NEW YORK —
Many of us look forward to the day when we can turn off the stove at
home from our computer at work, or program the coffee maker to have a
fresh pot ready in the morning.
We've been hearing about the digital home
— in which "smart" appliances can be controlled from
anywhere — for years now. Now there's the FireCracker from X10, an
interfacing system that takes a small step in that direction.
The FireCracker works with existing
"dumb" (non-computerized) appliances by connecting the
appliances using existing alternating current (AC) home wiring and radio
frequency (RF) signals, controllable from a remote control or a PC.
The basic kit contains a lamp module, an
appliance module/transceiver, a handheld controller and a PC interface
with some software — all easy to set up and install. Basically, the
lamp is plugged into the lamp module and appliance is plugged into the
appliance module/transceiver. Both are then plugged into wall outlets.
The transceiver module has an antenna which allows it to receive RF
signals from the remote control (from up to 100 yards away) or from a PC
anywhere in your home.
Sounds like something a guy with a deep
tan and too much make-up might describe on an infomercial at 3:45 a.m.
on a Tuesday? Well get ready, because the FireCracker is free! That's
right, it's free — as long as users "chip in" $5.90 to cover
"administrative cost," according to the X10 Web site.
"The FireCracker is a simple,
mainstream introduction with basic functionality — (on purpose) we
created it with the intention of subsidizing the mass adoption of home
control — a taste that will compel enthusiasts to buy additional
modules or upgrade to ActiveHome," which is an advanced system of
complete home control that looks really cool from its specs," said
an X10 spokesperson.
The FireCracker is fairly easy to use and
it does what it is supposed to: You can turn up to 16 lamps or
appliances (extra modules are available for $10 to $13) on and off from
your computer or by remote. A separate product called a "Fuse"
($19.99) is necessary if you want to set a product like a coffee maker
to activate at a specific time.
Turning things on or off is the only
practical application for the FireCracker. Appliances we want to turn on
remotely, such as televisions and stereos, already have remote controls,
and appliances like a dishwasher or a washing machine still require
human interaction to add soap and dirty dishes and clothes, so
FireCracker is not really practical for those either.
An X10 representative said the
FireCracker interface can also be used to remotely control a combination
of wireless mini color video cameras also made by X10 (just $79.99 each
after a $40 discount!) — presumably for home surveillance or
"nanny watch."
X10's ActiveHome system, however,
promises to have more advanced applications, and can control anything
from the garage to the attic — including room temperature,
entertainment appliances and even a jacuzzi from a keychain remote. Like
the FireCracker, it works with existing wiring and your computer to run
customized home lighting and appliance routines.
The Bottom Line: Even if the
FireCracker seems a bit silly, it's virtually free. I say try it out; if
you think it's cool to have remote controlled lamps, check out the
ActiveHome. If not, you haven't lost much. Otherwise, wait a few years
for appliances to "smarten up" with mini-computers or get
cracking on creating "Rosie the Robot" to do chores for you.
