I have been setting up an X10 Security System and find the manuals too arcane and uninformative for a new user.
The manual needs a basic tutorial on how the system as a works, setup instructions under varying scenarios, simplified terminology, and more detailed schematics.
For example:
On the Console:
During setup the console alarm went off and there were no instructions or buttons on the console to shut it off (disarm).
I finally used the remote control disarm button. Is this the only way to shut the alarm off? Why does the console have an "arm" button but no "disarm" button.
What is the function of unit numbers and house numbers. Why so many unit options? I still haven't figured out what the numbered "units" are for.
There is no clear explanation of the Mode 1 and 2 slide switch settings.
There is what appears to be an audio out jack on the side of the console but I have not found any description in the documentation for its purpose.
The bypass button is not described in any detail.
I realize this is not rocket science, but poorly written manuals can turn a user off very quickly.
Suggest the authors look at modern TV/Audio setup manuals for better examples of functional and schematic descriptions.
They should also be required to take a course in "effective writing". (If such is offered in China!)
X10 does not monitor this forum so don’t expect an “Official” answer. This is strictly a users form.
Which Security System are you referring to? It would help if we knew what you were talking about, because most of the questions you pose are found in the manual, or can be found in the X10 Wiki:
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Main_PageAs far as requesting “detailed” instructions, don’t hold your breath. X10 instructions are at the 10,000 foot level and they expect you to fill in the details. Not ideal, but that has been my experience with X10 since the early ‘80s.
No, there is no DISARM buttons on the console…most burglars can read.
The concept of House Codes and Unit Codes are explained on page 36.
ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/SC1200-OM.pdf The console controls lights by sending digital codes over the homes power lines. X10 is a complete remote control/ home automation system, not just security. Since the control signal travel on the power lines it is a problem if your neighbor also uses X10. You could accidentally control each others lights, hence multiple House Codes. If you neighbor using House Code “A” you would want to use something else, leaving HC “B” through “P” as your choices. Obviously there are 16 Unit Codes for users that have many lights / appliances they want to control. I have 90 in my home, other users have as many as 200, in these examples we are using 16 Unit codes in multiple House Codes. The X10 system has 256 addresses hence can control as many as 256 separate lights and / or appliances.
“Mode 1” “Mode 2” ? Again, which system are you asking about??? If you are asking about the DS7000 “Run 1” and “Run 2” is the two modes you would use depending on if the house was empty, or occupied.
Audio jack out?? Must be a DS7000 and that is for an earphone to check your message after you record it.
Bypass is used to bypass a problem zone.
Your forum posting is as hard to figure out as a typical X10 instruction sheet.
