This page discusses the heart of the home automation system, the
computer controller that can be programmed to control devices by time,
or to execute sequences of multiple commands when appropriate. It discusses
the benefits and drawbacks to each vendors offerings. The
controller plugs into the wall for sending and monitoring receiving
X10 commands and X10 activity. Most controllers connect to a computer
either through a serial port or USB port. Some of the controllers
maintain memory of programs so that they will continue to control your
modules even when disconnected from the computer or when the computer
is turned off.
ActiveHome CM11A
The most widely use X10 home automation controller is the
ActiveHome CM11A
interface from X10.
This device connects to your computer using a serial line and has
memory to store macros and timer settings for use when disconnected
from your computer. I have been using one of these for more than a
year and I have found it to be reliable and adequate for most of what
I want to do.
ActiveHome Pro CM15A
The new
Activehome Professional CM15A Interface
 , also available from
X10.com provides the functionality of the CM11A, but connects to
your computer using a USB cable. The CM15A also includes a built in
"all codes" transceiver module, intended to eliminate the need for
separate modules to receive and retransmit radio commands from remote
control units and motion sensors.
I recently purchased the CM15A and I have found it to be unreliable,
especially with respect to the wireless transceiver capability, but
also in its ability to send clean X10 signals on my household wiring.
Additionally, the unit goes through batteries quickly (it uses 4 AAA
batteries for "backup" when the interface is not connected to the
power line). I do not know if the problem is my particular unit, the
device in general, or the other devices in my home automation
configuration. My other two controllers, the CM11A and my SmartHome
Powerlinc controller work fine.
In general, I find that the features of the interface are nice,
especially when you add the optional Smart Macros package. I expect
that once it has been out for a while, the problems will get worked
out, but for now, I definitely would not recommend the CM15A.
SmartHome PowerLinc Controller 1132CU
SmartHome's
PowerLinc™ 1132CU Controller - USB-Based Home Automation Device
connects to your computer using a
USB cable and has memory to store macros and timer settings for use
when disconnected from your computer. I have been using one of these
for more than a year and I have found it to be reliable and adequate
for most of what I want to do. I have used this and found it to be
very reliable. In addition to basic support for macros and timed
events, the Smarthome Manager Essential software that comes with the
controller has many features for remotely programming SmartHome
modules, making this controller very useful if you have other
SmartHome modules in your home automation network. The 1132CU has a
built in backup battery with a 10 year life, saving you from the need
to periodically change batteries as must be done with the CM11A and
CM15A.
I found a few features available in the CM11A ActiveHome software to
be harder to use and program in the PowerLinc controller, in
particular the ability to set timers for particular days of the
week. Some of the added complexity has benefits, however, as there are
somethings you can do with the PowerLinc controller that you can not
do with ActiveHome. I have also found the PowerLinc controller to be
significantly more sturdy than the CM11A and both more sturdy and
significantly more reliable than the CM15A. If you are looking to
build a solid home automation configuration, I strongly suggest that
you build it around the 1132CU.
The PowerLinc™ 1132CUP Controller is identical to the 1132CU, except that it comes with Smarthome
Manager Plus software instead of Smarthome Manager Essential. If you
will be making extensive use of macros and timers and need the ability
to alter the behavior of your system based on conditions such as the
status of devices or time of day, then you should choose the "plus"
version of the software. I originally purchased the "essential"
version of the controller and ended up purchasing the upgrade for the
software a couple months later.
Note that there are several versions of the PowerLinc controller. Of
these, it is the 1132CU and the 1132CUP that allow you to download
timers and macros that run when disconnected from the PC. Make sure
that you order one of these two versions.
Firecracker Control Module
The
FireCracker Lighting Control module
plugs into the serial port of a PC and will
transmit X10 wireless/radio (RF) signals that can control X10 RF
enabled appliances, or which may be relayed onto your house wiring
through a transceiver module. You will often find the Firecracker
control module sold bundled with a tranceiver module, and with
software that allows you to interact with the module through your PC.
The bundled software is usually very limited in its funcionaility, but
I have seen open source software (including software for Linux) that provides more functionaility when using the module.
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