Topic: [Closed] X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera! (Read 286128 times)

Technobard · « **Reply #60 on:** September 10, 2007, 08:24:35 AM »

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Eureka! We are getting closer to a smarter home.
A break down of my home as you tour through X-10 uses....

I have an ms14a motion sensor setup on my front porch above a intercom system. When comeone approaches it turns on the base station power. So I save energy by only having it operate when someone comes in range to use it. Since my mailbox is next to it, this also lets me know when mail or visitors are arriving.
I use my wireless cameras to view the front of my house (porch and front door), one in the living room for survelliance, and a nany-cam there as well. I have another wireless aimed at my street so I can monitor who is around all the vehicles in the street to help deter vandalism, etc. The side of my home has some hardwired cameras which I can tied into my receiver as well. The back of my home has two additional cameras to see what is going on. Several of the cameras are set to random picture capture while three use motion detection to power up in case of incident and force recording from their location. I use both the Active Home and the VCR commander (UX21A) to ensure I capture images to two locations for backup security.
Also use Active Home Pro to turn on/off my air conditioners, my lights, fans, and more. Since the USB interface stores the macros there is less issue when I am travelling of anything being missed. The Active Home Professional when going out of town turns lights on/off at different intervals and delays, so it appears someone is home. Have to love the remote(s) as well. I set my house codes to be a little more unique so the remotes only trigger a few lights.
There is also a voice dialer security console (DX7000) set up to call when a security motion sensor or any sensor strip is activated.
So the security of my (and surrounding) homes is the major reason.
The real "fun" of X-10 comes in around the holidays.
Christmas - the lights set to chase each other to music, the tree light control, and of course train track control. The dimmer module can throttle back the power or speed it up as effectively as the train controller box.
Halloween - between motion sensors automating ghouls and ghosts, lighting that dims and flickers, to on/off animatronic control. Then add in dragon heads that spew mist, armor that jiggles as little ghouls approach... makes for a fun experience.
I also use X-10 with my car - a replica of a Knight Rider. With cameras to monitor the vehicle and my garage setup with tube lights and some other FX, it makes eyebrows raise to see the KARR and numerous components being monitored by cameras and the like.

Items I have acquired and setup in my castle:
Security remotes
Door/Window Sensors
Motion Sensors
Security cameras using the Xcam Anywhere, Xcam2 Wideye (ninja), and Nightwatch2
Mailbox monitoring with door/window sensor and EagleEye motion sensor
Garage door automation with door/window sensor and universal module
Lighting and fan control with wall switch modules, dimmer/fixture modules, and lamp modules
iconRemote controlling: TV, DVD, Cable Receiver, even Creative Labs audio in my PC for movies
Ligthing macros using iconRemote and Infrared Mini-controller
Thermostat Set-back controller

Brandon McKay · « **Reply #61 on:** September 10, 2007, 10:32:12 AM »

Quote from: RayBo on September 10, 2007, 07:48:03 AM

I have nine X-10 cameras run by Vanguard. I use them for "horse-sitting." My wife and I both work and therefore can not be home all day with the horses. However, we have Vanguard cameras in the barn that can see each stall. I've arranged preset locations for each camera to allow monitoring of the stalls, including preset positions for food buckets and water buckets.

I have installed solenoid valves and float switches on the water pipes going to each stall and the water buckets that I can control with my X10 system, and I periodically check the status of every horse's water bucket by logging on to the Vanguard software over the internet from my office or when I'm out of town. If one of them gets low (It's very hot here in Florida and sometimes they drink a lot more than you'd expect.) I can turn on the water solenoid valve to each horse's stall on whenever I see that it is low and filli it up.

Even better...I have recently kicked it up a notch by setting up a macro to use input from the float switches to automatically refill the water when it gets low. The float switches and solenoids are low power, so I just hooked them up as if they are lamps or appliances in my house. When someone's bucket gets low, a macro fires and fills it up. ALL my neighbors are jealous.

I'd like to try a Sentinel in my house so I can see when my daughter gets home from school. That way I can shut off the macros and have her walk out to the barn and refill the water the old fashioned way. (Kids still need some chores to build character, you know...)

Automatic Water Fillup! Very cool use...

