What exactly is X10?

[maxse]

Hi every1. Im a complete newb to all this. I just got my first 8810w remote and am looking for a cable to order... I keep reading in many posts though about X10 this X10 that. What exactly is X10? Couldnt really find any difinitive info on it. Is it something that if installed with a switch in ur wall can dim your lights or something? If yes can some1 please point me to the right direction? IT seems pretty cool if I can do that through my remote. Thank you.

[Mark Pierson]

X10.com. Be sure to check out this introduction to the technology. Unfortunately, you can't control X10 directly from a JP1 remote unless you use an IR543 converter.

[maxse]

damn. But can u program X10 remotes to be like JP1s? An are their any real disadvantages to using that converter? Thank you.

[Mark Pierson]

But can u program X10 remotes to be like JP1s?

Nope!

An are their any real disadvantages to using that converter?

The stock converter only allows 8 (?) devices on 1 "housecode". THere's a "hacked" version of the IR543 out there that I think allows 8 devices under all 16 available houscodes.

[The Robman]

The IR543 allows for 16 unit codes on 1 house code.

[mr_d_p_gumby]

The stock converter only allows 8 (?) devices on 1 "housecode". THere's a "hacked" version of the IR543 out there that I think allows 8 devices under all 16 available houscodes.

The stock converter only allows 16 devices on 1 "housecode". THere's a "hacked" version of the IR543 out there that allows 16 devices under all 16 available houscodes.

[Mark Pierson]

Yeah... what they said!

(I was testing them... they pass! )

[maxse]

lol whao guys what exactly do all these codes mean? Basically X10 works by sending a signal through the electrical wiring am I right? Also lets say I only want 4 particular dimmers in my house to dim, will I be able to do the with the converter?

Also how much do these dimmers go for. Seems like around $70! The regualr IR single dimmers are only about $25. What do u guys think?

[The Robman]

The IR543 is $20 at http://www.homeautomationnet.com

[Wheelie4]

lol whao guys what exactly do all these codes mean?

You can operate a total of 16 lights/lamps/appliances on 1 house code. House codes range from A to P which can give you control of a total 256 lights/lamps/appliances if you get the IR543AH. With the IR543 you can only select 1 of the 16 lettered house codes giving you control of only 16 lights/lamps/appliances.

Basically X10 works by sending a signal through the electrical wiring am I right?

Right.

Also lets say I only want 4 particular dimmers in my house to dim, will I be able to do the with the converter?

Yes, if you only want to control 4 lights the cheaper IR543 will do.

[classicsat]

You can have more thatn , by having modules have the same addresses.

Las I looked, wire in wall dimmers sold for around $30, plug in lamp dimmer modules and appliance modules for $20.

If you have neigbors that use X-10 (that are fed from the same power transformer as you), you cannot use housecode(s) they use.
Also, you sometimes may need a bridge, to allow the X-10 signal to pass from the one power leg to the other.

[maxse]

Guys i dont mean to control only 4 dimmers. I mean lets say I have 15 Dimmers, but I onl want to dim 4 of them when watching a movie. Will that be possible with this converter???

Classiccar, could you PLEASE tell me where I can buy the wired-in wall dimmers for $30, I am so confused. The onll ones I am able to find are around $60-$70, which is way too expensive so I might just get an infrared one. I dunno could you help me out?

[The Robman]

What is X10?
http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html

Here's a rocker dimmer switch for $35...
http://www.smarthome.com/2384.html