Remote controls: Do you guys know about X10?

"Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and air
> filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions for
> purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF remote
> control by using X10 stuff.

They are also compatible with Home Link. I we come home late and the X-10
timers shut the lights out, I can push a button in the car and turn on a
couple of them.

Handy in the house as well as the shop. For security, I like to be able to
turn on a couple of outside lights by pushing a button while still in bed.
Ed

mrdancer wrote:

> "Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and air
> > filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions for
> > purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF remote
> > control by using X10 stuff.
>
> Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?

A company with X10 in their name has filed for Chapter 11 protection.

However "X10" as is used wrt remote control is a protocol/technology that has
been around for about 20 years.

See: http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html

A google search on "x10 remote control" produces over 93000 hits.

ARM

"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "mrdancer" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:BdzLb.7372
> >
> > Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
> >
> >
>
> Could be. The products have been around for about 20 years and originally
I
> saw it from BSR. It is also sold by Radio Shack, GE, DAK. It all comes
from
> the same factory over the Pacific someplace.
> Ed

Here, I found it. Not sure if it's the same X10 company (pretty
coincidental if there are two X10 companies that deal in wireless
electronics!).

X10 files for Chapter 11
http://news.com.com/2100-1014-5095260.html

In article <GUVLb.15904$xy6.37154@attbi_s02>, [email protected]
says...
> "Mike Reed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:<%[email protected]>...
> > > For security, I like to be able to
> > > turn on a couple of outside lights by pushing a button while still in
> bed.
> > > Ed
> >
> > Outside lights don't increase security. If the purpose is to notice
> > someone lurking on your property, think about what would stand out
> > more: a man walking around in a well lit area, or a man walking around
> > in a dark area with a flashlight.
> >
>
> What would stand out even less: Someone walking around outside your
> property, in the dark, WITHOUT a flashlight. In most places, it's never
> totally dark, and your eyes adjust to be able to see fairly well in the
> dark. I'd say the image of a burglar at the window with a flashlight (and
> black stock hat, of course) is more television fiction than reality.
>
>

Around here (AZ), on bright moonlit nights, a person could get around
without any other lighting.

>

Motion sensor lights.

Stay off until someone enters their field of view. Works in the
situation where you come home and the driveway, then front door lights
come on allowing you to find your way to the door; and in case someone
is lurking in your back yard and is quite surprised when on comes the
(e.g.) patio spot light. I find this arrangement quite handy.

Renata

On 10 Jan 2004 06:49:04 -0800, [email protected] (Mike Reed)
wrote:

>"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<%[email protected]>...
>> For security, I like to be able to
>> turn on a couple of outside lights by pushing a button while still in bed.
>> Ed
>
>Outside lights don't increase security. If the purpose is to notice
>someone lurking on your property, think about what would stand out
>more: a man walking around in a well lit area, or a man walking around
>in a dark area with a flashlight.
>
>Another way to think about it: if you come home and it's dark, you
>turn on lights so it's easier to get in -- and you have a key. Imagine
>trying to get into your home in the dark without a key vs. trying to
>get in with lights on without a key.
>
>If you think your neighbors might see someone lurking for you, just
>think how much time you spend watching your neighbors' homes through
>your window. Again, a flashlight would stand out more anyway, just in
>case someone happened to be watching your property.
>
>On top of all this, you'll save energy costs, and contribute to a
>darker sky so our kids will have half a chance of seeing a
>constellation in the night sky sometime.
>
>-Mike

smart, not dumb for email

"Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and air
> filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions for
> purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF remote
> control by using X10 stuff.

Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?

"Alan McClure" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> mrdancer wrote:
>
> > "Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and
air
> > > filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions
for
> > > purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF
remote
> > > control by using X10 stuff.
> >
> > Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
>
> A company with X10 in their name has filed for Chapter 11 protection.
>
> However "X10" as is used wrt remote control is a protocol/technology that
has
> been around for about 20 years.
>
> See: http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html
>
> A google search on "x10 remote control" produces over 93000 hits.

OIC, thanks. A year or so ago, I'd heard that the X10 camera folks were
planning on implementing their wireless technology to other products besides
cameras, hence my misunderstanding of the OP's thoughts.

As sleazy as that company was (what with popup ads, and all....), it's no
surprise that they would try to ride the coattails of a technology protocol
with their naming convention.

