In only a few months, X10.com has given away more than 100,000
FireCracker kits in an effort to introduce technology savvy web communities and user
groups to the incredible simplicity and power of building a home where you can remotely
control almost anything electrical at the touch of a button from anywhere in the home.
X10.com developed the FireCracker with the intent of subsidizing the
mass adoption of home control products. Once people get a taste for how easy it is to make
all of the devices in your home work in concert with each other remotely, new lifelong
X10.com customers are born.
The FireCracker is a expandable computer-based kit that allows you
to remotely control lights and appliances using a combination of your home’s existing
AC wiring and radio frequency (RF) signals. Simply plug the light module into a favorite
lamp, then plug the module into a wall outlet. Next plug the transceiver module into an
appliance like a coffe pot, then plug the module into a wall outlet. That’s all you
have to do. The handheld or remote does the rest, sending commands via RF signals which
are converted into powerline signals to turn on and off almost anything electrical. You
can even use the computer interface to send commands from your PC.
"X10.com is really focused on one priority, the mass adoption
of Wired Home products," said Alex Peder, president X10 (USA) retail sales division.
"We knew giving away the FireCracker would attract millions of folks interested in
home control but unsure about how to get started. This is a win-win situation for both the
customers and X10.com. Influential end users are able to test and challenge our products
and share their experiences with others. We in turn gain a whole new generation of
customers committed to getting the most out of their home of the future."
For a limited time only, everyone can join the Wired Home revolution
by taking advantage of X10.com’s decision to offer their home control starter kit
known as FireCracker™ , a $73.00 value, for only a handling fee of $5.90.
FireCracker Components
Computer interface - No bigger than a Fig Newton™, the
interface plugs into a serial port in the back of your computer. The X10 through-port
design allows you to plug another device into the back of the interface. Using the
FireCracker software allows you to send commands through this interface to the Wireless
Link Module™ and through the household wiring. This interface can control up to 16
sets of lights and appliances.
PalmPad Remote Control - The PalmPad™Remote is one of
X10’s most powerful remotes, allowing you to control up to 16 sets of lights and
appliances when you are away from your PC.
Wireless Link Module - This module takes the wireless signal from
the computer interface and converts it to an X10 signal, sending commands through the
household wiring to lamp and appliance modules.
Lamp Module - This module receives signals to turn on or off a lamp
based on your commands.
About X10.com