Hello:
I am designing a home automation system for a new construction and i have questions regarding X10 light switches. I have been doing some research comparing the different technologies and i dont want to go wireless. I like the idea of sending signals thru the powerline throughout the house to the different fixtures and switches.
I also understand that some technologies are just going to be more practicle than others.
With that being said, i have seen reviews of X10 technology not being as reliable as others. Some testimonies i have read say that the X10 has "problems" specifically in cases where you send the signal and it may or may not respond. Furthermore you dont have 2 way communication with X10 devices. So you cant tell the current state of the device (if a light is on or off). The technology that i am most leaning toward is UPB. However, the entry price of doing a whole house setup using UPB has me seriously considering cheaper options, specificaly, X10 Pro your ebay items!
Here is what i want to do or i want the ability to:
* Control & Program Automation thru Charmed Quark Controller & adequate PIM (compter inferace)
* Turn on/off & Dimm lights (indoor & outdoor)
* Turn on/off ceiling fans and control speed settings (if possible)
* Turn on/off fireplace
* Turn on/off room lamps
* Control motorized blinds & drapes (right now, just open and close. However, if i could control how much they open and close that would be great!)
* Control on/off on a mechanical TV lift (lift that brings the plasma tv up and down from its nook. has 2 stages, up or down)
Now, I am not too concerned with 2 way communication as with some simple applications (ie. i want the lights on/off, fireplace on/off...no guess work there), however, come to think of it....question #4.
I pretty much have a grasp on the front end aspect of controlling and programing. But getting down to selecting the most dependable hardware is where i have questions.
My questions are:
1. If i restrict the use of X-10 switches and relays to (hardwired) powerline ones, am i less likely to run into problems? Or are signal issues a genarl weakness of X10 period
2. The X10-pro Signal Amplifier Coupler Repeater, how does it operate? Does it need a hard line signal coming from my X10 interface? Or will it pick up existing signals on the circuit already?
3. X10 devices have hard addresses, how many address are possible using X10 in a system?
4. In what applications is 2 way communication necessary?
I think thats all the questions i have right now. Thank you in advance for your help!!!!
I am designing a home automation system for a new construction and i have questions regarding X10 light switches. I have been doing some research comparing the different technologies and i dont want to go wireless. I like the idea of sending signals thru the powerline throughout the house to the different fixtures and switches.
I also understand that some technologies are just going to be more practicle than others.
With that being said, i have seen reviews of X10 technology not being as reliable as others. Some testimonies i have read say that the X10 has "problems" specifically in cases where you send the signal and it may or may not respond. Furthermore you dont have 2 way communication with X10 devices. So you cant tell the current state of the device (if a light is on or off). The technology that i am most leaning toward is UPB. However, the entry price of doing a whole house setup using UPB has me seriously considering cheaper options, specificaly, X10 Pro your ebay items!
Here is what i want to do or i want the ability to:
* Control & Program Automation thru Charmed Quark Controller & adequate PIM (compter inferace)
* Turn on/off & Dimm lights (indoor & outdoor)
* Turn on/off ceiling fans and control speed settings (if possible)
* Turn on/off fireplace
* Turn on/off room lamps
* Control motorized blinds & drapes (right now, just open and close. However, if i could control how much they open and close that would be great!)
* Control on/off on a mechanical TV lift (lift that brings the plasma tv up and down from its nook. has 2 stages, up or down)
Now, I am not too concerned with 2 way communication as with some simple applications (ie. i want the lights on/off, fireplace on/off...no guess work there), however, come to think of it....question #4.
I pretty much have a grasp on the front end aspect of controlling and programing. But getting down to selecting the most dependable hardware is where i have questions.
My questions are:
1. If i restrict the use of X-10 switches and relays to (hardwired) powerline ones, am i less likely to run into problems? Or are signal issues a genarl weakness of X10 period
2. The X10-pro Signal Amplifier Coupler Repeater, how does it operate? Does it need a hard line signal coming from my X10 interface? Or will it pick up existing signals on the circuit already?
3. X10 devices have hard addresses, how many address are possible using X10 in a system?
4. In what applications is 2 way communication necessary?
I think thats all the questions i have right now. Thank you in advance for your help!!!!