X-10 (was Re: controlling power)

From: Don Maslin <donm_at_cts.com>
Date: Tue Jun 26 23:36:08 2001

On Tue, 26 Jun 2001, Fred Cisin (XenoSoft) wrote:

> On Wed, 27 Jun 2001, Tony Duell wrote:
> > This probably explains why X10 is not at all popular in the UK (and yes,
> > a 230V version does exist). I seem to remember that last time I looked at
> > the price of the modules they were all about \pounds 40.00 each. And the
> > computer [1] interface was about \pounds 90.00. I decided it was going to
> > be far too expensive for me to use.
>
> Around here (USA), the modules are typically about $15, and occasionally
> available cheap.
>
> > [1] Wintel, only, alas. Totally useless to me.
>
> But if you go CLASSIC, ...
> Radio Shack sold (past tense) a computer interface for TRS-80, and
> Coco. IIRC, it connected to the cassette port.

Correct, and also required a ROM pack for the programming firmware.

                                                 - don

> There are also a number of serial port units.
>
> There are also controllers that have an IR port (for use with a remote
> control), if you are willing to do a little extra programming.
>
> Some of the first controllers had an ultrasonic remote control!
>
> As to reliability:
> Of the couple of dozen modules that I put in 23 years ago, all of the
> plug-in lamp modules and most of the plug-in appliance modules have
> died. All but one of the wall switch modules (toggle style with
> delayed local response) died (although the surviving one is in heavy
> usage!). Almost none of the replacements (push button) have died. Some
> of the old controllers will not reliably control some of the units
> (possibly related to which other ones are on).
>
> --
> Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin_at_xenosoft.com
>
>
Received on Tue Jun 26 2001 - 23:36:08 BST