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CD ROM Paradise Collection 4
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CD ROM Paradise Collection 4 1995 Nov.iso
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x10msw30.zip
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ABOUTX10.TXT
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1994-10-29
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The X10 CP-290 Powerhouse computer interface is part of the X10 "family"
of devices which allows you to control lamps and appliances via
the existing AC wiring. Here is a little about how you use X10:
Let's say you wanted to remotely control your living room light
with the X10 "system". You would need a "lamp module" which you
can get at Radio Shack, DAK, Heath/Zenith, and many companies
specializing in home automation via mail order (see list below).
The module plugs in where the lamp did, and the lamp plugs into
the module. The module has 2 switches, one for a "housecode" (A-P)
and the other for "unit number" (1-16).
You can still turn the lamp on and off from the lamp, but lets
say you wanted to control it from a bedroom.
In order to control the lamp remotely, you need a control "console".
This is available from the same places as the modules. The console
has a series of buttons which allow you to turn units (modules)
on, off; or make them dim/bright if it is a lamp module - more
on appliance modules below. The console has a switch for the
housecode which is set to match the code on the modules.
Consoles come in different models which differ in the number
of units which it can control (8, 16, etc).
The X10 CP-290 Powerhouse functions as a control console in that it has
8 buttons for controlling up to 8 units. In addition, it has a
serial port which you connect to a PC over which software on
the PC can command any unit to turn off, off, dim etc. The PC
software can also download "events". Events are the same commands
(on, off, dim, etc) but are associated with a time and day of the week to
happen. Once these events are downloaded, you can turn the PC
off and the X10 Powerhouse will do the events when the time/day
comes. The CP-290 can "address" the full range of
housecodes and unit numbers, allowing control over 256 modules.
The X10 CP-290 Powerhouse is available at Radio Shack, from Heath/Zenith, and
most mail-order companies selling home automation equipment (see list below).
Cost is approx. $40-$60.
In addition to modules which control lamps, you can get
"appliance" modules which contain a relay instead of a TRIAC and
so can be used for radios, small appliances, etc. You cannot
dim these. You can also get wall switches and outlets which
provide the same capability - switches will dim, outlets contain
relays for on/off. You can also get 220VAC modules/outlets.
Leviton also makes a line of X10-compatible modules/controllers,
but they tend to be expensive. They do feature some additional
capabilities such as "local" dimming from a wall switch.
The companies selling home automation equipment have a wide variey of
X10-compatible devices which can be used together to produce a very powerful
home automation system.
The PLIX evaluation board from Micromint (same address as Circuit
Cellar Inc below) allows you to use a standard parallel printer
port to interface with a TW523 bi-directional powerline interface
from X10 USA. This allows you to monitor ALL X10 commands that
occur in your house (as opposed to the CP-290 only telling you about
commands it sent).
----------- For Additional Information, See -------------------------
A good video on automating your home:
Living With An Intelligent Home
$24.95 + $5.00 S/H
Home Systems Network 1-800-808-0718
Also available through many home automation suppliers
Home automation groups on CompuServe, America Online, Internet newsgroups.
Mail-order companies specializing in home automation:
Home Automation Systems 1-800-SMART-HOme
Home Automation Laboratories
Home Control Concepts
Magazines:
Electronic House - $19.95 for 6 issues/year (as of 11/94)
304 Boston Post Road
P.O. Box 340
Wayland MA 01778-0340
(508) 358-3400
Circuit Cellar Inc (203) 875-2751
4 Park St, Suite 12
Vernon, CT 06066