Where does one find this information in an organized format?
Unfortunately there is no solid organizational manual. Best you'll come across is the help file in the program itself, and the Knowledge Base Wiki
http://kbase.x10.com for info.
As a simple example, there is a check box in macros that allegedly determines if the macro will be activated from the PC or from the controller.
Yes there is. This question has two answers though:
Do you have a CM19A (
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/CM19A),
or do you have a CM15A? (
http://graphics.x10.com/images_ahp//cm15a_c.gif)
The CM19A has no memory of it's own, and is designed to run Macros and Timers with the PC on.
The CM15A has on-board memory, and thus can store Macros and Timers to run without having the PC on.
As for setting up Macros, there's a pair of radio buttons that let you choose between "Store in Interface" or "Run from PC". Obviously Run from PC is as the name implies, and Store in Interface means that when you go to "Tools" -> "Download Timers and Macros", it will save it to the CM15A for later execution.
What happens to timers? I can't find out from the manual. Do they always run from the PC, from the controller or what?
Timers will always run from the interface if possible. If it's the CM19A, it automatically runs from the computer. ActiveHome Pro installs an X10 Service into Windows to ensure they get executed on time if that's the case.
Now to go back a bit:
In addition, these forums indicate a level of complexity of the product that far exceeds the minimal documentation.
It's all about finding a creative use for the sensors, macros, and timers. I'll give you an example: If you had the SS13A Slimline Stick-A-Switch, you would know it's an On/Off set of switches for three consecutive Unit Codes. Ie. If I program the first switch as, say, B1 - the second switch is B2, then the third is B3, and finally, a Bright/Dim control. If I made macros in AHP (ActiveHome Pro), I could actually "re-map" the buttons by making B1 a trigger for D6, B2 as E9, etc. It's experimentation. I personally spent about a month reading and re-reading in advance so I would understand what was possible. I know that doesn't work for everyone, which is why we volunteer to help
And as far as what Dave said, I agree. Don't over think it. It's made for things to be drag and drop easy. What you're mainly doing is turning things On/Off in a creative fashion. Instead of having individual timers and remotes for every module, you have a centralized interface to run all of that with. It can be very powerful, you just need to decide what you'd like to have controlled.
I'm a big fan of sitting down with a piece of paper, going through your house, then listing all the things you'd like for your system to do; if you'd like a certain light to come on when you walk into a room, if you'd like all the lights to turn off at a certain time, etc.
When you expand into Security Modules and OnAlert is also a whole other level of interesting. Start with the basics first though.
