Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / December 2003

  I have been looking at the X10 DIN Rail dimmer and relay modules
(yes, I'm aware of the X10 downsides) and the ones from Marmitek all
have a momentary switch input for manual override.
  Unfortunately I simply don't know what a momentary switch is, how it

I just bought a toslink cable but I can't plug it in any of the
output/input optical jack of my audio components, i.e. DVD player, A/V
receiver, Satellite receiver.  Are there different toslink plugs?  How
can I fix it?  Thanks.

Does anyone make REAL 3 way switches for use with X-10 systems, not like
the ones that X-10 calls 3-ways?
By REAL, I mean one that has an actual SPDT relay in it so that it can
be used with already wired manual 3 and 4 way switches.

Saturday in December before ice/snow coming,
so a good day to put up holiday lights outside.
This means two prong (ungrounded) christmas lights.
This mean X-10 control because who wants to turn the lights on and off

This $150 item is supposed to improve your audio quality? I'm in the
wrong business!
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=110-439&DID=7
This outlet features glass-filled, nylon-tough front and rear housings

I see both twist-on and crimp style connectors for
RG6. Which is the better way to go? (One end will
be attached to a wall plate but the end in
question will be connecting to splitters, etc. in

Is there such a thing as an AMX touch panel emulator that would run on
a PC?
I am trying to help a friend program his AMX system. I have downloaded
NetLinx Studio, as well as TPDesign4, but can't see any way to test

I'm wanting to hear from those of you using the DVR cards installed in
a computer for video recording.
Especially concerning the software and it's ability to allow remote
control from another computer via the web.

The Snap 'n Seal are the best. That's what the cable companies use.  The
tool is about $50 and you can get the connectors on ebay pretty
reasonably.
bill wrote:

Has anyone built or bought a remote device that indicates whether the garage
door is open or closed?   I've tried the GE home automation gadget but it's
a POS - no usable range at all.  I figure it shouldn't be too hard using a
combo of X10 bits and maybe a magnetic switch on the ...

I have a couple of X10 cameras, WebView, Pan Tilt Pro, and MultiView
software.  I have a wireless router, some desktop PCs and a PocketPC
with an integrated wireless network adapter.  Question: Can I stream
the camera video to my PocketPC within my own system (maybe some sort

I'm re-wiring a four story house, and I'd appreciate any advice or
comments on my plan.
I'm going to start with a run from the basement to the attic.  I
figure that I'll have one set of patch panels in the basement, and

Anyone got a circa 1999 era 8-in-1 X-10 remote to work with a recent vintage
DVD player?  I have a Samsung carousel DVD player that I can't seem to
control with the X-10 remote, even in the learning mode.  I'd replace the
player with another if I knew the X-10 remote would control ...

Just thought I would warn potential X10 customers of the poor customer
service that I have received.  I purchased some X10 equipment for a
present for a family member.  It is the day after Christmas, the
person I bought it decided they did not want it.  Box was never

I'm undergoing a renovation project and am wiring my new home with as
"forward thinking" a strategy as possible.  I am interested in
integrating everything together with a home controller system that
will offer access via the web.  I expect to utilize a home server as