Re: New to X10

["Mark McCall" <mark@xxxxxxx>]

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> Getting to the point, from what I have read the way to go regarding HA
is
X10 (that may get a few responses...). I have agreed with the wife that I
can trial a system which will be used to switch off the house TVs at a
certain time depending on the day of the week. The reason for this is a
teenage son who would rather watch TV than go to bed in time to get up for
school. Strange reason I know but it gives me another opportunity for a
trial which could easily be extended to other functions in the house... I
would like to be able to configure the system via a PC and I don't think
plug in appliance modules would do as he could easily by-pass that. I was
wondering is it possible to get DIN style units that I could insert in the
TV mains lead ?
>

With IR distribution you could send out the "off" signal to the
TV say every
5 minutes at the times you want it off (although your Son could easily
block
the IR).

You could wire all the power sockets in his room back to DIN Rail modules.
OR...you could get some of the new X10 wall sockets that are due out soon.

> Now really to the point, please suggest a PC X-10 controller and
suitable
appliance modules and
> possible suppliers.

What do you want to spend?  What do you want it to do?

Start with the CM12U of you want a budget controller.
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/review-cm12u.html

Otherwise go straight to HomeVision or Comfort (if you need an alarm then
choose Comfort 1st).
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/homevision.html
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/review-comfort.html

As for modules, in a new build use the DIN Rail ones.

> PS if someone can put forward wife friendly reasons for the purchase
of
'Home Comfort' or 'Home
> Vision' I would be very willing to listen.

My wife has got used to all the stuff that goes on around her.  They only
time I realise how much she likes it is when she complains if something
stops working.  Security, automatic lighting, convenience are all plus
points (saving money is not!).

> PPS I am the sort of guy who needs to play with something to
understand
it, I can only read so much, so
> if anyone knows somewhere in Kent or London where I could see a demo
this
would also be very
> helpful

Can't help you there I'm afraid..anyone else?

M.