I am hoping for something that i can sit down and study and get a "working knowledge" of the various systems and components.
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Tuicemen posted "the X10 wiki page" is a good source of info. But these are security devices... so don't expect to find vast amounts of data in a
study guide. Reading here at the forum is probably the best way to learn everything about the X10 system. you'll read about the problems... and the solutions. Much of what you learn about the X10 alarm system will be useful for other [brand] alarm systems. Alarms are all pretty much...
at least in concept... the same.
X10 offers an extremely limited number of components. If your thinking of building a complex setup with glass breakage detection, vibration sensors, or even an outside siren some DIY modifications will need to be made. The forum would be the only source I know of to find help for such projects.