around the CM15A and the AHP API that came with it. I had no problems with it except for the range on its receiver and normal X10 Phase/Repeater needs.

Someone on my board just hit me up for CM15A support. I only dropped the code because when I asked around everyone said screw the CM15A and that HS and others were skipping support for it. It really is Very easy to code against.

I think you are safe recommending it and if he outgrows it, he can replace the PLC with an Insteon one and not lose control of his X10 stuff.

Vaughn

Thanks, that's good to know. BTW are you planning to put up a features and supported hardware list for VCRIB? The videos are nice but I can never find a "fact sheet" type page for doing quick comparisons.

 

[davefred99]

I f you purchase it be sure to get the package that includes all the add ons like smartmacros, myHouse, OnAlert and Iwitness.

How much does this add to the basic $50 price?

Be sure to check out Bill Voice Commander too it is a neat little 3rd party ap that adds Voice recognition and announcements and can even do Ir commads with a usbuirt . Sort of a low cost HAL alternative. Lots of People will Poo Poo this because its so cheap but IMHO its just fine for most Beginner to Intermediate X10 users. It does what its suppose to and can control devices,run macros.and run timers. The CM15a can run without the PC on as it stores most stuff in memory and just needs to be occasionally updated as you add devices Timers or Macros.

Do you use Bill Voice Commander with ActiveHome Pro or as an alternative to it?

The full package with all the pluggins is still only $49.95 but you have to look for it or askfor it when you call in your order @x10.com

I use Bills Voice with AHP it is a 3rd party pluggin and uses AHP for X-10 controls but the voice anouncers and IR stuff can work all by them self just using BVC.

I dont think most people would need anything else for x10 HA.

Dave