Hi,
1) The door/window sensors can be mounted with either tape or screws. They are both provided.
2) Both the console and powerhorn will alarm. You can have 1, 2, 3 etc. powerhorns. Be sure to get the BIG ones.
3) The idea is that if your alarm goes off "Something is wrong" .
It's much preferable to wake someone who can listen in and check on you or call for help than for you to get hit over the head, stabbed, shot or raped because "YOU DIDN'T WANT TO WAKE SOMEONE UP"
What's the point of buying a security system if you're not going to use it to it's full extent ?
4) Making a list is an excellent idea. Getting X10 to sell it to you as a package (kit) at a good price is about Zero, Nil, Zilch, Forget about it.
I've tried this approach. After talking to them, I got an e-mail listing the items individually and at the regular retail price.
So, you buy what you need as they come up at special prices. This method could take forever to get everything you need.
You may be better off buying packages that they offer even though you end up with items that you don't need you could save a ton of money.
As an example and you do the comparison by seeing what you would get and what you would still need to buy compared to just buying what you need.
Keep in mind that you will still need to buy a phase coupler or a phase coupler/repeater.
In most homes the electricity coming in is split into 2 phases. You will need one of the above to allow the X10 signal to cross from one phase to the other. Otherwise some of your devices simply won't work. The coupler repeater is generallyy for really large homes 3000+ sq ft or the or the transformer "feeding" power to the house is over 100 feet away. Hard wired types generall require an electrician and are more expensive. Plug in types are available, such as the SignaLinc™ Plug-In Phase Coupler $19.99 and the 4-Pin SignaLinc™ Plug-in Coupler-Repeater $79.99. from
http://www.smarthome.com/I use a plug in coupler in my 1 story 2000 sq ft home and it works just fine.
Now do your price comparisons.
X10 Security + Automation Kits: Value $588.77 sold for $109.99 + $49.99 = $159.98 That’s roughly 73% off.
Here is what you get:
1 ActiveHome Professional Computer Interface and USB Cable (CM15A) $99.99
1 ActiveHome Professional Software (for Windows only) (SW31A) $32.99
1 Voice Dialer Console (PS561) $49.99
4 Door/Window Sensor (DS10A) $79.96
1 Security Motion Detector (MS10A) $49.99
1 NEW EagleEye Motion Sensor (MS14A) $24.99
1 PowerHorn Siren (SH10A) $31.99
1 Security Remote Control (SH624) $26.99
3 Security Keychain Remote (KR10A) $59.97
1 Palm Pad Controller (HR12A) $19.99
1 SlimFIRE Pocket Remote (KR19A) $19.99
2 Lamp Module (LM465) $25.98
1 Lamp Module (LM465) $12.99
1 Appliance Module - (2 pin) (AM486) $12.99
1 Socket Rocket - Smart Screw-in Lamp Module (LM15A) $19.99
2 Home Security Decal - Window Sticker (MM024) $19.98
By the way you'll want to get the PowerHorn Siren PH508-COM $39.99 (this is the large one)
Good luck to you in this endevor.
Jim