for the X10 bashers

[dave w]

Check this fresh thread at Cocoon Tech/Home Automation (3/17/10)

"Leviton says max 30-35 devices for reliable ViziaRF Z-Wave network."

[Mellowmark]

No thread pasted here Dave. You must have forgot. 

[HA Dave]

No thread pasted here Dave. You must have forgot. 

He gave directions. Here is a link:  http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16089

The post and the replies point out [my words] the misunderstanding that trendier brand names are better products. I have always said (typed) that the reliability of a Home Automation setup is more dependent on the installers skills.. than the HA flavor used. Apparently some would say Zwave isn't as reliable (as X10) in larger setups.

No two homes... or home automation setups are exactly the same. And I don't think most DIY automation users have larger setups. But I do think X10 users can feel that their purchases are not only less expensive than the newer brands. X10 is [also] every bit as reliable and expandable as any other brand.

However... there will always be those that believe the "latest greatest" is the best... or that "cost is king". Since Zwave is the newest (and a well advertised big name) brand and costs around 10 times the price of X10. I would also expect to read contrary reports.

[dave w]

Sorry folks, I assumed all members here, having any interest in Z-Wave would be familiar with Cocoon Tech.

You know what they say about assuming.

Dave X10, thanks for the help!

Anywho, I thought it very enlightening that Z-Wave (which seems to be pulling ahead of the the various other formats) has it's own set of problems.

Also I was not aware of the "limitation" in number of Z-Wave units. A 30 to 40 unit limit (defining maximum communication efficiency or accuracy I guess) is really limiting.

Most "serious" HA freaks will go well beyond that (we have a small home, but yet are using over 95 X10 addresses with at least 80 active modules, in an earlier 2400sq ft home we had 127 modules).

I think the Cocoon thread really puts X10 in a new (and complementary) light. If they could just fix their manufacturing quality problems they could still be "last man standing".   

[HA Dave]

....... the "limitation" in number of Z-Wave units. A 30 to 40 unit limit (defining maximum communication efficiency or accuracy I guess) is really limiting.
..... I think the Cocoon thread really puts X10 in a new (and complementary) light. If they could just fix their manufacturing quality problems they could still be "last man standing". 

I can't recall when product success was ever been determinded by actual engineering superiority or quality. And I seem to recall an economic concept that would imply that... more often than not... two will remain standing. I think X10 has cemented its place as the value priced automation brand and protocol.

[Knightrider]

......I think X10 has cemented its place as the value priced automation brand and protocol.

That is, until smartgrid communications are found to disrupt the X10 protocol.

[dave w]

......I think X10 has cemented its place as the value priced automation brand and protocol.

That is, until smartgrid communications are found to disrupt the X10 protocol.

Supposedly Duke did big study in Kentucky and southern Ohio with Broadband Over Powerlines and X10, with no conflicts to either communication format. Hopefully Smartgrid communications will be in the same spectrum as BPL.