"Mike Reed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<%[email protected]>...
> > For security, I like to be able to
> > turn on a couple of outside lights by pushing a button while still in
bed.
> > Ed
>
> Outside lights don't increase security. If the purpose is to notice
> someone lurking on your property, think about what would stand out
> more: a man walking around in a well lit area, or a man walking around
> in a dark area with a flashlight.
>

What would stand out even less: Someone walking around outside your
property, in the dark, WITHOUT a flashlight. In most places, it's never
totally dark, and your eyes adjust to be able to see fairly well in the
dark. I'd say the image of a burglar at the window with a flashlight (and
black stock hat, of course) is more television fiction than reality.

"mrdancer" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:BdzLb.7372
>
> Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
>
>

Could be. The products have been around for about 20 years and originally I
saw it from BSR. It is also sold by Radio Shack, GE, DAK. It all comes from
the same factory over the Pacific someplace.
Ed

"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<%[email protected]>...
> For security, I like to be able to
> turn on a couple of outside lights by pushing a button while still in bed.
> Ed

Outside lights don't increase security. If the purpose is to notice
someone lurking on your property, think about what would stand out
more: a man walking around in a well lit area, or a man walking around
in a dark area with a flashlight.

Another way to think about it: if you come home and it's dark, you
turn on lights so it's easier to get in -- and you have a key. Imagine
trying to get into your home in the dark without a key vs. trying to
get in with lights on without a key.

If you think your neighbors might see someone lurking for you, just
think how much time you spend watching your neighbors' homes through
your window. Again, a flashlight would stand out more anyway, just in
case someone happened to be watching your property.

On top of all this, you'll save energy costs, and contribute to a
darker sky so our kids will have half a chance of seeing a
constellation in the night sky sometime.

-Mike

"mrdancer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
<snippage>

> Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
>
>
lmao!

In article <[email protected]>,
Alan McClure <[email protected]> wrote:
>mrdancer wrote:
>> ...
>> Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
>
>A company with X10 in their name has filed for Chapter 11 protection.

The article say it is " X10 Wireless Technology" which is the name
under which the x10.com domain is registered.

>However "X10" as is used wrt remote control is a protocol/technology that has
>been around for about 20 years.
>
>See: http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html

I've bought controls from them and from x10.com which appear to be
identical.

I've used them for a couple of years to control various functions
(lighting, fans, remote doorbells) in two different buildings. I've
been *very* happy with them - their ease of installation and use, and
reliability.

There is a limit to the switching capabilities of these modules, the
appliance control modules are typically limited to 15A or 1/3HP. If
that isn't enough, a relay or contactor could easily handle more.
--
--henry schaffer
hes _AT_ ncsu _DOT_ edu

I agree that the quality may not be up to par with the likes of Leviton et al
but the price disparity more than makes up for this IMHO. A Leviton
wall switch is typically around $40. I subscribe to X10's email newsletter
and watch for their sales. Last month I scored with their "buy 2 get 4 free"
offer and paid less than $5 ea for their wall switches. They periodically run
specials like this on other stuff too and these are not always obvious on the
website, you have to really dig. The newsletter makes it relatively painless
although you still have to put up with the shit storm of pop up/under/over/thru
ads.

I have X10 all over the house and shop and only 3 modules have burned out
in the last 6 years. The appliance module on my DC (1hp) has been going
for 3 years with no problems. And, no, I don't use X10 on any power tools.

Art

"Steve Knight" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> they are on the wimpy side. they are made cheeply. so you get what you pay for.
>

"Mike Reed" <[email protected]> wrote in message

>
> Outside lights don't increase security. If the purpose is to notice
> someone lurking on your property, think about what would stand out
> more: a man walking around in a well lit area, or a man walking around
> in a dark area with a flashlight.


Burglers carrying flashlights? You watch too many movies. There is enough
ambient light where I am to find a window or a door. My security lights are
not mounted on the house, they are aimed AT the house. I'd turn on the
light from inside to deter them or scare them away. I don't really want to
go out and meet a potential burgler. They make it nice to greet visitors
though. The motion detector will get you before you reach my door.

My lights are not on all the time. They are used when beneficial, not as 24
hour security. Some areas are covered by motion detectors, others by
floodlights turned on as needed. That is the benefit of the X-10 system.
Use the lights as needed.


