ActiveHome Gets the Kids to Bed

Posted September 24, 2003

ActiveHome Gets the Kids to Bed By Kyle Waremburg

I had seen the ad for an ActiveHome Kit at Menards, but before I could pick it up I found it a lot cheaper at x10.com. I decided to purchase it along with a few light switch modules and a couple lamp modules. I was really pleased with all the capabilities ActiveHome offered.

I got right down to business creating macros. My favorite? My son and daughter both read at night before they go to bed. Using the 2 light switch modules and 2 lamp modules (1 of each in each room) I plugged both their reading lights into the lamp modules and programmed their overhead lights to come on and stay on for an hour (via ActiveHome) with the press of a button. The only thing is that my son goes to sleep with his light on and it takes him about an hour to fall asleep. Therefore, I have it set so that all four lights come on for an hour, and then all but my son's light goes off. His will turn off in another hour.

Another macro that is helpful is the "Leave" macro. It turns off all lights in the house except for the kitchen and dining room lights, which both turn on. All this is done with light switch modules.

I have about 20 macros total and I would like to thank X10 for making my life easier. Whether you're controlling lights at night or heating lamps in iguana aquariums, X10 can do it for you.

Sincerely,
Kyle Waremburg

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Editor's Note: It is also possible to use ActiveHome to gradually dim or brighten lights over a certain period of time, even if your lights currently don't have that capability. This is an excellent way to either wind down at night or wake up in the morning.

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