X10, or should I spend more on Rako etc?

[Gary_W]

Hi

I'm very new to this side of home cinema, so please go easy on me

At the moment, our living room (23 feet by 12ish) has a 2 gang dimmer controlling 2 mock brass Argos style horrors in the middle of each end of the room.

I like the idea of 3 or 4 lighting zones and scene dimmers. Thinking about spots, wall washers, uplighters and a couple of table lamps. What I want is to have a few scenes that I can control from a universal remote (thinking of Logitec 885 or 895). I also want to be able to turn the main lights on or off manually from the main switch next to the door.

I have been reading up on the X10 stuff, and I think it will do what I want for a reasonable budget. With this in mind, can someone explain to me why I should spend (eg) £400 on a Futronix or more still on a Rako system to do essentially the same job? What is it that these newer systems do that the X10 stuff won't?

In addition, if I wanted to use the Futronix P400, I'd need to add a whole load more wiring to the point of the switch. With the X10, I don't need to do this, do I? Just provide a mains supply for some more lights at the back of the room and away I go if I'm understanding this right.

Sorry if it's a silly question, but any info greatfully received

Gary

[blicky_1]

Hi,

I have been using X10 for many years now (and convinced many people into using it after seeing my set-up) Including RF which is great for macro settings and to get to places you cant get cables.

I think it offers the best value for money and without doubt its easy to install.

Couple X10 up to Homeseer (throw away the active home you get with X10) and it will do almost anything via a webserver too!!

The more expensive types (IMHO) only have nicer looking switches but seem more hassle to install to me unless its new build/rebuild and the costs are a lot more.

Steve....

[garyb9900]

The Rako system is incredibly easy to install as its wireless retro fitting is the big bonus. All you simply need is a ring circuit to run any particular dimmer receiver off and the switch is in essence a wall mounted remote transmitter. They might not be that cheap but given the sooooo much less hassle factor and the fact that the style imitates the iLight/ Homeworks big boys type switches, they almost seem a bargin in comparison.

[dobbin]

Steve

I was interested to see your post because I am just starting out on the home automation/lighting path and I have been looking at the various systems.
I have also decided that I want to go the X10 route

1.Cost
2. It can be expanded into the rest of the house.

I still don't fully understand all of it and I am unsure which software to use (Harmony, Homeseer etc.) They all seem very expensive for software to set lighting scenes. I think that there is a plugin to Windows MCE 2005 whcih I am using on one of my PCs.

I would be interested in any thoughts you had on this and to hear what you are doing with X10 and what devices you are using.

Thanks

[blicky_1]

Originally Posted by dobbin

Steve

I was interested to see your post because I am just starting out on the home automation/lighting path and I have been looking at the various systems.
I have also decided that I want to go the X10 route

1.Cost
2. It can be expanded into the rest of the house.

I still don't fully understand all of it and I am unsure which software to use (Harmony, Homeseer etc.) They all seem very expensive for software to set lighting scenes. I think that there is a plugin to Windows MCE 2005 whcih I am using on one of my PCs.

I would be interested in any thoughts you had on this and to hear what you are doing with X10 and what devices you are using.

Thanks

IMHO Homeseer brings X10 alive most of my house is controlled by Homeseer and X10 including macros, timed events, RF and dusk/dawn settings. Remember if using Homeseer you will need a PC on 24/7 for it to work properly, I use a shuttle silent PC for this along with my web/mail servers.

I use most of the X10 range throughout the hose for all types of things (int/ext lighting, kids TV control, garden, intruder alarm etc etc)

I would not be without it as I have not had to use a light switch in years!

Most of my kit was purchased around 4 years ago now from let's automate in Langley, Slough and I have NEVER had a problem with the equipment.

Cheers

Steve....

I think that once you get your head around x10 it is by far the most affordable option. Don't buy LM15EB/ES these are the units that replace regular light bulbs in the hanging socket, they are rubbish and if the bulb goes they will take the unit out too! Best option is the units that fit in behind the switches you have bought (which gives you a lot more choice over the finish of the switches)....Rako is great stuff, dead easy to fit, highly reliable and extendable, and they relay commands to each unit which can be a bonus in a large house. Futronix is also good but check the wiring set up, they are harder to retrofit and they have limited finishes but they are well made units....for value I'd go x10, for complicated or many roomed installs I'd go Rako....glad to hear about happy customer stories too! :-)

[srooks]

We've been using X.10 for over 3 years without issue. We have LD11 dimmers (DIN mounted, star wired) for every room in the house.
X.10 is controlled by Comfort, so for example lights are turned on/off automatically (when you enter a room) or can be controlled using IR. You can do lots of really useful things (like turn off the lights when you go out) .. I recommed both!

[charris cy]

letsautomate,

can you please inform me if x-10, z-wave and Rako are "true" dimmers like lutron are?

When do you expect to get the European z-wave light switches?

Can Rako with their RS232 interface through homesser give you feedback which lights are on or off?

[srooks]

The X.10 LD11 has 64 dim levels. And quoting below,
"The unit can be turned on/off, and brightened/dimmed either by an X-10 controller or by external momentary action switches connected to Terminal 2. It responds to "standard" X-10 commands. ie. All-Lights-On, All-Units-Off, On, Off, Bright and Dim. It also responds to extended X-10 commands. Combined with the memory dim feature, the LD11 can change the room lighting instantly or progressively. This unit is especially designed for scene lighting where very often the lighting is mains powered low-voltage halogen, commonly used in living room, study/reading rooms."