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[aslamma]

My current setup is a transceiver with the IR-543.  I have a MX-900 universal remote that emits RF, converts to IR and goes to IR-543.  So far so good.

I got both the decor switch and regular switch to control my lights.  I like the regular switch because it is easier to setup, but the decor looks better.  However, the decor switch has a very cheap feel to since it tends to "move around" in its housing.  This appears to be due to the fact that it needs to be removable.  So anyway to make the switching "tighter"?

Here are some of the things I will be looking into if there are any additional tips:

1.  Slim wall switch.  I like this but it would be nice if there was one that has an "all on" or "all off", does this exist?  Also, it needs to have the numbering sequence in order (1,2,3) (5,6,7), etc.  Can that be modified?

2.  On my universal remote, there is an "all on" and "all off".  But is there a way to do a "all dim" or "all brighten"?  Otherwise, I have to do each group separately. 

Should be good enough to start.  I plan on doing a security setup and thermostat at a later date.  Should be fun. 

[Charles Sullivan]

My current setup is a transceiver with the IR-543.  I have a MX-900 universal remote that emits RF, converts to IR and goes to IR-543.  So far so good.

I got both the decor switch and regular switch to control my lights.  I like the regular switch because it is easier to setup, but the decor looks better.  However, the decor switch has a very cheap feel to since it tends to "move around" in its housing.  This appears to be due to the fact that it needs to be removable.  So anyway to make the switching "tighter"?

Many people prefer the action of the X10 switches sold by Leviton, but they're considerably more expensive.

Here are some of the things I will be looking into if there are any additional tips:

1.  Slim wall switch.  I like this but it would be nice if there was one that has an "all on" or "all off", does this exist?  Also, it needs to have the numbering sequence in order (1,2,3) (5,6,7), etc.  Can that be modified?

2.  On my universal remote, there is an "all on" and "all off".  But is there a way to do a "all dim" or "all brighten"?  Otherwise, I have to do each group separately. 

Should be good enough to start.  I plan on doing a security setup and thermostat at a later date.  Should be fun. 

You're pretty much stuck with the hardware the way it is, but if you get the ActiveHome Pro CM15A, you can program it to execute whatever X10 macro commands you like when it receives On or Off signals from the Slimline wall switch or Universal Remote.

[Jsnlong]

One way to do what  you need or at least most  of it. Get a CM15A and Active home plus. Then you can write macros and things to help group lights all together. 


Another is wait for the new icon remote to come out from X10. Its being beta tested now and so far I have heard good things. It will allow you to set up macro on the remote its self. Its uses RF and IR so it will work anywhere in your house not just where the IR receiver is.


Good Luck and Have fun.

[aslamma]

Thanks guys, you are right.  My buddy has the software and he was able to get it to work with macros and he is pretty happy with it.  His place is totally amazing and I am bit surprised he thinks the X-10 switches are of good quality.  Don't get me wrong, they are excellent value, but I personally feel they are of relatively low quality.

I ordered an Insteon wall switch since it seems to be a solid build and I could eventually go to Insteon if I want to.  But as mentioned, the cost is way higher than X-10 (3X price difference for switches).  I got a 3 for 1 on slim wall controllers, making the Insteon controller 10X the cost!  And they are lot more limited in what variety of products.

Overall, the X-10 seems to be the best value though and great for beginners still trying to understand home automation.