Bare-Bones X10

radio shack

Repost on comp.home.automation

John

You can do that with just two parts.

Check out smarthome.com

x10 on ebay is usually cheaper

I'm not sure if this is the cheapest source, but this is the simplest X10 transmitter:

In news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com (Jim Thompson):

Hi Jim, I bet you don't want to learn PIC programming, but if you (or your son) is handy with uC's, then give this comprehensive writeup a shot:

Comprehensive would be about the right word for that sheet! I don't like PIC's (I like AVR's much better), but I have to give Microchip credit for some of its data sheets along with some of their other IC's.

Good comment. I was suggesting them as a source of information about what is available, but I did not make that clear. I do tend to buy from them as well as they are not too high and I have experience with them and trust them.

For new X-10 devices, try

Here is what I've used:

Transmitter: X10 Powerhouse Powerflash Interface Activated by 6v to 18v AC/DC/Audio or contact closure

Receiver: X10 Powerhouse Universal Module Outputs contact closure for up to 30vAC Momentary (1.5-2.5 sec) or continuous "ON" Alarm Beep "on" or "off"

On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:30:08 -0500, "John"

The original X10 superimposes a high frequency carrier-current signal on the line voltage. Some of the modules now use RF. Either way, no added wiring, but with the carrier current method you need to have somewhere to plug in both sides.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

The "universal" modules

There are plug-in controllers

There is also a plug-in module with an RS-232 interface

I bought an X10 alarm system and still can't get all the alarms to trip. I tried various troubleshooting methods and devices with no luck. I would go with RF devices. I wish I could return the whole system.

X10 (and any powerline system) has to deal with sites that are served by multiple phases. The alarms that aren't tripping may be on a different phase than the host box.

It actually sends a signal burst right around the 60 Hz zero crossing point. X10 will work across both legs of a single phase 240 V circuit, either through the distribution transformer secondary, some 240V loads or a special coupling capacitor. You'll need a special (or should I say $pecial) repeater to use it between separate legs of a three phase system.

In news:JBjub.30598$ snipped-for-privacy@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca (Jeff):

It really is a great example of assembly programming and X10 specification. Someday, if I ever get these other projects done... I might consider building an X10 controller system. Lot of work though, you're right. :)