X-10 virgin still

[iGotNoTime]

I have checked all the x-10 for newbs and x-10 help threads I could find but all used terms that I did not understand. Many were asking if this or that component would work with this or that. I don't know what this or that is, so I am using easier termonology here.

I know the basic concept of what x-10 is, but don't know the extent it could be used outside of turning on and off light switches and electrical outlets. Even if that is the most it can be used for I am still very interested in it. So here we go...

I have Xlobby, no plugins, x-10 equipment... nothing else. What exactly (links please and detailed descriptions?) do I need to turn on and off my living room lightswitch from the option I would have in Xlobby using a plugin?

What are the price ranges on various needed things?
For all swicthes or outlets (receivers) I would need a transmitter of some sort, how do these work? How does X-lobby interact/connect with these?
I am assuming that with Girder I could assign keyboard shortcuts, so I could have 26 switches on keyboard shortcuts SHIFT + ALT +A-Z in theory of course?

Can anyone point me to some documentation on X-10? I have googled and I can only come across affilliate sites.

[andymorgan1]

You could have a look at this page: board.homeseer.com
Homeseer is home automation software and although the site deals with homeseer and its various issues and developments it is a wealth of information about what can be done with x-10 including plugins for various pieces of hardware. Homeseer will interface to X-lobby via the xap-xlobby plugin and a free software xap hub.

Cheers

Andy

[iGotNoTime]

Sorry for not being clear and again if I am bending any rules by posting a link I am sorry.

I did look at that homeseer site given, and yet again totally daunted with information and terms I do not know. I was however capable of understanding the price at $199! Way out of my league, and certainly my wife would not let me spend money like that to operate a switch or two. I guess I am not looking for home automation, more or less a single switch. As mentioned what exactly do I need to turn off the livingroom light when a movie starts?

Am I being unrealistic by saying that $199 is too high just for software? I mean I need the software and a RS232 or USB controller correct? Then beyond that I need the actual X-10 tranceivers (wall switches) correct? That in theory should be enough to get the system to work from my computer correct?

Then simply by setting the macro to a keyboard shortcut such as ALT + 1, ALT + 2 etc.. I could then control from my couch with my RF keyboard or setting a mouse button to this same keyboard shortcut right?

Or is the software I am looking at a very poor choice? I assumed X-10 was X-10. The reason I am asking is because I look at this package and simply can not understand why someone would want to pay $199 for the software alone when you get all that stuff for only $149. Is there some big expensive peice of equipment that I need and just don't see in the fine print? Or would a system such as that be plenty to start with?

Another question, all switches seem to say not for flourescent use. All but two of my lights are flourescent, will it really cause any harm?

[rembetis]

Another question, all switches seem to say not for flourescent use. All but two of my lights are flourescent, will it really cause any harm?

Standard X-10 modules work poorly with flourescents, if at all. I believe they do make modules specifically for flourescents (see here for one example).

There is at least one cheaper alternative to running an additional piece of costly software like Homeseer, but it is somewhat convoluted and involves buying and learning how to tweak a JP-1 compatible remote. Get a USB-UIRT (~$60), if you don't have one already, an IR543 (~$20 on ebay), and a JP-1 compatible remote control (cheapest ones are about $20). Upload the X-10 protocol into the remote, teach it to Xlobby via the USB-UIRT plugin, and then have Xlobby send IR commands to the IR543. $100 ain't cheap either, but all three of those things add lots of cool functionality not limited to turning on a couple lights (such as ditching the keyboard/mouse for Xlobby control).

[hjackson]

I use X10 and Xloby to control my lights. There is a commandline program that comes with the X10 PC controller (CM11a version which is a serial port version, and a USB X10 PC controller) You simply have to set up batch files and have Xlobby launch them. There is some built in X10 control with the USB X10 device but I haven't tried this.

hjackson

[a06lp]

I use X10 and Xloby to control my lights. There is a commandline program that comes with the X10 PC controller (CM11a version which is a serial port version, and a USB X10 PC controller) You simply have to set up batch files and have Xlobby launch them.

I have the CM11A, but no software (ebay...)
I managed to find ActiveHome (free version) and downloaded it.

Where can I find this commandline program (Can you post a link?)
What do I need to put in the batch files (can you post some code examples)?

Thanks!!