I've been reading the forum for a few days and I'm learning a lot, but you guys sound more like electrical engineers than X10 enthusiasts. Some of the information I'm reading is a little intimidating. I'm good with a screwdriver and I'm very capable with a computer, however I am not an electrician or a programmer.
I'm looking to set up a system to control my lights from my computer so I can use timers and such. I live in a new condominium building that was built 4 years ago. I have a small unit, 800 square feet or so. In my unit I have 3 CFL lamps. My overhead lights are 50w halogen floods. I also have two ceiling fans that use standard 40w ceiling fan light bulbs. My computer runs Windows XP.
Can I just buy the CFL lamp modules, AM466, a bunch of wall switch modules, WS467, and an AHP Computer Interface, CM15A, and set it up? I feel like this must be more complicated. I read about very complex problems people have with this product and it has me a little confused. Does it work? Is there something that's better? Obviously the pricing of this particular brand has my interest.
I like the idea of this product, and I thought it might work in my condo because of it's small size, but I just want to make the right decision. Any advice is appreciated greatly.
Also, does it matter how many light bulbs are on a light switch? In my bathroom for example, I have a standard overhead 60w bulb on the same switch as three 50w Edison halogen bulbs. Many of my overhead light switches also have multiple halogen bulbs on them. And is there a switch that could give me control of the ceiling fans themselves and not just the light bulbs on them?
Thanks again for your assistance.