Visitors to my home are amazed when
lights go on automatically at dusk and go off at 11 p.m. on signals from preset program on
my PC (it’s also handy when company has outlasted its welcome). They’re also
startled when I dim the lights in the family room and fire up the projection TV from a
single button on the universal remote control. It looks like rocket science, but the X10
technology that makes it happen is simple and cheap. X10
systems work by sending signals to appliance-controlling modules over existing wiring in
your house. You plug the controllers into the wall, and plug the lamps and appliances into
the controllers. Then, you can activate the controllers either manually from a control
keypad or automatically via your PC. The system controller stores directions you create
using X10 software, so your PC doesn’t even have to be on for the system to work. You
can but X10 controllers for about $13/module at your local Radio Shack, or buy complete
systems that include a set of controllers, a control console, and software for your PC.
The best starter kits for families are X10 ActiveHome Deluxe Kit
(800-675-3044, www.activehome.com;
Windows CD, $99), IBM Home Director Universal Starting Kit (800-426-7235,
www.pc.ibm.com/homedirector; $99), and, for the security-minded who have a few extra
dollars to spare, the Honeywell PC Managed Home Security with TotalHome Control System
(800-541-8001, www.honeywell.com; $599). Each comes with a limited number of modules to
get you started and easy-to-configure software.
For an overview of the technology, check out www.x10.com. For a firsthand view of how it works,
you’ll have to stop by my church or my house (just make sure it’s before 11
p.m.).
