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[r1s]

I'm a newbie to this forum and kinda one to the X10.  I have used them to manually turn on/off a few lights in the yard for many years.

But now I am trying to go the whole way and am looking to upgrade to:
   1) automate the on/off on the lights I currently use
   2) add significantly more interior and exterior controls to automate more stuff and set up "if-then" scenarios
   3) get some cameras to view different sections of my house & property which I can view on my PC and my TV (and possibly remotely)

In looking at the X10 website and all their products, packages, and specials I get totally confused.  It is frustrating to say the least.

I think I figured out the difference between the CM15A and 2-Way Universal Computer Interface.  CM15A being USB connected and newer and the UCI being serial and older.  So I think I will go with the $49.99 package special of the CM15A with the ActiveHome Professional Software (SW32A).

I add that to the cart. 

Trying to use my $15.00 coupon for signing up to their email I add the package for 2 floodlights + remote chime for $69.99.  Whoa!   I get a "X10 QuikCash™ Coupon good for up to $100.00 OFF" (if you buy $300 worth of eligible products).  Sounds like a good deal to me.

So I start looking for the remote camera packages.  Find a couple that look pretty good.  In trying to see which one I want, I see that the main difference between them is the software they use (and a few other miscellaneous items).  One package uses the Vanguard Software (SW26A) and the other (which I am leaning towards because it looks like a better deal) uses the MultiView V1.0 Software (SW19A), the WebView Software (SW20A), and the Pan Tilt Pro Software (SW21A).  I search the X10 website for the features and benefits of each system to no avail.  I try to find manuals on them with no luck.  But I find this forum.  I search each of these software on the forum and find that people are having problems with one or the other but nothing that tells me how they differ.

But I did find that someone said that if you are going to want to do more than just control the cameras you should get the "AHP" which I assume is the ActiveHome Pro.  That it beats the Vanguard by a mile.  So my question is:  If I have ActiveHome Pro (CM15A) do I need these other software programs?  Maybe I should be looking for just the cameras with no software in the package?

I hope this post isn't too long and does expose my ignorance.  But I have spent the last 6 hours in trying to figure out all these "specials", what I need to get done what I want, and how to most efficiently spend my limited funds.  If I am idiot please tell me - but point me in the direction where I can find the info I need.

Thanks

[Tuicemen]

Active Home Pro (the package with all the plug-ins)
get your cams in a deal without Software
and get the VA11A USB capture device (AHP only works with it!)

[r1s]

Thanks Tuicemen for you answer here and your help in the Chat Room 

Took your advice and got the AHP package w/ plug-ins, a package of 4 wireless cams and the VA11A USB capture device.

Setting everything up it is pretty much what I wanted and am satisfied with the performance for the price I paid. 

BUT... (you know that was coming  )) I now realize that there is a limit to how far a wireless camera can transmit.  Namely 100'.  I want to transmit 400' - from my barn to my PC/TV.  In searching the X10 site they suggest a relay of transmitters and receivers.  I would need a set of four and to me that sounds a bit tenuous in its quality and reliability - not to mention cost. 

So my question is:  Is that the only solution  .  Or is there someone out there who is very clever and ingenious and has another way to send a video image 400+ feet. 

Thanks all

[Tuicemen]

Glad to hear the package has pretty much what you were looking for!
Have you thought of running wires?
KDR & Dave_x10_L don't mind doing it maybe they'll come over and do it for you !

[KDR]

Thanks Tuicemen for your solution 

Tuicemen is half right. I would look at running wired cams due to the distance. I have tested wired cams with wire length's as much as 600 feet with no problems. You can get the Anaconda's at a deal on the X10 site. I have a few installed and the light source for a good image is a 100 watt bulb. A 60 watt would work but produces a poor image. Some aftermarket IR night vision cams will work with AHP and iWatch along with the VA11A video adaptor.

Happy Holidays

^{----------------KDR}

[HA Dave]

..........I now realize that there is a limit to how far a wireless camera can transmit.  Namely 100'. I want to transmit 400' - from my barn to my PC/TV.   In searching the X10 site they suggest a relay of transmitters and receivers.  I would need a set of four and to me that sounds a bit tenuous in its quality and reliability - not to mention cost.......... 

..........I would look at running wired cams due to the distance........

I agree with KDR! For 400 feet... it's hard to beat wire... besides IMHO the "relay of transmitters and receivers"  won't actually work-out anyway. Although A relay sender/receiver will work (for shorter distances), I wouldn't consider a series of sender/receivers units as a reliable alternative.

What went through my mind was.... do you have electric in the barn? And do you want to keep an eye on the barn, or the contents of the barn?

[r1s]

Thanks guys.  Looks like wired must be the answer.  And KDR  I'll take a look at that Anaconda.

Dave_x10_L - I do have electricity in the barn and I am looking to keep an eye on the contents.  In the last month I have "lost" an expensive folding extension ladder and my chain saw (which I didn't notice until our latest wind storm which has left a tree in my driveway which I can't move without cutting into smaller pieces  ).

[HA Dave]

Dave_x10_L - I do have electricity in the barn and I am looking to keep an eye on the contents. 

I would try putting a transceiver in the barn and see if you can send an X10 signal to the house. With a couple motion sensors (and a transceiver) in the barn that could flash a couple lights in your home (as well as turn on lights in the barn) might be handy. Since your using the AHP.... the possibilities could be limited....... only by your imagination.

While your running wire for cameras... what a great opportunity you have to also run a phone line.

In the last month I have "lost" an expensive folding extension ladder and my chain saw

Your smart to jump at this now! Odds are they will keep coming back to the barn.... till they realize the real "goods" are in your home.

[r1s]

mmm... ya know - Dave_x10_L - I hadn't thought of that.  That is a great idea  .  I going to test that out tomorrow and see if its a possibility.

Thanks

[HA Dave]

 I'll take a look at that Anaconda.

BTW... although I really DO like wired. There is also long range wireless tranmitters.

[birdzeye]

BTW... although I really DO like wired. There is also long range wireless tranmitters.

Doesn't x10 sell some sort of wireless range extender?

[HA Dave]

Doesn't x10 sell some sort of wireless range extender?

For a reasonable distance... you can use X10 video sender/receivers to re-broadcast a video. But for a REALLY long range... X10 doesn't have a product that I've ever read of.

[birdzeye]

BTW... although I really DO like wired. There is also long range wireless tranmitters.

where can I get one in Canada?

[Tuicemen]

BTW... although I really DO like wired. There is also long range wireless tranmitters.

where can I get one in Canada?

Will they not ship to Cannada?
Unfortunately many internet businesses won't! You may have to do a Google search for the product until you find one that will ship to Canada I've had to do this on different occasions!

[birdzeye]

BTW... although I really DO like wired. There is also long range wireless tranmitters.

where can I get one in Canada?

Will they not ship to Cannada?
Unfortunately many internet businesses won't! You may have to do a Google search for the product until you find one that will ship to Canada I've had to do this on different occasions!

When I Google for this, I seem to get hits for irrelevant products such as wireless router and wifi extenders. What exactly is the thing I should be searching for to get the right hits?