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September 27, 2001  |  Dave Methvin  |  Feature Articles
Exploring X10 Technology

You can buy X10 products from several sources. One source is X10.com. The X10.com Web site smacks of snake-oil salesmen; the home page always has a deal or two that's "good only until midnight" but seems to be there the next day. Despite the high-pressure sales tactics, some of the products X10.com offers can be a genuinely good deal. But you can find X10-compatible products elsewhere as well. You can buy them at RadioShack under the Plug and Power brand; IBM has its Home Director series; and RCA sells several X10-compatible universal remote controls and receivers. Several Web sites sell compatible equipment. The majority of the items are the same products made in the same factory but with different brand names and prices. Here are X10 components you might consider for various stages of home automation:

Getting Started
PC interface (CM-11a)
Remote control
Plug-in lamp and appliance modules
Motion detectors

Getting Serious
Wired-in X10 wall switches and outlets
Signal bridge or repeater

Ultimate Automation
Automated thermostats
Integrated security system

Sources of Home Automation Information
http://www.smarthome.com
http://worthdist.com
http://www.x10.com
http://www.homeseer.com
http://www.basshome.com
news://comp.home.automation
http://hopco.com
http://www.napcosecurity.com


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Reader Comments    
 


Homeseer is a wonderful home automation program designed to work not only with X10, but many other manufacturers. At about $90 (check on website) it does the stuff you always dreamed of your computer doing. It checks email, talks to you, turns your thermostat up and down, alerts you of intruders, or starts the VCR when the FedEx man drops the package off and emails you a picture at work, when it happens. You could even unlock the door from work if your kids get locked out. Yes your computer has to run all the time, but think of what it can do, and it is a small price to pay.

Kirk Reed -April 12, 2002



Oops, Homeseer has a website. www.homeseer.com

Kirk Reed -April 12, 2002



I'm looking for a way to use my X10 to control fans in my home based on the temperature in various areas of the house. Is there a way I can get temperature information into my PC to control these fans?

Val Eckertson -June 14, 2002



Ireally appriciate about your new x10cam qualities,Owing to the fact iam atrained istaller of security systems, i believe with these systems we shall meet our customers satisfaction.More kudos to the manufacturers, i wquld love to have the products catalog & more information if possible by post to this address; PRINCE WEBS C/O ANOSE INVESTMENT LTD 60 OLATUNJI STREET OJOTA LAGOS NIGERIA.

macprince webs -May 10, 2004



Is there a 48 Olatunji Street Ojota Lagos Nigeria 23401? Please let me know

Patricia Arnold -October 20, 2009



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