Hello,

I'm looking for a way to send small packets of data
over in-premise power line. This is not broadband over
power line. I just need a way to control
relays/dimmers thoroughout various rooms in a premise
without needing to add separate data line in all
rooms. The kind of bandwidth I need is tiny. 9600 bits
per second should be more than sufficient and likely
more than I can generate.

My first question is whether this is similar to X10 or
other existing products on the market? I looked at
some X10 devices but it looks as if the coupling
mechanism that they use is quite bulky. Is this belief
valid? If so, why are these devices so bulky? In my
mind, I was thinking that it might be that they need
coupling-transformers and step-downs to power their
logic devices.

What I am thinking of building needs to be small and
elegant. I would very much like to make it such that
it can hide behind a switch's faceplate. I was hoping
that I could pick a PIC, use an IC based power
regulator to get a reasonable voltage, add a power
line communication IC (PLC chip). Is this viable? Has
anyone had any experience doing this? I'm very eager
to learn about your experiences with this.
Recommendations on what stuff to do, what stuff to
watch out for would be greatly appreciated. I'd also
be happy to get recommendations on what manufacturers
might be making relevant devices/tools for the above.

Much thanks,
Hirose

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