Keep the ideas coming everyone - it is great to see how creative everyone is with X10 gear! Any of you guys have any videos of your setup?

- Brandon

Bernard Piorek · « **Reply #62 on:** September 10, 2007, 11:31:21 AM »

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I've been using and enjoying X10 products and Active Home software to automate my home and make life easier. Every morning at 6:00am our bedroom light, hallway light, living room lamp turn on dimmed. Easy on the early morning eyeballs. 1 Hour later they brighten to 100%. We're awake. At 9:30am they all turn off. We've left without dealing with light switches. All done with Macros! In the evening some inside lamps come on 15 minutes after dusk and turn off at 11:00pm. I've installed PLC Relay wall switches to control a driveway and backyard florescent Lights. Both lights also have an eagle eye sensor to turn them on when motion is detected and turn off after a predetermined time period. The Driveway light also comes on every day 15 minutes after dusk until 11:00pm regardless of motion.
Every year from November 23 until Jan. 15, 3 -20A PLC exterior outlets turn on at dusk until 11:00pm on weekdays and 12 midnight on weekends. These control 50 amps of Christmas lighting. Interior Holiday lighting is also automated.
I use several remote controllers to use lights and outlets at other times of the day.

What happened to the wall switches you had for a time that had a feature called smart dimming or something like that. When I was ready to buy them I couldn't find them. The ability to ramp up from off to a preset dim level would greatly enhance the satisfaction I have with your with your products. I know Smarthome has switches that do this but they are a little expensive.

Martysan · « **Reply #63 on:** September 10, 2007, 06:24:03 PM »

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Hi, I used an X10 camera and wireless receiver to have a rear view monitoring system in my motorhome. Most systems cost close to a $1000, but I have less than $100 in mine. I mounted the camera under a cabinet and it is pointing out the rear window, this way everything is inside out of the weather. I have a 15 inch LCD TV that is mounted to an overhead cabinet directly in back of the front passenger seat, so I just hooked up the wirless receiver to that. The TV can be turned so I can easily see it while I am driving. Everything runs on 12 volts so no problems. The main difference between this system and those made for motorhomes is that it is not a "mirror image" picture. Since it is mounted to the side instead of to the front there is no confusion. I tow a small trailer with my ATV in it and it is impossible to see it in the mirrors,so this wrks great for me. Also gives me a 15 inch rear view "mirror"

kevin vega · « **Reply #64 on:** September 10, 2007, 06:56:22 PM »

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First idea (X10): I noticed that before exiting the front door or rear door a red flash will flash warning to activate alarm system, but instead, it will advise you in a language voice warning. Also It could be in different languages such as Spanish, Chinessed, Frech, etc. This product could remind everyone who live in the household that has a fast life style, which some of the members of the household may forget to arm the security system before exiting their home.

Second idea: I noticed that the voice dialer panel is dark. A good idea would be to have the dialer panel illuminated for better security system and have enhance vision when you are going to put the numbers in the pad.

Third idea: A cat/dog collar receiver to monitor lost pets and this also can reflect to a special X10 all in one system cam/gps/audio stystem all in one that can monitor your vehicle or the pet collar position.

davehtx · « **Reply #65 on:** September 10, 2007, 08:14:12 PM »

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[img]I use it for Halloween! I set the camera up facing the trick or treaters coming up the sidewalk and connect the video to a TV or better yet, my daughter's karaoke machine. This let's the adults who've come over for the Halloween party see the little goblins approach.
Then, I run a wire to a computer speaker hidden in the bushes next to the sidewalk. I also run a line to a skull that has a audio driven servo in it's jaw. The adults in the house get to talk through the karaoke to the trick or treaters coming up the stairs. I think it's more fun for the adults than the kids!

aschreiner · « **Reply #66 on:** September 10, 2007, 08:31:11 PM »

While you have all been sharing with us your great ideas and real-life experiences, we at X10 have been doing some sharing of our own.

Click here to see How We Use X10 in our own ways.

Many of us have unique and interesting ways of using X10 products in our own lives and will be offering up these solutions to you. Perhaps we've thought of something that will work for you in your own home. X10 Employees are experts and can offer you effective home security and home automation solutions, interesting ways to use your security cameras, or different uses for our numerous home entertainment systems; they may even give you a few tips and tricks or let you in on a few little secrets of the X10 world.

