Home automation usually comes with a substantial price tag, a lot of wiring, and expensive add-ons- but many don’t realize just how easy it is to build your own system that does the same things as the expensive setups.  Control lighting, appliances, thermostats and more through the use of simple modules and controls.

A company I’ve grown very fond of through the years is called X10.  They provide simple home automation, security and remote monitoring hardware and software for surprisingly reasonable prices.  Since everything they offer can be controlled wirelessly, there’s no need to modify anything in your home- it’s as simple as plugging in small devices and making some quick configurations. 

When you think of home automation, your first thought is most likely controlling lights, HVAC and other devices either remotely or on a schedule.  X10 provides what they call “Active Home Pro” which is a line of extendable products that will allow you to control just about anything you desire.  They offer a basic starter package that includes lamp modules, appliance modules, motion sensors, remotes, wall controls, and the central software that lets you configure everything.  The basic package runs $99.99 which is a steal when compared to everything you get. 

First, let me explain how X10 works; the core of the system is a small transceiver you simply plug into a wall socket.  This transceiver receives frequencies from the various remotes, wall controls, software, etc. and relays the frequency to the various modules you have placed on things you’d like to control- such as lamps, outdoor lighting, coffee makers, you name it.  The software is another core component as it allows you to control everything- set timers, macros, etc.

The simplicity of the system is incredible when you think of the convenience it provides.  The modules, like the lamp module for example, simply plug into any wall socket with the lamp or device plugged into it.  This is all it takes to automate a device or lighting.  The appliance modules allow you to control heavy duty items like stereos, TVs, heaters, HVAC systems, etc.  When you install a module, you select a unique code for that specific module so the software and the transceiver know what frequency to send.  After you’ve placed a module on everything you’d like to automate, as well as set unique codes for each one, it’s time to go to the software and configure everything.

The transceiver has a USB port which allows you to plug into your computer for programming.  The software will recognize any modules you’ve setup and provide you with an interface of virtual “switches” that allow you to control everything from one spot.  This feature alone is well worth the money- imagine sitting on the couch with your laptop, and being able to dim all the lights inside, turn up the lights outside, turn down the heat, and much more without moving a muscle. 

The best feature, to me, is the fact that you can set timers and “macros” via the included software to automate your home further.  You can set macros such as; turn on the outside lights at 8pm, followed by turning on all lamps in your living room, followed by making sure your garage door is closed.  In the morning, you can set a macro to turn off all lights in the house, followed by turning on the coffee pot- all without you even knowing.  This is a powerful feature- imagine going away on a long trip, and instead of just leaving a lamp on, you could set a macro to make it look like people are still at home.  You can set it to turn lamps on and off at different intervals, etc. to give you an extra piece of mind while you’re away.

For not even $100, you couldn’t ask for much more in terms of simplicity, added convenience, and cost effectiveness.  Once you have the basic system installed and configured to your liking, it’s as simple as adding modules to expand the functionality. 

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Entry was posted on Friday, September 19th, 2008 at 11:13 pm under Technology, Tutorials.

Read more entries by Justin Montgomery.
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