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Author Topic: Future of X10  (Read 205876 times)

bkenobi

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #165 on: November 16, 2011, 09:02:10 PM »

I guess I didn't specify.  I despise the dimming/soft start feature of the X10 stuff and want to keep compatibility with low voltage bulbs if necessary (at least for this specific location).  As such, I currently have a relay switch installed (WS13A).  I chose to purchase a relay switch to replace it as well (X10WS467I).  I don't know how the dimmable switches would work with the dim commands.

What I can say is that the switch sends a standard (non-extended) command when it's switched on/off locally.  Hope that helps!

pomonabill221

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #166 on: November 16, 2011, 09:07:17 PM »

Thanks for the reply!
I though (or assumed) you were talking about the dimming wall switches... sorry!
I do like the soft start feature and extended dimming.... guess it is personal preference!
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Noam

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #167 on: November 16, 2011, 09:56:48 PM »

I have to agree about the SmartHome relay switches. They work really well, are easy to use, and they transmit their HC/UC when you turn them on or off (which makes it very easy to link them, or build 2/3/4 way switch setups).
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bkenobi

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #168 on: November 16, 2011, 11:47:28 PM »

That and the fact that they are a heck of a lot more affordable than the SwitchLinc modules.  I really wanted to try those since they looked absolutely perfect from the first time I saw them.  The problem was obviously the price.  I could never justify going from ~$5 for a basic switch (purchased from ebay) to the SwitchLinc modules at ~$45.  The problem isn't a single switch.  The problem always was and still is the fact that I'm looking at a whole installation.  At $45/ea, I'd be looking at several hundred dollars to replace my system.  With these Smarthome switches, I can perform the change-over for ~1/2 that and, since it still works with X10, I can do it whenever I want.

I do realize that the SwitchLinc are x10 compatible...now.  At the time, I thought I would have needed to start over with a new controller, software, etc. 

Noam

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #169 on: November 17, 2011, 10:00:16 AM »

I started with SmartHome in the pre-insteon days. I have a pair of dimmers (Which only respond to the old dim/bright commands, not the extended ones - but I never dim them), and a three-way relay setup for the fluorescent fixtures in my family room.
The rest of my SmartHome switches are all newer, and I decided to go with Insteon for those. I was replacing the original X10 (non-SoftStart) wall switches, which seemed to have a mind of their own sometimes. I also wanted to switch my outdoor lights (four switches) to CFLs, as well as (eventually) two indoor fixtures. I needed relay switches for that.

Smarthome's latest X10-only switches weren't out yet at the time, but the previous edition were. At the time, I felt going with Insteon was a better investment, since (and this was a few years ago already) I didn't know how long I'd stick with X10, and the Insteon switches gave me the ability to convert over to Insteon without having to replace those switches again. I now have 6 Insteon switches in my setup. I've been happy with their reliability, and the customer service I got from SmartHome (two of my pre-Insteon switches failed within the 2-year warranty period, and they replaced them with Insteon switches at no additional cost).
I've bought other stuff from them, and I've always been very satisfied.
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Brian H

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #170 on: November 24, 2011, 03:47:05 PM »

I see one of the EBay X10 dealers has some No Soft Start LM465s. Guess X10 found an older lot someplace.
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JeffVolp

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #171 on: November 24, 2011, 04:24:09 PM »

Guess X10 found an older lot someplace.

Cleaning out the warehouse?

Jeff
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bkenobi

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #172 on: November 25, 2011, 02:53:22 AM »

I noticed that one of my preferred ebay sellers was no longer selling stuff a couple months back.  I assumed they were either on vacation or something temporarily was keeping them from restocking.  I wonder if perhaps they are done selling due to X10 not resupplying?  Interesting.

Brian H

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #173 on: November 25, 2011, 07:27:56 AM »

I noticed the samething.
Now they have more stuff, but some of it is a different manufacturer. Like Eaton devices.
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Dan Lawrence

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #174 on: November 25, 2011, 11:56:23 AM »

I just ordered a 3 pack of Non Soft-Start lamp modules (IBM  Home Director) from eBay.
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William8

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #175 on: November 25, 2011, 01:37:00 PM »

I just ordered a 3 pack of Non Soft-Start lamp modules (IBM  Home Director) from eBay.

Check these out, the best deal I've seen. I picked up 2 kits, should keep me running for years.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Home-Director-Room-Expansion-Kit-HDREXT1-NEW-/170731677869?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c066a8ad

I use everything with a DS7000 alarm, can't stand any of the soft start modules, especially the W467's.
« Last Edit: November 25, 2011, 01:40:07 PM by William8 »
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Noam

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #176 on: November 25, 2011, 01:43:01 PM »

I just ordered a 3 pack of Non Soft-Start lamp modules (IBM  Home Director) from eBay.

Check these out, the best deal I've seen. I picked up 2 kits, should keep me running for years.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Home-Director-Room-Expansion-Kit-HDREXT1-NEW-/170731677869?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c066a8ad

I use everything with a DS7000 alarm, can't stand any of the soft start modules, especially the W467's.

That's a good deal if you don't need softstart.
Even if you needed just one of the modules (or the wall switch), it's a great price for the mini-controller (which is easily hackable)
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systemdm

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #177 on: November 27, 2011, 01:07:22 AM »

Just curious, if X10 was to go out of business, how would we do a new installation of AHP?
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Dan Lawrence

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #178 on: November 27, 2011, 10:49:55 AM »

Just curious, if X10 was to go out of business, how would we do a new installation of AHP?


Almost impossible.   If you can get a second CM15A as a spare and back up you might keep running for 20 years or more. I backed up every version of AHP I ever used since 2005 on separate media.
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dave w

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Re: Future of X10
« Reply #179 on: November 27, 2011, 11:12:20 AM »

I got stooopid question (one of many...I am quite practiced at them). Since I do not run AHP any more I can't answer this myself; can AHP be ran from a USB drive?
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