X10 Controllers

Name Technology Strengths Weaknesses
X10 ActiveHome/
IBM Home Director
Connects to serial port of computer, plugs in wall, sends X10 signals through wall wiring. Has one switched outlet. Allows two-way communication, talks to any house code and unit code. Can be programmed with up to 128 events to be executed and then disconnected from the computer. Needs dedicated serial port on computer for programming and interactive control.
FireCracker Connects to serial port of computer as a pass-though connector like a dongle, sends RF signal to RF tranceiver module. Can cross circuits (service legs, UPS's, surge supressors), requires only shared access to serial port, many software options. Limited range
IR Command Center (IR543) Receives IR commands or from on-board buttons, sends X10 signals through wall wiring. Can be used with handheld remotes or RedRat IR controller. Can only control one house code and eight unit codes at a time.
Keychain remotes Sends RF signal to RF tranceiver module. Small (there is one barely thicker than a credit card) and portable Controls only two or four devices (depending on model) that are sequential unit codes on the same house code, limited range.
Motion sensors Sends "on" RF signal for a configurable house code and unit code to RF tranceiver module, sends "off" signal to same code after configurable delay. Ssmall enough to be easily concealed, can be set to only go on when dark, some rated for outdoor use. Cannot adjust sensitivity or range, takes up two consecutive unit codes.
Handheld remotes Sends RF signal to RF tranceiver module. Some are universal remotes that can IR control A/V equipment too, long range. Can only control one house code at a time.
Wall switches Some send RF signal to RF tranceiver module, some send X10 signals through wall wiring. Works as a regular wall switch and a module, some can dim lights, some can control multipe devices. Sometimes will not work across legs, requires both hot and neutral to be in electrical box they are mounted in.

Others include: timers, water sensors, light sensors, PIR sensors, glass breaking sensors, thermostats, and dry contact.

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