Home Automation Recommendations: X-10...?

[Colby]

Im a long time user of Xlobby and I am thinking now it would be cool if I did what so many others have, Automate my own home. So I am asking should I go with X-10 or something else? I am looking for recommendations for integratable home automation equip. I already own a USB-Uirt and Learning IR/RF Remote.
My startup setup will be:
1. 3 light switches (1 dims)
2. 1 ceiling fan
3. 1 switched fireplace
4. 1 outdoor & 1 baby camera
5. 1 Programmable Thermostat (if its possible)

I want to make my own buttons in my skin of course and run it off my remote &/ touchscreen. Please help me out. Thanks.

[BaddaBing]

X10 is is the most common automation PLC (Powerline Carrier) protocol available and many enthusiasts are familiar with its operation. X10 can sometimes fail due to interference or loss of signal strength so it is not 100% reliable. New technologies have been developed as dependable alternatives.

The Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) and Z-Wave protocols are a couple of alternatives that also communicate over existing powerlines. Operating at a different frequency than X10, UPB products remain operational even when run in combination with X10 and other PLC products. Since the UPB protocol has been tested and shown to be highly reliable more manufacturers now support the it.

It all boils down to how much time and effort you want to invest and how 'bullet proof" you need the automation to be. If you don't mind occasionally having to hit a button twice every once in a while in order to get a light to dim then X10 is the easiest and least expensive method. Parts are cheap and information is plentiful.

I do not have any "critical" components automated, just lighting and motorized drapes, so X10 has worked for me for several years with no problems.

If your automation absolutely has to work right every time (turning water heaters on and off, security and alarms, etc) then look at the newer, and unfortunately more expensive alternatives. Looking at your list I would probably use X10 for everything except the fireplace. If money is not an issue, then go with UPB - that is where all the new development and design is taking place.


-baddabing

[sharp_1]

FYI - I have had the X10 CM15a interface for about six months, out of those six months the X10 worked about 2 months. X10 is now shipping me my 3rd replacement interface (that will be my forth unit).

I read that Insteon is suppose to be a very reliable 2-way X10 technology see more about it here http://www.insteon.net/

[Marbles_00]

Don't get a CM11a if your planning on running XP or Vista...unless you want to buy mine . What a PITA to reliably communicate. I ended up getting a USB-RS232 adapter, and though it has helped, the ActiveHome software and bridge are absolutely dreadful.

For doing what you want, I would say...stay away from X10 altogether. Though it most likely works well when it does...to get there is an adventure....speaking from my own biased opinion.

[BaddaBing]

No arguments from me. How well X10 works has a lot to do with where you live and what else is on the electrical system. X10 is not recommended for apartments as the electrical system is typically shared and may not be bridged (able to communicate) with all the rooms (or even to the outlet on the other side of the room )

If you have high voltage drawing appliances, such as a window unit AC or full size freezer on the same circuit you will have problems.

If the wiring in the house is old you might have problems.

Sometimes getting X10 to work will require putting a filter on your electrical junction box to keep stray signals out. Did you know if one of your neighbors is running X10 it can screw up your install? You may need to wire a bridge between various circuits in the home. And lastly, depending on the size of the home, you may need a signal amplifier. Back when X10 was the only automation option, if you wanted reliable results, you had to do these things. You can test your home with a simple X10 install kit (you can get a starter kit for about 25 bucks) If it works, great-you can automate on the cheap. Got problems? Return it and take a look at one of the alternative protocols.

And of course the hardware for X10 is like anything else, some brands are better than others. I've had good luck ordering from SmartHome.com. They are not the cheapest but the equipment works and they stand behind their products.

But as I said, if money is not an issue then go for the new technology, Insteon, UPB or Z-Wave. Its like foobar and winamp or zoomplayer and Theater Tek - each have their supporters and detractors. Research them and go for what feels right to you.

[cmhardwick]

I'm currently using Insteon with PowerHome software running to control everything centrally. So far it's been 99% reliable. You send a command, the unit responds. Part of what helps this is that each unit is 2 way so acks are sent and each unit repeats the signal, so effectively, more devices, stronger signal. There are of course, as with any power line protocal, items that will interfere with the communications. Sometimes one light or the other may not come on when a certain timed event runs.

ALso, one caveat on Insteon ... the hardwired devices (keypads, switches and inlines) REQUIRE a neutral be available. Basically, the switch wires in series with the load, so there must be a neutral there to complete the circuit and power the switch itself.

There's a fair amount of items available for Insteon, but we're all anxiously awaiting more (IR receiver, Motion sensors, wireless remote, etc) All devices ARE however compatible with X10, so you can combine the technologies, but I've heard that more insteon = less reliable X10 even though they operate on a completely different frequency.

THanks to Manny, I've about got 2 way communication working between PowerHome and Xlobby for my automation page. (Again, THANKS MANNY for the groundwork on this and THANK COLBY for the buttons!)

[dgemily]

just to inform you, Ptrinchi did a new version of xap plugin, with x10 auto detection and easier configuration setting...
the french team have to test it before he publish it ....
so if you don't want to use another software, wait some days and take xap plugin

and colby , you know that I can teach you how to use a plugin...

[Colby]

Ok thanks for the responses I have another question. How do I connect x10 into Xlobby. I see that I can control everything with hardware, but I would like software control too. Do I get a USB interfaces, and can i work outside of the controllers software? What does this X10 plugin do for me?