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[Digs]

I'm even newer than a newbie to X10.  I know very little about it technically, and to be a bit crass, don't really want to become an expert.

But what I would love to be able to do it turn on my hot tub remotely with my cell phone.  This could mean via the web, or messenger or ideally SMS.  I have a PC that is near the hot tub (within 20 feet on the other side of a wall).  I am fairly PC savvy, but am not to the level of actual programming abilities.  (I did a few searches on the board here, but other than SMS and Messenger I couldn't come up with what to search under.)

What is the easiest way to do this.  I hear varying things about Active Home Pro, but haven't been able to find any confirmation that it can be controlled remotely like this.

Ideally if you could let me know exactly what parts and software would be required.  I did come across X10Dispatcher but it seems very complicated and I'm not sure what I would use it with.

Ideas?  Thoughts?  Any feedback is much appreciated!!

Cheers.

[HA Dave]

I'm even newer than a newbie to X10.  I know very little about it technically, and to be a bit crass, don't really want to become an expert.

But what I would love to be able to turn on my hot tub remotely with my cell phone.  Ideas?  Thoughts?  Any feedback is much appreciated!!

Well we have MORE THAN ENOUGH Experts here! But (all joking aside) there ISN'T a "control your hot-tub from your cell-phone set-up PACKAGE DEAL" ... that I am aware of.

Sounds like you've already done some research.... the AHP (with the CM15A) along with the X10 Dispatcher AND and few other items and a little setup time (almost ALL X10 items setup in 20 minutes or less... even if it takes a long weekend)..... Should do the trick.

But it isn't plug-in-play... it COULD... even be a hassle. But it would almost certainly also be FUN.

[Digs]

I'm even newer than a newbie to X10.  I know very little about it technically, and to be a bit crass, don't really want to become an expert.

But what I would love to be able to turn on my hot tub remotely with my cell phone.  Ideas?  Thoughts?  Any feedback is much appreciated!!

Well we have MORE THAN ENOUGH Experts here! But (all joking aside) there ISN'T a "control your hot-tub from your cell-phone set-up PACKAGE DEAL" ... that I am aware of.

Sounds like you've already done some research.... the AHP (with the CM15A) along with the X10 Dispatcher AND and few other items and a little setup time (almost ALL X10 items setup in 20 minutes or less... even if it takes a long weekend)..... Should do the trick.

But it isn't plug-in-play... it COULD... even be a hassle. But it would almost certainly also be FUN.

Thanks for your comment Dave.  I'm up for some FUN, and don't mind doing some tinkering, just wasn't sure if I was on the right track.  So if I go with the AHP and CM15A, and X10 dispatcher what device would be suggusted for the business end at the hot tub?   Do you have any personal experience with X10Dispatcher?  Is it pretty solid?

[HA Dave]

......... just wasn't sure if I was on the right track.  So if I go with the AHP and CM15A, and X10 dispatcher what device would be suggusted for the business end at the hot tub?   Do you have any personal experience with X10Dispatcher?  Is it pretty solid?

I generally (sometimes, sorta) attempt to restrict my comments to what I know about.

I have never owned a hot tub.... and to be honest... I am not even sure what they require (20 amp 120V or 240V?).

I don't use the X10 Dispatcher (third party software) myself. But know several people who do.... and have heard many good things about it (and other third party software). I use the BVC third party software myself.... and am a BIG Fan of BVC.

Although AHP is the heart of most automation setups.... IMHO it is the "third party extras" that really make them "special".

Likely someone else will post here with more information than I have. Or follow the links I provided to read more and post additional questions.

P.S. Your on the right track!

[steven r]

First let me say welcome to X10 and the forum!

I think the easiest "off the shelf" solution would be to use an X10 Telephone Responder such as in this ad, http://www.securitycamerasandmore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=249 I'm not sure if this is the cheapest price for one so do some research if you decide to get it.

It can directly control up to 10 unique X10 UCs on the HC you pick for it or you can have it trigger macros via the CM15A programed from AHP.

These are some of the the phone in macros I have for mine.

• Shutdown Macro
• Flash Lights
• Shut garage door
• All lights on
• Camera on
• Camera off
• Set vacation flag
• Clear vacation flag
• Turn on window fans
• Turn off window fans

Get the idea? You can have it just turn on the hot tub or with macros have it also dim the lights, start music, and even have a default off time in case you forget or end up getting to busy to turn it off. 

[PajamaGuy]

Using BVC - Couldn't one create batch files (waveplayer style) - each one targeted to do somethig specific, then send yourself an email with (again) specific trigger words that the Outlook rules manager would key on to play the cooresponding batch (waveplayer) file.  BVC would hear the commands and execute.  Of course you'd be constrained by the send/receive timing interval, but so what?

[steven r]

I think someone once proposed putting a mic input for BVC next to an answering machine. I'm not sure if it was successful but the idea deserves merit.

[Tuicemen]

Digs 
I'm not sure exactly what you wish to do with your hot tub?
Mine is 220volt and when filled always on!( a must for proper chemical balance)!
If yours is 110 and the Amps required not to high you may find a module capable of supplying power to it!
Once that is accomplished there are many ways you could control it!
AHP (CM15A) would be my choice  with a third party software like X10Dispatcher or AlertDialer(voice modem required)

[HA Dave]

I think someone once proposed putting a mic input for BVC next to an answering machine. I'm not sure if it was successful but the idea deserves merit.

I had found "CLAP" wav file and setup BVC to play a "clap, clap" and turn ON a clapper. It's almost limitless as to what CAN be done.

I am glad this thread finally turned to using BVC! That's something I really do know something about.

[Digs]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas.  I am looking into several and will report back on the results. 

I am as new to hot tub chemical balance as I am to x10 so the comment above about having it running full time may have ended my fun for now.  We'll see.

Cheers.