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I have had X-10 modules and switches in my house(s) for a number of years. I like the remote switches for relocating problem switches. And I have a programmable TV remote that also controls any of the lights in the house. It doesn't take an engineer to set up or anything. I got all of my equipment including several 3-way switch master/slave pairs for under $200.
I have used their motion detector modules to turn on lights when you walk into a closet and then turn them off 15 minutes later. All controlled by the motion detector. No computer required.
I never did have any luck with that screw-in bulb module. It is supposed to take its house and number code from whatever you press in close proximity to it and then use that from then on. It never worked for me.
I also have had mixed results with the Home Automation Macro software provided by X-10. At one time I had it set up to turn off all the lights in the main part of the house at 1AM. I had a roommate who would come into the house and turn on every freaking light, then fall asleep on the couch. That worked for a while, but I found the software glitchy. It was supposed to 'download' the control to a serial connected switch that would execute the macros, but I found that it would only work when the computer was on.
I should probably do a bit more looking around now to see if anyone has worked out a better, slicker, more reliable solution to the X-10 automation via computer. It has been about 5 years since I did much of the computer controlled macros.
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You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.
- Albert Einstein
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