New X10 alarm panel!

[george536]

hrm dont like this at all. I need it to flash the house code if i only get two uc it would be one for my 2 sc546 and that only leaves one for a lamp module or switch.

[dave w]

Maybe a hack could be to use a Universal Module on one of the UC's coupled to a PowerFlash set to flash the HC. ( mode 1 or mode 2 ?).

[Brandt]

The alarm panel in combination with some HA software script/macro could be used to flash an entire HC

[mike]

...............I also used my DS7000 console as the transceiver for my house and the new console seems to be doing the same good job.

What does this mean?

I thought DS7000 only rvcd RF and did not send RF.
I also thought it only sent via power line its house code on/off & unit code for alarm set notification?

[Brian H]

The new SC12A and the DS7000 Console do act like a TM751 or RR501 transceiver. They will take any X10 RF signal on the security house code it is set to and resend it on the power lines. Like security house code B. Would tranceive B1 through B16 RF signals just like a TM751 or RR501 would. If set to house code B

So you are correct. They receive RF and do not send RF.
They use the power line signals to send all the notifications and alarms.

[bigjohn9944]

The DS7000 console (PS561) does not send RF. Like the TM751 and RR501 transceivers, the PS561 as well as the new SC12A both receive RF sent to their house codes and send the commands on the powerline. A feature X10 never really advertised.

[tom j]

It appears that is the case although I haven't tested it yet.
I'm an X10 reseller and took delivery today of the new console, sensors and remotes. I'll be temporarily replacing my DS7000 console with the new one to check range, reliability and exactly how it executes functions. I'll also be trying the sensors and remotes side by side with my existing ones.

I'll try to report my findings here.

One thing I noticed already was that the "rubber plugs" which the manual says are included to pop into the wall mount holes to angle the unit for table top use are NOT included.
The packaging leaves a lot to be desired. Just two bubble bags and stuffed into the same box used for the DS7000 console. No foam inserts for protection.

Fantastic I'm eagerly awaiting your review. I can't believe they would limit two unit codes for flashing the lights but like Brian said we'll have to wait and see. Thanks Bigjohn

Tom j.

[tom j]

Whoops just saw your review seems like I was right about the lights flashing. That's a bummer.      


Tom j.

[Brian H]

The Users Manual, wiki entries and even the sales pages have errors in them.
Take a look at the SMART Door/Window Sensor photo. On the sales web page.
Red pointer says. "LED lights when motion is detected". Maybe they mean the door or window moves. 

[HA Dave]

X10 is like most things... just follow the directions.

[dave w]

Coffee just came out my nose.

[tom j]

The Users Manual, wiki entries and even the sales pages have errors in them.
Take a look at the SMART Door/Window Sensor photo. On the sales web page.
Red pointer says. "LED lights when motion is detected". Maybe they mean the door or window moves. 

Say Brian well Bigjohn did a partial review think the jury's in as far as the flashing lights aspect is concerned. I didn't want to make any further negative comments until we know for sure. Guess you would be fine if all your lights were on the same unit code.           

Tom j.

[jbcol1]

Got mine today!  So far I like it!!! It has most of the qualities that I wanted in the old system.

The only thing I have question on at this point is if I can use my remote sirens with it? So, far I haven't figured it out if I can.

Otherwise... good job X-10

John

[Brian H]

Powerhorns. Try setting them to one of the two security light codes X10 address.

[bigjohn9944]

I've been a little busy minding my X10 store on Ebay (Big John's Place) but I did have a chance to range test the KR32A AND KR10A remotes with both consoles.

I won't give you any distances because that will vary according to any individual install and the construction of the building but I will say that the new SC12A and the KR32A have a little better range than the DS7000/PS561 even without an antenna. I can hit the SC12A from the street with either the KR32A or the KR10A. The KR32A will activate the DS7000 from the same distance, the KR10A will not.

I can activate the SC12A or the DS7000 from inside my vehicle on the driveway with the KR32A but not with the KR10A.

The KR15A "big red button" will not activate the SC12A as it does the DS7000 console. Also,the SC12A will not transceive the KR15A like the DS7000 did.

I should note here that the KR15A will work ONLY with the DS7000/PS561 OR an RR501 OR TM751's from 2001 (blue box) or earlier. They simply will NOT work with newer TM751's, the CM15A or the new SC12A console.

I'll be tackling the DS12A door sensor next. I likely wont be able to use them in my system because of my door mouldings but I'll test them for comparable range. I presently use recessed mag switches in two doors instead of the surface mounted variety.
The terminals for an additional sensor are in series with the built-in reed switch so ONLY an ADDITIONAL magnet/contact set can be used unless one either glued a magnet to the builtin reed switch or soldered a jumper across it.
Would have been nice if they would have provided an either/or jumper so you could either add a switch or use an external one like I would have to do.

More later on this weekend.