AHP Newb

[lowblock]

Hey guys, been lurking around here for a little bit, and I have been out of the whole HA scene for a while. I had a house built back in 02 and had a few X10 modules and controls as well as some Switchlinc stuff from Smarthome. I recently bought another house and decided that I was going to expand my automation. I like the thought of using a computer program to control and program, but I have a couple of questions. If I understand it correctly, apparently an RF remote control will communicate with the newer X10 stuff, I have a couple of RTI remotes that I would like to use, will it work for basic controls? Also I am confused by the macro program available for AHP, in one package it says that there is a macro program built in, and on another page it says the macro program for AHP is available for an additional 50 bucks. Is there more then one Macro program for AHP? Also can you control conditions with this software, ie. I walk into the bathroom at 12 noon and the lights come  to full brightness, but when I walk into the bathroom at 12 midnight, the lights come on to only about 30 percent. Also, can you stagger triggers? If that makes sence. I want to be able to use motion detectors to turn on a series of lights when walking in through the garage, ie say the motion sensor sends out a code of A1, the software sees this transmition and checks the programming and turns on lights with codes B1-4, but still be able to access the lights individually from switches in the house. I dont know if I am making any sence, but any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[dave w]

Don't know what a RTI remote is. Unless they say they are compatable with X10, they probably are not.
AHP comes standard with macro programming. Conditional macro programming (IF-THEN-ELSE) is an option. However X10 runs "bundled" specials all the time for AHP and the CM15A PC interface. The answer to the remaining questions is Yes, with the AHP "Smart Macros" option (conditionals.

[lowblock]

An RTI remote is a touchscreen remote similar to the harmony remotes by logitech. www.rticorp.com
They transmit via either RF or IR, I think it will work but didnt know if X10 used some special RF codes. I still dont quite understand if the macro program is the same program that is bundled with the AHP or if a second "better" macro program is available.

Thanks for the replys

[Knightrider]

Only one smart macros.  X10 will either give it too you free or charge you $50.  (makes perfect sense, don't it?)

[lowblock]

Cool...thanks guys for the info. Also, do you need to have a dedicated computer to run the program? I mean does the computer have to remain on at all times, and it can give you real time conditions of the house? And accessable online or from an Iphone?

[dbemowsk]

The computer does not have to be on all the time.  You can program your CM15A with your modules, timers and macros and it will run independent of the computer.  The only time you need the computer on all the time is when using some of the advanced macros.

Dan B.

[dave w]

Only one smart macros.  X10 will either give it too you free or charge you $50.  (makes perfect sense, don't it?)

Knight, we're talking about X10 here. Remember X10 thought Victoria Secrets/Hustler marketing made perfect sense for selling home automation and security products. 

[Knightrider]

Only one smart macros.  X10 will either give it too you free or charge you $50.  (makes perfect sense, don't it?)

Knight, we're talking about X10 here. Remember X10 thought Victoria Secrets/Hustler marketing made perfect sense for selling home automation and security products. 

You know how it is when you hit 30, the mind is the second thing to go.  Can't remember the first.