Though, not a true home repair issue, it is a home issue nonetheless.
Does anyone have any experience with X10 security system and devices? I want to install some wireless cams with motion activation and Internet viewing and eventually build up the system to lighting control and other appliance controls. Therefore, I'm searching for a reliable and lower cost retailer/supplier of X10 devices and basically, any general info I should know about.
All advice and suggestions appreciated.
Thank you
First of all, I DON'T use X10 for anything. In fact, I have a box of X10 cameras, etc. around here somewhere that I purchased and was very disappointed with thus if I find them they will find their way to e-bay.
On the other hand, I do have several wireless cams that I can view on the Internet. They are always on and always viewable but when they see motion they send me and e-mail and/or upload the image via FTP to one of my domains. These are simply $60 cameras that are available at Tiger Direct, NewEgg, e-bay, and many other places.
In short, although you might need X10 for lighting and appliance control you certainly don't need it for simple motion activated wireless cams.
Don
IMO, the words reliable and X10 should never be in the same sentence
OK, I don't mind avoiding the X10 cams. Care to provide input about your cams? Brand, picture quality, special features like pan, tilt, etc., night vision and overall how well you like them.
Thank you
LOL...that's good to know.
Just point your browser to
There are about a zillion brands out there and all are almost identical. The hardware is normally quite good but the instructions are almost always lacking and the software is sometimes a bit flaky. I have found that some of the software will only work with IE and not with Firefox, Chrome, etc.
We have both the motion detecting ones and the non-motion detecting ones at our home. We are gone a lot and we use the motion detecting ones for security purposes. If someone walks in front of one of them I get an e-mail with the image (have it sent to your smart phone if you like). Depending upon the camera the image can also be recorded on your hard drive and/or uploaded via ftp to a domain that you own. I personally prefer to have it uploaded because if the intruder would happen to decide to take one of your computer systems you would have lost the image.
The cameras that are not motion detecting we simply use to view our home, yard, outbuildings, etc. when we are gone. Again, these cameras are just for viewing and NOT recording an image.
We are also involved in a expensive lodge that is rented out for weddings, reunions, etc. and we have seven more expensive motion detecting cameras in and about it. We can view them on the Internet at any time and when they detect any motion a video is recorded to a well hidden DVR. These particular cameras at the lodge are not wireless and were installed when the lodge was built.
Just remember if someone cuts you phone line outside you lose your DSL and your cameras unless you are recording to a in-house wired DVR.
Just Google "wireless security cameras" and you will no doubt find an abundance of information.
Hope this helps,
Don
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