[sclug] X-10

[James Fidell]

Quoting Tom Dawes-Gamble (tmdg at weardale.cl):

> I have quite a lot of X-10 stuff (unfortunately).
> 
> The X-10 units in this country have a number of (IMHO) design faults.

My understanding is that there are extensions to the X10 protocol that
address some (though not all) of these problems, either directly, or by
allowing software to integrate a little better with the X10 units, so
buying hardware that supports those extensions helps.

Where possible it seems people try to use DIN rail mounted X10 units
and fit them somewhere they won't be seen, which helps with noise and
unsightliness a bit, as do those that fit behind the switch or
socket faceplate.

Sadly it seems the only alternative without going to the big industrial-type
systems is Clipsal's CBUS, which is considerably more expensive than X10,
but does have more functionality.

James