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[mboy]

Ok, Techie guy, new to home automation.

Live in a condo and I am looking to control a few CFl bulbed lamps, the light outside my front door and maybe my thermostat. Really do not need to do too much timed stuff, but maybe a little.  Most interested in being able to remotly control my lamps using the internet and my iphone/ipad.

Examples of what I would like to be able to do.

1)Pulling up to my condo late night. Porch light is out. Like to be able to turn it on from my iphone before I exit my car.
2) Turn on living room light before I walk in, same method.
3) Turn porch lite off via iphone or internet when away frm the house (if I leave it on by accident for example).
4) remotely turn on a crockpot in my kitchen using an appliance module when I am away from home either iphone or internet.

I know they have no more cm15a's and are replaced by the inferior cm15k.  Will the K suffice for my needs?

I am not looking to spend a lot on this and was thinking of this package with a bunch of 3 pin appliance modules thrown in:

http://www.x10.com/home_automation/x10_thermostat.html?TWENTY11

I am aware of the X10 issues these days, but do realize they are the least expensive way to get into this and since I am not trying to do anything ultra sophisticated, I am hooping this is a cheap sub $100 solution for my basic needs.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS, I do have a PC that runs 24 7 so that is not a huge concern, but a standalone device would be ideal.

Thank you.

[Tuicemen]

Everything you wish to do is possible.
Their are a number of thirdpary software options that are free that will allow things you wish to help cut some of the cost.
Look at iHouse.
However I'd research the thermostat option a little more. I'm not sure the x10 termostat is the best option(certainly the cheepest though)
 

[mboy]

Thank you for your reply.

Which package do you reco me ordering from X10 then (assuming I can get a 3 pack of 3 pin appliance modules) cheaper elsewhere?

The ihouse would replace the active home pro?

Thanks again.

[Tuicemen]

I doubt you'll find the hardware cheaper else where.
Many dealers have jacked up there prices of x10 hardware with rumors of X10 being unable find a manufacturer to make new hardware.
iHouse can replace AHP but for the price I'd get the kit that includes AHP.
As for AHP plug-ins make sure you get at least the smartmacro plug-in though it may be worth getting all plug-ins if the price is right.
Of coarse if you use ihouse or another thirdparty software you may not need the plug-ins.
The cool thing is you can always expand, if you find you need more hardware and everyone does.
 

[mboy]

Thanks again for all your help.

Should I b concerned with the cm15k vs 15a?

[Brian H]

The CM15K is a CM19A USB RF Tranceiver and the TM751 receives its commands for the power lines.
The CM15K has no way to receive power line signals to trigger things like macros.
Also has no downloadable memory for macros or timers.
Computer has to be On 24/7.

[Tuicemen]

What Brian said.
This is the closest thing X10 currently has to the CM15A.
Although using a Cm19 (included in the kit) is limiting it will allow you to do what you want.
I used a cm19a for years and still have one in my box of spare items.

[mboy]

Very good, thank you. My PC runs 24/7 anyway, so no issue there.

Thanks again.

[mboy]

Just received my setup and one of the boxes says cm15A. Am I in biz?

[Brian H]

If it looks like this please let us know as we have been told. They are no longer being made.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/CM15A

If you got these two items. Then it is a CM15K Kit.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/CM19A
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/TM751

[mboy]

I just got home from Vaca last night and the box was waiting for me.

I will look more tonight, but the box does say cm15a and the unit looks just like that.

The only other items I received was the 3 pin appliance module and the thermostat thing, so it appears, I really do have the cm15a.

[mboy]

Just confirmed, it is most def a brand new cm15a! 

[bkenobi]

Can you post the alpha-numeric symbol on the CM15A?  I'm curious when it was manufactured since it's been reported on this site many times that they will no longer be produced.  Either they found one and you got lucky, or they have a new supplier.  I'd hope the second, but the first would be good for you!

[mboy]

I am not sure what u r looking for, but it says 1632a-cm15a

[Brian H]

Maybe a new manufacturer X10 has making the CM15A.
Older ones have a Date Code sticker on them . Was a round white one with two Numbers, then a Letter, then two more Numbers.
Like my oldest CM15A is a 04J41. 41 st week of 2004.