Let me try to clear up some confusion about home automation. It doesn't have to be complicated and expensive to get started automating some of your existing home's systems. X-10 has been around for many years and provides an inexpensive way to get started. If you're worried about obsolescence then consider this. Compare X-10 for home automation to DOS for computing. X-10 is established as the standard and is widely used and supported in the industry. As new technology arrives (i.e. CEBUS / WINDOWS) it will create new markets for products which can interface with X-10 and just as DOS has remained as the backbone of computing so will X-10 remain as the simplest form of home automation. The beauty of X-10 is that you can start with the basics and expand at your own pace by adding equipment without having to backtrack and replace what you've already installed. Re-wiring isn't necessary since you don't have to wire in the first place (X-10 operates via your existing house wiring).

Let's break down a home automation system into it's components to better understand how it works and how an X-10 system can be built up using basic skills.

X-10 RECEIVERS

As the name implies, these components receive the X-10 signals over your house wiring and do whatever the signal tells them to do (i.e. Turn ON / OFF or DIM in the case of lights). In order for the receiver to work it must simply be connected to the house wiring system. This is accomplished either by plugging the receiver into an electrical outlet or replacing an existing switch with an X-10 receiver (i.e. Wall Switch). The wall switches can still be operated manually and come in 2 main styles (Push-button and Decora). In fact some of the Decora switches give you manual dimming as well as X-10 capabilities. In order for the receiver to understand which X-10 signal to respond to you simply set the ADDRESS CODE on the device by adjusting the built in dials. Here are some of the basic receivers:

Of course there are other types of receivers available but these are the basics. So, let's assume you've installed a few receivers in your home and are anxious to get them working. For that you need a controller.

X-10 CONTROLLERS

Controllers are the remote devices which allow you to control the equipment which has been connected to the receivers installed. There is a wide range of controllers available from simple plug in devices to remote controls, security panels, telephone controllers and computer programmable panels. Most controllers have pushbuttons which allow you to turn devices ON/OFF and DIM/BRIGHT. In addition you may wish to add timers and sensors which automatically control certain devices. Computer controllers allow you to program sequences of events to occur in response to time, sensor or pushbutton signals. The following is a list of the most common controllers:

One simple controller and a few receivers are all you need to begin automating your home. As you "get hooked" by the convenience of Home Automation you simply add more receivers and controllers to provide more control functions. Now lets talk about some of the other "Fun Stuff" you can add like light and motion sensors, security sensors, infra red interfaces (control TV and Stereo) etc.

OTHER FUN STUFF

Now let's look at some of the other home automation equipment which can enhance your system. With the addition of a few sensors you can have hands free control of much of your system and add security, HVAC and entertainment system control as well. Sensors are available to detect motion, light and door/window closure. Some of these are wireless devices which communicate with your X-10 system by radio signals. Others are simple plug in devices. If you add an Infra Red interface you can control your X-10 system as well as your Stereo and TV with one remote control. An X-10 Security system can provide full security functions (including dial-in alarm). Here is a list of a few of these devices:

So there you have a brief summary of what X-10 can do for you. If you're interested in getting started I recommend that you buy a controller and a few plug in modules and have some fun. Automating your Christmas lights for example only requires an appliance module for each string. This can be a major convenience if like me you have your lights plugged into outdoor outlets and don't want to brave the elements to turn them on and off. Same goes for the tree. Use an appliance module for the lights and turn it on and off at will or with time of day control.

If you're planning on installing a security system in your house then check out X-10 before you commit to an expensive hard wired system. Why not integrate so you can not only control the security system but your lights and entertainment system as well.

If you or one of your loved ones is disabled or in poor health then consider home automation as a means of making daily tasks easier and more fun. X-10 even has a Call Pendant which can be worn around the neck. Push the button and the system will phone up to 4 numbers and play a recording to indicate that you need assistance.