ActiveHome X10 Home Automation Computer Interface | Discount Price: $12.99
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Brand: X10 Pro
Features: - Great starter software for automation control in your home (X10 transmitters and receivers sold separately)
- Control everything using X10 technology
- Includes Computer Interface with RS232 DB9 connector (program available as a download)
- Compatible with Windows 3.x, 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP (not compatible with Windows Vista)
- Expandable - just add more lamp and appliance modules or wall dimmer and switches
Pretty Cool Device [Posted on 2005-01-25]
I'm quite a techno junky so I was very excited when the ActiveHome kit showed up. My main reason for getting this was to be able to turn on my Christmas lights at dusk and off again at midnight.
Installing the device and software was a piece of cake but I really hate hooking anything up that uses a serial connection (which is what this uses). The software did what it was supposed to but it is a little antiquated. It looks like the software was meant for the first generations of windows( ie. 95, 98).
What I liked: I liked being able to setup timers so that I could turn on or off my devices at a specific time. I really liked being able to have the software figure when dawn or dusk is. The most powerful function about the ActiveHome kit is the macro functionality. I can setup a module in the software that responds to unit code A3. Whenever the ActiveHome kit senses that the A3 code was activated, it performs the functions that you setup. I currently have A3 set to be the romantic lighting in the master bedroom. It first turns on the lamp and dims it to 50%, and then it turns off the main light. There is no limit to what you can do with the macros. It's also very nice being able to download your timers and macros to the ActiveHome device and then you can turn off your computer.
What I didn't like I didn't like how old the software felt and behaved. My biggest complaint is that the ActiveHome device takes from 3 to 7 seconds for it to respond to macro functions. I spent forever trying to figure out why it wasn't working before I realized that it was, just slower than I expected
Weak Link in X10 Family [Posted on 2007-12-13]
I've been using the X10 modules for several years now, but decided to introduce my computer into the process. I have to admit, this is the first X10 product I've been disappointed with.
1) The interface is a SERIAL CONNECTION...amazing in this day and age, when newer computers don't even have serial ports. This was apparently designed in the dark ages (5-10 years ago). For $50 more, X10 offers a USB version.
2) The included software reminds me of Windows 95, both look/feel and reliability. I'm told the ActiveHome Pro Software ($49.99) is far better, but haven't been able to find it anywhere to check out. Nor have I been able to find out if the software works with this module.
The Active Home Pro kits for $49 basic and $99 with control modules and software are MUCH better deals. Unfortunately, while Amazon has many of the Pro Modules, switches, etc, they don't seem to have either of the Pro Computer interfaces.
Stay warm let the computer do the cold work. [Posted on 2008-01-24]
This is needed to work the x10 module. We are now using to control the outdoor Christmas lighting. No more going out in the cold, Rain or Snow. Just program the computer from the warmth of your home and make all the changes you want to your outdoor displays.
Good. [Posted on 2008-06-09]
I use it to automate one TV in my Cyber Coffe And Games. I make a software to control the time for my clients, turning on and off whenever the user consume his time. A motion detector send signals to the Transceiver, and the transceiver send to the line. When this interface receive the signal, it send me an email notifying me that one area of my office has movements, "Only on non-working hours".
CM11A works great with Linux [Posted on 2008-11-13]
Simple, cheap and reliable.
The best part for me is that it works great in Linux. If you run Linux and want a recommendation of software to use with the CM11A, check out "heyu".
Click here for more details and discount information...
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