X10 ???'s

[scottw]

I am going to be adding x10 to my setup and will start with an appliance module to turn my amp on and off.

My question is what is the difference between the CM11a (Serial) and the CM15a (usb)?

I know I will need one of these and the appliance module but do I need anything else?
I see mention of a transceiver but I think I only need that if I get the CM11a, right?

I am thinking of just going with the new CM15a, the only reason I ask is because I see the serial versions (CM11a) on ebay for pretty cheap. If I am not missing out on anything I would just go with that, but if I need the transceiver as well I mind as well buy the new one.

Anyone have advise???



Sorry for all the questions I am just a little lost on this.

Thanks,

[Marbles_00]

I'm starting to think more about this now as well (for pretty much the same reasons). I figure if the music-server goes into sleep, then it would be good to shut the AC down to all the amps and other devices (no use in wasting electricity). Otherwise, I'm also thinking of using a signal detection circuit to mute the amps, if after say 15 min. of no music, but the server is not asleep, then as soon as there is music, they unmute. Not to sure how I'm ultimately going to go.

But from some of the other posts I have read, if you can get the CM11a to work, then that is most likely the cheaper/easier route than the CM15...well cheaper at least.

Hopefully some guys with X10 experience will chime in here.

[scottw]

But from some of the other posts I have read, if you can get the CM11a to work, then that is most likely the cheaper/easier route than the CM15...well cheaper at least.

Hopefully some guys with X10 experience will chime in here.

That is what I figured also but I am afraid if I buy the CM11 that I will later wish I had bought the newer model, but if there is no real difference I would love to save money

[Marbles_00]

I think the main thing is that the "business" is slowly phasing out the COM port as it is yesterday's technology. I've seen newer motherboards now don't even have a parallel port. You can't even control the parallel port natively by your operating system since Win2K, and from what I've read, the COM port is going the same route. Hey look on the bright side, USB will someday take the same path as well.