Home Automation is a huge subject, with a large number of suppliers of hardware and software. Here are some answers to questions asked at last nights MUUG meeting on Home Automation.

1. Home can I use X-10 to control a garage door opener?

Plug a X10 Universal Module http://www.smarthome.com/2010.html into an outlet close to your garage door opener. Connect a wire (telephone or door bell wire) from the terminals on the Universal module to the switch terminals on the garage door opener. Set the House and Unit codes to your choice, and its ready to go. Activate once to open the door, activate a second time to close the garage door.

2. How can I replace a 3-way switch with an X-10 swtich.

Your can buy a 3-wy switch module http://www.x10.com/automation/ws4777_s.html to replace the existing 3-way switch.

3. How can I control flourescent lights with X-10?

You can buy a X10 switch http://www.activehomepro.com/accessories/acc_wallswitch_ws13a.html that functions like an appliance module and is rated for flourescent lights

4. How can I control ceiling fans with X-10?

You can buy a wall switch http://www.activehomepro.com/accessories/pro/xpdi3_iw_wa1_s.html rated for inductive (motor) electrical loads. You can use the X-10 DIM command to control the fan motor speed. This also works well for controlling ventilation fans (garage, bathroom, etc.)

5. How can I connect my computer to the A/C power line to use X-10?

There are several options. The simplest is to use a Two-way powerline interface http://www.x10.com/products/x10_tw523.htm that will give you the hardware interface. You still need software to send and receive X-10 commands.

The next step up is to use an interface with an embedded controller http://www.smarthome.com/1140.html You plug into the wall, plug you computer into the interface and download your home automation program, then disconnect your computer (if you want for safety/security). Also

http://www.x10-store.com/5pccoinkitck.html

There are many other options available that go up in features, capability and price.

6. How can I get started using X-10 (Home Automation)?

The easiest way is to get a few X-10 lamp modules http://www.smarthome.com/2000.html and a mini http://www.smarthome.com/4030.html or Maxi http://www.smarthomepro.com/4020.html contoller. Plug in a few lamps, set the house/unit codes and play around with ON, OFF, DIMing, ALL ON, ALL OFF commands. Make a spousal acceptance check <g> and then expand.

Or, if you want to sample whats out there for X-10 stuff you can get kit http://www.x10-store.com/praulipak.html that includes many different modules.

7. Embedded Controllers using X-10?

This is one example. The PLIX chip http://www.micromint.com/products/chips.htm is a microcontroller tailored to sending/receiving X-10 signals.

8. How can I send an X-10 signal using a switch?

You can buy a X-10 Powerflash module http://www.smarthome.com/4060.html and connect your switch (ie. magnetic door/window switch) across the Powerflash module terminals and set the house/unit codes. When the swith is closed to the Powerflash module will send a X-10 house/unit code.

9. Where can I learn more about home automation?

You can't beat spending a few hours with google to find more information, but if your looking for a few short-cuts:

Electronic House magazine http://www.electronichouse.com/

Circuit Cellar magazine http://www.circuitcellar.com/

Forum (HCS II system) http://bbs.circuitcellar.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=1b3de8a67b6073... 562928c92b87b9

X-10 FAQ http://www.nomad.ee/micros/x10faq.html

http://www.homecontrols.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/pgrfnbr/458/sesent/00

Misterhouse article http://www.circuitcellar.com/pastissues/articles/winter111/winter.pdf

10. Where can I buy X-10 hardware?

"The Source" is the only local retailer carrying X-10 stuff, but.... Selection is very limited and prices are comparatively high compared to ordering over the internet ( or mail order). Again using google you can't miss finding a supplier.

11. How can I interface my computer to many switches?

There are many hardware interfaces that allow a computer to connect to analog, and digital switch inputs and analog and digital ouputs. However there are a much smaller number that are priced/marketed at the home (non-industrial) user AND.... Have software drivers/interfaces written for home automation software. This is where dedicated Home Automation controllers shine in providing integration of hardware controller, programming environment and options of analog and digital input/output (I/O). Some examples are:

http://www.homecontrols.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/carfnbr/137/sesent/00

Here is an example of I/O interface modules that are compatible with Misterhouse http://www.weedtech.com/

Brock