Sorry, I forgot that X-10 isn't that popular yet.
First off, a great place to start is http://www.x10.com If you live near a
Radio Shack, they carry it as well.
x10 is a standard transceiver language that works on existing AC wires in
your home. It allows you to control any outlet or fixture from any other
point in the home. It basically is a "home automation" solution without
the need to rewire the whole house.
Example, in my last shop, I had 5 different light switches to turn on and
off each time I went in or out. By replacing the switches with X10
compatible switches, and adding a "controller" near the door, I could
program the different "routines" for each button on the controller. I had
one that turned on all the lights, the stereo, the air compressor and the
dust collector. Another one that only turned on selected lights (in case I
just needed to run into the shop to grab something), and others to turn on
any light by itself. No matter which one I used, I only had to touch one
button to turn everything off.
X10 is getting alot more advanced. I have a computer program that
interfaces with my home electrical system. I can turn on/off any device
from my system. Plus I have macros that I can run.
In the old house, I would hit one button in the den and the main lights
would dim to 40%, the accent lights ramped up to 40%, the mini blinds
closed and the DVD player turned on. (and yes, I have had to "reboot" my
house! 8>))
>From a security prospective its great. You can put your house in "learn"
mode. It basically can learn your daily routine of electrical use. Then,
when you got on vacation, you put your house into "live" mode. The
computer will turn on and off all the lights and devices hooked up to your
x10 system automatically at about the same time (but not exactly, so it
doesn't look like a timer). Perfect for making your house looked "lived
in" while you are away.
I also have the phone interface. I can call my house from any phone and
type in a code. Once I've done that, I can turn on/off any device
remotely. I used this once when I was in Boston and I need to have a
friend get my passport out of my house for me. He drove to my house and
called me on his cell. I opened the front door for him (using x10 "strike
plates") and turned the lights on right to my closet that had the passport.
He had no question on where to go! 8>) When he left, the door
automatically locked and I turned off all the lights.
X10 is fun and easy to install and use. You can also start real small and
add on as you want to, to control costs.
If you have any more questions, please let me know.
Inch
(I have no interests in X10 technology or X10.com. I'm just sharing
product information and advice)
mailto:epetrevich@relavis.com
"Rex
Burkheimer" To: <epetrevich@relavis.com>,
<rex@wmautomo <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
tive.com> cc:
Subject: Re: Speaking of codes...
09/22/00
09:47 AM
Please
respond to
"Rex
Burkheimer"
what is an X10 Solution??
I'm about to put lighting into my shop, too.
Rex Burkheimer
Marketing Director, WM Automotive Warehouse
Fort Worth TX rex@wmautomotive.com
"Genius is nurtured in solitude, character in the social stream." -- Goethe
----- Original Message -----
From: <epetrevich@relavis.com>
To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 7:42 AM
Subject: Speaking of codes...
>
> This is a multipart message in MIME format.
> --=_alternative 0045CD9985256962_=
>
> Speaking of codes, does anyone know what you need to do with extra
> conductors that are wired in? (to be up to code)
> The person that owned the shop before me, must be Italian, because his
> wiring looks like Spaghetti! (Note: no offense to Italians, I'm 1/2
> Italian) 8>)
>
> Anyway, in cleaning up his wiring job, I've got lots of 3 conductor wires
> in boxes that only need 2. Of course I disconnected the wire at both
> ends, but do I need to do anything else? (i.e. E-tape, wire nut?)
>
> Thanks. I'm currently working on an X-10 solution to the shop lighting.
I
> did it in my last house and shop and loved it!
>
> Inch
> mailto:epetrevich@relavis.com
> --=_alternative 0045CD9985256962_=
>
>
>
>
> <br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Speaking of codes, does anyone know
what you need to do with extra conductors that are wired in? (to be up to
code)</font>
> <br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The person that owned the shop before
me, must be Italian, because his wiring looks like Spaghetti! (Note:
no offense to Italians, I'm 1/2 Italian) 8>)</font>
> <br>
> <br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Anyway, in cleaning up his wiring job,
I've got lots of 3 conductor wires in boxes that only need 2. Of
course I disconnected the wire at both ends, but do I need to do anything
else? (i.e. E-tape, wire nut?)</font>
> <br>
> <br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Thanks. I'm currently working on
an X-10 solution to the shop lighting. I did it in my last house and
shop and loved it!</font>
> <br>
> <br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">Inch<br>
> </font><a href=mailto:epetrevich@relavis.com><font size=3 color=blue
face="Times New Roman"><u>mailto:epetrevich@relavis.com</u></font></a>
> --=_alternative 0045CD9985256962_=--
>
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