>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Ruben vd Merwe" <rubenv@AMPNET.CO.ZA>
>>Hi
>>
>>I am very interested in Home Automation and was wandering if I can get =
a
>>few pointers to web sites with info on this topic. I am thinking of =
some
>>serial comms with a PC, I2c or something similar. And PIC based =
modules
>>all over the place, talking back to a pc.
>>
>>Any advice would be appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks
>>
>>Ruben

>From: Anand Dhuru [mailto:ardhuru@VSNL.COM]
>
>Hi Ruben,
>
>My suggestion would be to go the X10 way; then, whatever you =
design/build
>would be compatible with a host of things available ready. For example, =
if
>you design your own PIC based X10 receivers, you could either make your =
own
>controller, or just purchase one, and its bound to work with each =
other; you
>will have a choice of transmitters/receivers/controllers to pick from.
>
>A good place to start would be http://www.geocities.com/ido_bartana/  =
lots
>of information on the protocol, schematics, and even plans to make your =
own
>receiver!
>
>I have also developed X10 stuff based on the 16F628. If you need any =
more
>information, do let me know.
>
>Regards,
>
>Anand Dhuru

I agree that X-10 is a common and well supported system.
For many people, it meets all their needs with a minimum
of extra wiring.

I've been using X-10 since somewhere around 1979.
There are a few problems I have found with it though.
First, as traffic increases, command collisions become a
LOT more of a problem. X-10 commands are pretty slow.
I have also found that their reliability is dependent on
the environment. They used to be quite reliable for me,
but in recent years they seem to be getting temperamental.
I think the cause is probably the more common use of SMPS
in the home. The more of these you have, the higher the
noise floor of your house wiring.
For myself, I'm working towards a wired system using CAN
to communicate between PIC based modules in each room of the
house. This is NOT a simple way to go. There will be a huge=20
amount of in-wall wiring to support this. I hope I can design
enough useful features into my system to make it worthwhile.

Just my X-10 cents. 8^)
Lyle

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