Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / September 2005

I find it hard to find good-looking keypads to mount on the walls.
All I need is a dry contact for low current.
However, it is very important that it will look 'sexy' and appealing, taking
a small space on the wall and have at least 10 keys.

My trusty 6-in-1 remote that came with my original ActiveHome kit (my first
foray into HA) seems to have stopped functioning. I really miss the ability
to control various lighting in our home via this remote. At this point, I
could pick up another one. But, I'd like to install ...

I am looking for an x-10 RF receiver that will run on 12vdc, so I can
control a battery operated device with an x-10 RF transmitter. I haven't
been able to locate such a device. I would be open to hacking existing
receivers if someone can point me to or send me some info. Otherwise ...

The documentation says that if I check the "security" checkbox for my
timer, then it will randomly adjust the start and stop times by
+/- 30 minutes.
If my start=9:00pm and stop=9:30pm, for instance, is the program

I use an X10-controlled outlet to control my low voltage landscape
lights.  The existing outlet just died (circuit breaker clicks three
times when I attempt to turn it on) after about 3 years of use, and I
guessing that exposing an indoor-rated outlet to outdoor temperatures

I keep hearing about a current sense mod for x10 appliance modules from
many years ago.  I finally have a need for it.  Can anyone point me to
the directions?
(There seems to be some debate about why someone would want to do this.

Can anyone help me on this?
I'm trying to design a simple phone system for a group of adults with
learning disabilities. We need to replace standard phone keypads with
bigger keypads that will take picture stickers so that, say, you push

Hey guys,
I have been lurking in these groups for a while.  Thanks so much for
all the interesting answers and thoughts, definitely has given me a lot
to think about.  I am about to start building a new townhouse on a

I'm interested in installing a Russound CAV6.6 system in my home to
replace a shoddy system installed by the previous owners just 2 years
ago. A question I have about the CAV6.6 is this: with the UNO TS2
controller pad, will that display the name of the XM/CD/FM selection,

I would like to start using home automation equipment.  I currently
rent so I'm not looking to rewire the house or anything, but I thought
I would start with wall switches and a few appliance modules.  Here's
my question:  Nearly every light in my apartment is toggled between 2

I'm aware of that one can use a gamepad or joystick to provide a "poor man's
I/O interface" for input signals.  But how about output relay closures?
What's available with a USB interface that would lend itself to being used
for controlling switches, presumably with external relays?  ...

Seems to me that many of the applications of audio explored in this newsgroup
1) revolve around proprietary, closed systems
2) are limited in what they can do or
3) form separate subsystems that are not well integrated with the HA system

Since I am starting the homepower/automated house journey, I have been
collecting surplus commercial equipment that might prove useful. One of
those items was a surplus Best battery box for a large UPS. Some
comments on the construction and design follows.

I am wondering what everyones opinions are for HA controllers.  I
recently purchased a new home and would like to invest in a better
controller.  I am considering the Ocelot and the LynX10 PLC.  I am
looking to spend between 100 and 200 dollars.  Good software is also

Sorry folks. It's been a long time since participating in this newsgroup.
But time has suddenly appeared and I am wondering if all my X-10 stuff is
obsolete or has been upgraded or???
Anybody?