We are in the process of building these X10 Employee Profiles and will have many new faces for you to meet and new deals for you to take advantage of regularly. So check back often, you never know who you will meet. (perhaps it will be me!)

See How We Use X10

Andrew
X10 Web Designer
http://www.x10.com/

Aaron Weinberg · « **Reply #67 on:** September 10, 2007, 08:43:21 PM »

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I use my X10 to remotely turn on and off my jets on my swim spa. In addition to that I can turn my pool filter on and off with the appliance modules utilized at the proper locations.

alfonso78 · « **Reply #68 on:** September 11, 2007, 03:20:07 AM »

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While away from home, my Voice-Dialler and door/window/motion sensors secure my home. If anyone enters my home, the siren starts blaring, the living room and front door lights start flashing, and the console calls my cell phone to let me know. Then I can get online to view my home's surveillance. I have a FloodCam at each entranceway, a B/W XCam2 on a Ninja Pan'N Tilt in the living room, and a wide-angle colour XCam2 in the foyer that watches the front door. Since most of my lights are automated (switches, lamp modules, and Socket Rockets), I can easily turn on all the lights and see whats happening from any computer on the internet. I've used several different programs to record the video and/or snapshots on my computer, but usually I just use my VCR Commander to record any motion (real easy!!). Since I use two wireless video receivers, both the VCR and the computer can record, reducing the risk of an intruder stealing the evidence.

While at home, I use many X10 products. Of course my lights, coffee pot, and air conditioner can all be remote controlled. I have alot of music on my computer, so I use BOOM2000 and a wireless audio sender & receiver to hear my MP3's in the living room and bedroom. If anyone comes to visit, the FloodCam's motion sensor triggers a chime inside, giving me enough time to see them on my TV before they even knock. The thing I love the most though, is that everything is controlled on the same remote. Although I have PalmPads, key-chain remotes, and SlimSwitches, my truly universal remote (UR78A) does it all. It runs my TV, VCR, Cable, Stereo, Computer Media Player, and X10 components (lights, appliances, cameras...). Now that I can remote control my computer's music and wireless speaker setup, I hardly ever use my stereo.

I'm a firm believer in having an integrated system. That's why I love X10 so much. For years, manufacturers have been pressuring us to buy products that are "hi-tech", and full of micro-computers. Nowadays, even coffee-pots have built-in computers!!! X10 has proven that there is no need for this. Rather than having a computer in my coffee-pot, I use my home computer and software like ActiveHome Pro to run all my home's electronics. Using easy to set-up macros, my computer wakes me up by turning on my bedside radio, turning on some dimmed lighting, and starting a fresh pot of coffee. Instead of having my hallway motion-sensor directly controlling the hall and bathroom lights, I add logic to the system by having the computer decide what to do. If it's morning or evening, the hallway and bathroom light turn on. If it's afternoon, just the bathroom light turns on. But if it's in the middle of the night, both lights turn on at only 40% brightness.

I think the future of home automation, though, is through Voice-Recognition, and text-to-speech software. Anyone who uses their computer in their home automation system should definitely try programs like HomeSeer 2 (they do a free 30 day trial). It's almost like a Star Trek movie!! You talk to your computer, and it talks with you. Although HomeSeer 2 is not an X10 product, it does control X10 components. Just ask for coffee, and your wish is your computer's command. The only drawback is that you have to talk into your computer's microphone. So far, voice-recognition software can't really handle background noise, so you can't talk to your computer from across the room. If X10 were to step in with their own Voice-Recognition software (actually, the software just accesses Microsoft's voice-recognition and text-to-speech capabilities), and come out with a little wireless microphone you could pin to your clothes (just like in Star Trek!!), I think it would be a huge boost to the industry ($$$).

