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[Glen_S]

I had a quick look for a FAQ here and couldn't find one, so I am wondering about the following:

I want to be able to control all outlets, individually or in a group if possible, in a room(s) in my basement, preferably (but not absolutely necessary) so that there is no power available in either the top or bottom outlet of a wall receptacle.

I'd also like to control light fixtures for same, again either individually or in a group if possible.

The control I'd like can be on a timer(s), but I'd like the option of via PC and/or internet.

From my research so far it sounds like X10 is the way to go, but what do I need for what I just described and approx. how much $$ am I looking at the get started?


thanks in advance!

[dave w]

I had a quick look for a FAQ here and couldn't find one, so I am wondering about the following:

I want to be able to control all outlets, individually or in a group if possible, in a room(s) in my basement, preferably (but not absolutely necessary) so that there is no power available in either the top or bottom outlet of a wall receptacle.

I'd also like to control light fixtures for same, again either individually or in a group if possible.

The control I'd like can be on a timer(s), but I'd like the option of via PC and/or internet.

From my research so far it sounds like X10 is the way to go, but what do I need for what I just described and approx. how much $$ am I looking at the get started?


thanks in advance!

Pretty difficult to answer such broad questions with any specifics.

But X10 no longer makes any recetacles where both outlets are controlled.
And about the only way to "group" is to use some kind of scene/automation controler. Even then the modules are controlled one at a time, not as a group.

Suggest you start here:

http://www.x10.com/automation/index.html
Or www.smarthome.com

Look at "ActiveHome Pro", "Automation Modules",  "Automation Software" etc

[Glen_S]

The single receptacle outlets would do, would the software product in the big promo going on let you group things? However the grouping of is a nice to have, not a need to have at this point.

I'll check out those links

thanks!

[Oldtimer]

There are three kinds of "group" commands in the AHP software.

The first is by using a simple Macro with a series of unique House Code, Unit Codes that will be sent very rapidly but in sequence to any number of unique modules that constitute a group.  You can have a large number of different Macros.

If no module is in more then one group you could assign all the modules in each group the same House Code and Unit code and one command would control them all in unison.

If modules are in more than one group then, up to a limit of 16 Unit Codes on a single House Code, inside a single Macro, you can issue up to 15 Unit Codes followed by action commands for one more Unit Code that will make all of the selected units operate in unison. This is a feature in Advanced Functions.

[Glen_S]

So, from what I understand so far, all I need is the active home computer interface software here and a few of these SR227 outlets and I'm off to the races?

[Oldtimer]

So, from what I understand so far, all I need is the active home computer interface software here and a few of these SR227 outlets and I'm off to the races?

From what's been posted so far that's true.  I for one would be more comfortable helping you if we had a more detailed idea of what kind of equipment and/or lights you're going to be controlling with X10 and why.

[Glen_S]

Basically I just want to be able to control the wall outlets and standard ceiling lights in one or more rooms in my home. .

[Dan Lawrence]

Basically I just want to be able to control the wall outlets and standard ceiling lights in one or more rooms in my home. .

You want the SR227 to control your wall outlets and the WS467 to control the ceiling lights.

For a source try Automated Outlet   http://www.automatedoutlet.com/home.php  Their prices are less than X10USA's and shipping is just $7.95 regardless of size. 

[Charles Sullivan]

Basically I just want to be able to control the wall outlets and standard ceiling lights in one or more rooms in my home. .

For the wall outlets, you may want to consider the Leviton 6280, on which both outlets are switched.  It's probably built by X-10 but Leviton's components have a better rep for reliability.  A particular issue with the X-10 SR227 is an internal plastic lever which is reported to have a high failure rate.  Note however that Leviton's components are usually 4-5 times more expensive than similar products from X-10, especially as you normally don't find them heavily discounted like X-10's components.

[KDR]

If you need to control both top and bottom on some outlets that are all on the same circuit you could wire in a XPFM at or near the breaker box (the beginning of the circuit). The XPFM is rated for 15 amps, non-dimming, inductive or resistive loads. This would control "ALL" the outlets on that circuit but would not give you independent control of each one.

This is just a suggestion if you have a few outlets that don't need independent control and your total load for the circuit doesn't exceed 15 amps.

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