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[Synchrouk]

I've spent a few hours looking into X10 for my new house.  I would like it to integrate with my Vista Media Centre.  this does not appear to be a problem.  However, as I understand it X10 works by sending signals along the mains wiring?  How will my PC be able to access the mains cables for transmission?

Simple question, probably (hopefully) a really simple answer.

TIA

Oh, and hi all \o

[HA Dave]

How will my PC be able to access the mains cables for transmission?

Simple question, probably (hopefully) a really simple answer.

You can (as many of us do) use the AHP (Active Home Pro). It's a computer interface, and generally comes with a suite of software. You will be able to program the AHP as well as run things (all sorts of things) through your computer.

You really should start building, testing, and learning about X10 before you move.... it could give you real insight.

Another great option (I use) you may want to check-out is BVC.   Bill's Voice Commander is a software that can be used to voice control X10, and now IR too.

[G. L.Tirebiter]

Just some guesses here....

Judging by your screen name and the use of the word "mains", I'm guessing you are not US based (UK?) - and most X10 equipment, including the CM15A, is designed for US voltages. Some of it can be adapted.

Maybe you are a transplant though......

Also AHP working on Vista still seems to be a challenge - you may wish to read up on these forums about that.

Good Luck,

G

[Synchrouk]

Yep, the "mains" was a give away, I'm UK based.  What is the actual interface between the PC and X10 equipment, serial cable?  If so, where does this serial cable plug into (on the other end)?

[Dan Lawrence]

For X10 in England, try http://www.x10europe.com/

[G. L.Tirebiter]

The old CM11A (which I use (mostly)) is well known and dissected, it uses a serial connection.

The CM15A (newer and AHP) uses USB.

Here is an interesting (but not too active) UK forum: http://board.homeseer.com/forumdisplay.php?s=51767224a77d8f29f9c965de407f848a&f=634

A LOT of the best (and free) stuff there comes from a UK user - big surprise huh?

You do know you can buy a home (at the current exchange rate) in the US for 37 pounds +, but electronics are still silly high in the UK. EBay can work sometimes.

Say hi to my friend in Staines, he has a Mercedes for sale now for really cheap.

Sorry if this is non-sequitur, - but I have mad cow (result, I'm sure, of a short visit).

G

[Oldtimer]

Yep, the "mains" was a give away, I'm UK based.  What is the actual interface between the PC and X10 equipment, serial cable?  If so, where does this serial cable plug into (on the other end)?

In the US most of us are using the CM15A which connects to your PC with a USB cable.  If you end up with a CM11A which would be an earlier model in the US and uses a serial connection you might be interested in this excerpt from a post of mine to the Home Automation News Group back in 2000.

In defense of the CM11A I've had VERY good luck with mine operating
stand-alone (i.e.months at a time of trouble free operation with almost as
many macros as it will hold) since I've done the following:


  *    Don't leave the serial connection plugged in to the CM11A when you're
not actually programming it with your computer.


  *    Set the Active Home software to a default house code that is NOT one
of the ones you actually use.


  *    Program it to turn on or off a two-way module at least twice a day.
For example I do this to the appliance module built into my PAT01 RF
receiver. The second signal of the day sent to the PAT01 is in the early
evening and is OFF since that is the state you want the PAT01 to be in so
remote dimming will work properly on the other device codes from the Palm
Pilots or TV remotes.


With these precautions I almost never get a CM11A lock up and on the rare
occasions when I do I simply send a signal from a Palm Pilot or TV remote to
the appliance module in the PAT01 and that frees everything up.  By the way
these procedures worked just as well with the RR501 before it was hit by
lightning and I replaced it with the PAT01.

[Tuicemen]

Synchrouk:
To answer your question:

How will my PC be able to access the mains cables for transmission?

You will need a power adaptor! Follow mnazmi's advice at Re: 120v to 220v
Since any X10 device you get from  the US will need to be modified you may wish to PM mnazmi for further info!
He states farther in the thread: 

If anything I found CM15A modification to be the easiest  possible.  The hardest being the socket rocket.