Thanks for reading, and thanks for posting. I'm definitely going to try some of the ideas I've seen in this forum

Dave

goaltra · « **Reply #69 on:** September 11, 2007, 07:26:57 AM »

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40 units and still going, 3 years ago I purchased a x10 camera system for live security monitoring of my property, I was very impressed by the quality of the picture sent to my TV and felt there must be some truth to all the hype about these x10 products, Since then I have installed wireless outlets for all my high end electronic equipment so I can turn off these units during lightening storms in the middle of the night, I've also installed wireless light switches to control ceiling fans and bedroom lights with dimming for the children's rooms for bed time, At the entrances there are light switches operating with motion sensors for those times when your hands are full and sensors to control exterior light for security,It's a great idea having the built in microphone on the miniature cameras, I use my deck camera to listen and watch the kids as they play to unsure there safety and well being, In our bathrooms are light wireless light switches that are motion controlled so when the children rise in the night half a sleep they can find there way with out disturbing the whole house, In our kitchen I've installed a socket rocket that's motion controlled and set for night use and it works great (no more stub ed toes) thank you very much, We haven't had a need for central air yet thank god, but where the air conditioner is now is quite high to the ceiling and it's great to turn it on & off with the palm remote, Also on our central vacuum I've in stall a wireless receptacle for the power head and a appliance three prong module both being control ed with a two button remote from any where in the house, My future projects will include, Lighting up my artificial well remotely, Installing more remote controlled robot cameras in the woods around our property which will be battery powered for nature views, Installing a appliance three pronged module to remotely operate my pressurewasher to save hydro, All in All it's been a great experience working with your X10 products. Goaltra.

P Mckenzie · « **Reply #70 on:** September 11, 2007, 08:14:02 AM »

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I use my xten camera as a nany cam that way i can see what my nany is doing with my kids while i'm at work

never20ld · « **Reply #71 on:** September 11, 2007, 09:42:54 AM »

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The most useful application that I have devised is that of employing an X10 camera to watch an electronic thermometer that monitors the temperature inside (or outside) my home from anywhere with internet access. With various wireless remote temperature sensors the health of my air conditioning system or heater can be monitored without complex software and expensive dedicated devices.

My wife and I spend a lot of time away from home. During these extended periods, as well as when we are home, the X10 Active Home Pro software and various modules give my home a “lived in” appearance by turning on and off lights at appropriate times. It is also remotely accessible via services like “Logmein.com” or “gotomypc.com” and all aspects of my system can be remotely controlled while on extended trips.

Larry

dvlasman · « **Reply #72 on:** September 11, 2007, 10:23:37 AM »

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I use X10 for home security. I have the standard X10 security system with door and window sensors, motion sensors at the front and rear doors that turn the outside lights on, the driveway sensor with a chime, and my favorite, the x10 cam with a motion sensor that the front door connected to the VCR commander so that I can record all the visitors that come to the house while I'm away. My next project will be to post the video or pics from the web cam to the internet so I can monitor it real time from anywhere. X10 is the best security system I've ever had!

john tryggeseth · « **Reply #73 on:** September 11, 2007, 12:02:21 PM »

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We live on a farm north of Motley Mn. Our neighbor claims that his dogs are not the ones killing our ducks,chickens,pigeons, & rabbits. This camera is the answer to finding the truth, as my wife loves & cares for her pets. It is dishearting when she brings one of these animals in the house all chewed up. Instead of keeping their animals kenneled they let them loose at night when we go to bed. He says shoot them when you see them. Well he don't call us, he lets them out without our knowledge. With the camera we can show the photos to the Game Warden & put a stop to this insanity! Thankyou, Bualai & John

Tuicemen · « **Reply #74 on:** September 11, 2007, 01:16:39 PM »

It just amazes me how "free stuff" motivates people!
Seems TTAs idea to get people to participate wasn't that far off!
I and other fellow forum members enjoy reading ways that you have used your X10 gear!
To All those that have posted ideas so far and those about too:

**Please don't this be your only post in the forums!**
Your ideas and suggestion really do make a difference!

News:

Poll

You Decide Which Entry Should WIN The X10 Sentinel! Please choose your FAVORITE 3 ENTRIES:

Author Topic: [Closed] X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera! (Read 286128 times)

Technobard

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

Brandon McKay

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

Bernard Piorek

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

Martysan

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

kevin vega

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

davehtx

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

aschreiner

X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

Aaron Weinberg

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

alfonso78

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

goaltra

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

P Mckenzie

X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

never20ld

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

dvlasman

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

john tryggeseth

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!

Tuicemen

Re: X10 Idea Contest! Winner receives a FREE Sentinel Camera!