Replies

1. 
   Rod_ | Apr 09, 1999 08:27pm | #1

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   Maybe we can learn together. Similar situation here. I purchased a half-finished bank foreclosure with (it seems) 10 miles of low-voltage wiring. Construction notes indicate intention was for IR sensors to control room lights; each room has own thermostat but is ineffective if room is unoccupied; all lighting and appliances computer controlled; motion/smoke/CO sensors all tied together for computer control of individual fire sprinkler heads, dial security monitoring company or 911 etc. and a bunch of other things. Everything can be locally computer controlled or manually over-ridden, or remotely controlled from (for example) cell phone or other computer. The place looks like an inside-out porcupine with all the wires hanging out of the walls. :-)

   That was the intention....the wiring is done, the controllers are not yet installed. So I too would appreciate being steered in the right direction. Thank goodness I am an electronic tech and this stuff doesnt scare me...I'm just not familiar with these systems.

   Here are a couple of URLs to get started:

   http://www.smarthome.com/

   http://www.gohts.com/home/

   A search for X-10 control systems (wireless) might turn up more interesting info/ideas.

   Rod

1. 
   Rich_B. | Apr 12, 1999 08:46pm | #2

   *I'm surprised X-10 hasn't caught on more. I bought my first system in 1981 from JC Penny. It was a device about the size of an larm clock, that sat on my nighttable, and had one wall switch and 2 module controllers, all for about $50. Still use parts of it today.In 1993 when I built my current house, Leviton had an X-10 Decora line, and I wired up all sorts of light switches. With the wall mount controller I can control more than I need to, and have a couple of "all lights on now" switches for those odd hours when the wife shakes you awake for some noise. A downside is that not many electricians are aware or understand what it is, so there isn't the word-of-mouth push behind it. Leviton does publish a good technical manual.There is a site, http://www.x10.com, that has all sorts of goodies.X-10 is reasonably inexpensive and can do as much as any smart house I've seen, maybe with exception of A/V.I know at one time Leviton would supply stuff for a model free if a builder installed in 10 other houses.

2. 
   Guest_ | Apr 13, 1999 09:58am | #3

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   Check out XANTECH.COM.. They specialize in home audio stuff, all IR controlled with IR repeaters, transmitters, etc.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 13, 1999 10:03am | #4

   *I'm not so sure that all this 'smart' stuff is really worth it..... might just be geek satisfaction to be able to control things automatically; but if you were building a new house would you go for all the low voltage wiring or just use the X10 stuff for signalling?Thanks,Scott

3. 
   Rich_B. | Apr 13, 1999 08:16pm | #5

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   I agree that the low voltage smart houses do more than most people want and aren't worth it. Who wants coffee to start brewing in the morning when the water has been sitting overnight in the pot.

   I think the X10 for signaling lights is adequate for most needs. With this, you can get to the kitchen in the morning without stumbling over the dog in the hall, or go out for the evening before dark and come home to a lighted house. From what I've seen in the Leviton catalog and on the X10 site, it's all I need.

4. 
   Guest_ | Apr 14, 1999 07:09am | #6

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   My opinion is that smart house stuff is mostly geek meat And I have been in electronics and now computer stuff for over 40 years. X-10 does have some useful stuff though and it is simple. BTW I saw a note in the paper the other day about IBM-they are into this smart house thing and they determined that the PC is NOT reliable enough to be used in smart house stuff!! I coulda told them that a long time ago but at least they came to that realization eventually.

   The real problem I have with smart house stuff is that there is no standard at this time and the technology and the "what are we going to have it do" isn't at a stage that I would put a system in my house no matter how much moola I had. Whatever you put in now will be guaranteed obsolete in 5-10 years.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 17, 1999 09:37am | #8

   *I'd echo much of what has been stated regarding automation. X10 is passable, and given some of the controllers and acessories, very impressive controls can be developed. Pumps, lights, etc.I believe that the problem is the lack of standards means that upkeep for NON-GEEKS is expensive or troublesome.Also, controlling power is only part of the problem. Controlling the internal state of appliances is key, along with feedback providing the controller with the status of the item being controlled. X10 simply sends commands and doesn't know if it was "heard".There will be a slew of applicances/home control systems out in the next few with RF control/communications system. THis bypasses the prewiring issue and broadens the market of possible consumers (from "nuts w/ money building a new house" to "nuts with money" I suppose). It also gives more than AC power control.I disagree that IBM-PCs are too "unreliable". Given the right code, amazingly secure and precise control systems are possible (and exist on the market...just look in your typical hospital or for that matter, download a software upgrade from the net!)

5. 
   mr._greenjeans | Apr 17, 1999 09:37am | #7

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   Anybody have any experience/tips on using the 'smart house' controllers? I have received a request for a project, in which a system (hardwired) was partially installed, then the installer bailed.

   I don't want to go in until I know a _little_ more about them.

   mr. greenjeans