>
> Another way to think about it: if you come home and it's dark, you
> turn on lights so it's easier to get in -- and you have a key. Imagine
> trying to get into your home in the dark without a key vs. trying to
> get in with lights on without a key.

I can get into most any house with no key in only a few seconds. They is
how burgars work, They don't care about scratching the paint or nicking a
door jamb.


>
> If you think your neighbors might see someone lurking for you, just
> think how much time you spend watching your neighbors' homes through
> your window. Again, a flashlight would stand out more anyway, just in
> case someone happened to be watching your property.

We do look out for each other. If I hear noises in the back yard, I turn a
light on. It may be coming from my neighbor. Think about this. If someone
is tring to break into his house (or mine) it may scare them off. If it is
just Dave putting the trash out, the extra light may make it easier for him.
As I sit at my computer, I can readily see Mark's house acvross the street
and if things were suspicious, I'd make a call. I actually do glance up at
it often.


>
> On top of all this, you'll save energy costs, and contribute to a
> darker sky so our kids will have half a chance of seeing a
> constellation in the night sky sometime.

Wow, that 60 second blast of light is going to keep me from a happy
retirement. Let's see, at 11¢ a kW, three 100 watt bulbs at 1 minute per
week well.... I don't think my banker will notice nor will the star gazers.
I do agree though, that as a nation we have too many lights that do nothing
and pollute the sky.
Ed
[email protected]
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

On Fri, 09 Jan 2004 05:47:32 GMT, "Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote:

>I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and air
>filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions for
>purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF remote
>control by using X10 stuff.

they are on the wimpy side. they are made cheeply. so you get what you pay for.

--
Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes
Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices
See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.

Steve Knight said:

>On Fri, 09 Jan 2004 05:47:32 GMT, "Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and air
>>filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions for
>>purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF remote
>>control by using X10 stuff.
>
>they are on the wimpy side. they are made cheeply. so you get what you pay for.

And they are subject to false tripping and not responding at all at
times. I generally avoid them, but it's a neat idea.


Greg G.

"Alan McClure" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
>
>
> mrdancer wrote:
>
> > "Subw00er" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I've read some messages about controlling dust collectors, vacuums and air
> > > filtrations units remotely and letting that feature guide decisions for
> > > purchase. You can cheaply and easily automate these items with a RF remote
> > > control by using X10 stuff.
> >
> > Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
>
> A company with X10 in their name has filed for Chapter 11 protection.
>
> However "X10" as is used wrt remote control is a protocol/technology that has
> been around for about 20 years.
>
> See: http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html
>
> A google search on "x10 remote control" produces over 93000 hits.
>
> ARM
>
Yeah! You are correct sir!

I'm still lmao! Maybe TCP/IP will go backrupt too! ;)


Myx

I am not sure about x10.com filing for chapter 11. The term x10 refers to a
powerline communication protocol that many companies use, and it has been
around for many years.
It is common to see identical items with different labeling. If you go to
lowes and then to radio shack you will see this.
I have a lot of x10 stuff too, and the newer appliancelinc-type stuff is
infinitely more reliable than the older ones you see at radio shack (boxier
design). I havent had one of them mess up or lock up since I installed them.


"Henry E Schaffer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Alan McClure <[email protected]> wrote:
> >mrdancer wrote:
> >> ...
> >> Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
> >
> >A company with X10 in their name has filed for Chapter 11 protection.
>
> The article say it is " X10 Wireless Technology" which is the name
> under which the x10.com domain is registered.
>
> >However "X10" as is used wrt remote control is a protocol/technology that
has
> >been around for about 20 years.
> >
> >See: http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html
>
> I've bought controls from them and from x10.com which appear to be
> identical.
>
> I've used them for a couple of years to control various functions
> (lighting, fans, remote doorbells) in two different buildings. I've
> been *very* happy with them - their ease of installation and use, and
> reliability.
>
> There is a limit to the switching capabilities of these modules, the
> appliance control modules are typically limited to 15A or 1/3HP. If
> that isn't enough, a relay or contactor could easily handle more.
> --
> --henry schaffer
> hes _AT_ ncsu _DOT_ edu

"Myxylplyk" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "mrdancer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> <snippage>
>
> > Didn't X10 file for bankruptcy?
> >
> >
> lmao!

X10 files for Chapter 11
http://news.com.com/2100-1014-5095260.html