SC503 Maxi Controller availability

[JeffVolp]

Does anyone know what is happening to the SC503/PHC02 Maxi Controller supply?  Except for X10 itself, all the distributors I checked are out of stock, and there are only a few listed on eBay.  SmartHome recently discontinued their similar ControLinc Maxi.  Is the Maxi Controller on the way out too?

Jeff

[HA Dave]

Is the Maxi Controller on the way out too?

I hadn't realized it was still available. I have one in my big plastic tub of X10 stuff.... but it was sorta dated back when I bought it a few years ago. Might be a good time to pick up a spare if it's an item you need.

[Brian H]

I hope not but it looks like that maybe the case.
I found Automated Outlet still listing them but another on line dealer listed it as Discontinued.
Will have to test my SC503 and make sure it still works. I used it to set my XTB-IIR options sometimes.

Gee maybe my ControLinc Maxi will become a collectors item.  
It actually looks like Smarthome is discontinuing all their X10 stuff as it goes out of stock. They are not doing another production run.
All the 1132 series controllers are now all gone and the Dryer Outlet stuff is almost gone also.

[HA Dave]

.... It actually looks like Smarthome is discontinuing all their X10 stuff as it goes out of stock.

I noticed that too. It would be hard to compete with ebay.

[JeffVolp]

We have half a dozen, going back to that original boxy Sears version.

My concern is XTB mode programming, which uses the 9-8-2-N sequence. (N ranges 1-16.)  It can be done with ActiveHome, but a Maxi Controller is much easier.

Actually, manual control of anything above unit code 8 is a problem without a Maxi Controller.

Jeff

[Brian H]

Maybe we can get lucky and they are designing a new style one. Since all the later modules seem to be using easier to find parts and what some may call more modern cases. 

[JeffVolp]

Thanks for the heads up on Automated Outlet.  I ordered a bunch for those who need one for programming.

Jeff

[Noam]

Thanks for the heads up on Automated Outlet.  I ordered a bunch for those who need one for programming.

Jeff

Jeff -
You could always just design one on your own, and sell it as another product in the XTB line. ;-)
I'm sure you have a whole list of improvements you would make to it, anyway.

[dave w]

Jeff -
You could always just design one on your own, and sell it as another product in the XTB line. ;-)
I'm sure you have a whole list of improvements you would make to it, anyway.

Fantastic idea!

[JeffVolp]

You could always just design one on your own, and sell it as another product in the XTB line. ;-)

There is no way I could ever produce anything like that for a competitive price.  Components alone would cost me twice what X10 sells it for.

Jeff

[Noam]

You could always just design one on your own, and sell it as another product in the XTB line. ;-)

There is no way I could ever produce anything like that for a competitive price.  Components alone would cost me twice what X10 sells it for.

Jeff

Yes - but for twice the price, I'm sure you'd be providing much more than twice the level of quality and function.

[JeffVolp]

I just received email from one of my customers that said X10 discontinued the SC503 Maxi Controller.  Since it is still on their website, they are substituting the MT13A 64-Event Mini Timer when one orders the SC503 Maxi Controller, claiming it's "close enough".  Obviously, not being able to access half the unit codes is not close enough.

Jeff

[Brian H]

I believe you can't just send addresses with out an On or Off stuck in the command with the MT13A.
Close enough.  That is like my bank saying your savings account is a few thousand short but close enough. 

I hope your Automated Outlet order goes through with out a hitch.

I am gong to dig out my ControlLinc Maxi and SC503 and verify they still work.

[Brian H]

Smarthome's web site now shows a controller that is similar to their X10 ControlLinc Maxi. Called a X10SC503.

http://www.smarthome.com/X10SC503/Smarthome-X10-Maxi-Tabletop-Controller/p.aspx

I am going to give the manuals a look at. As I am not sure if opening the cover allows you to send all the  X10 House and Unit codes like the older ControlLinc Maxi did.

[dave w]

Disappointment!
It doesn't look like the new ControlLinc Maxi is anything like the old Control Linc, other than outward appearance. Now I have use for a couple more of the old 4071 units. Bummed.

I retired all my X10 Maxi Controllers when the 4071's came out, my have to go down to the the X10 storage room in the basement and dig out a few.