I bought an X10 home control system about 5 to 8 years ago

[bcblair]

Any ideas, how to get it going? I was in a house and had to move. This is the first chance I have had to try and set it up again. It has RCA keychains and a 16 button remote by x10. It also has lots of light switches and outlet plugins. It even has some that are motion detected.

Is there a manual or support and software?

[anthonylavado]

Any ideas, how to get it going? I was in a house and had to move. This is the first chance I have had to try and set it up again. It has RCA keychains and a 16 button remote by x10. It also has lots of light switches and outlet plugins. It even has some that are motion detected.

Is there a manual or support and software?

Hey there
Support and manuals you'll be able to find by checking two places:
http://kbase.x10.com
and
http://www.x10.com/support/support.htm

Software is generally available here: http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm

If you have a unit that will connect to a computer (such as the CM11, known as the HC60CRX in RCA kits), then you'll need to hook it up to a Serial Port and use the original ActiveHome software, not ActiveHome Pro.

Otherwise, your remote controls will transmit to a transceiver (that'll be the guy with the antenna, usually a TM751), and then relay that signal over the power wiring in your house to control modules (turn things on/off, dim/bright, etc).

From here on out, it's a matter of sitting down and deciding what you'd like to automate and control! I recommend checking if the local library has any books if you want to get tips, tricks, and ideas. I would start by sitting down with a pad of paper and listing what you can do in each room you'd like to automate. Turn lights on/off? The coffee maker? Heater/Air Conditioner?

Enjoy!