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F.A.Q. -
X-10 |
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Q.
Can I use my Apple Macintosh with the X-10
systems?
A. Yes!
Although you need some additional hardware ... The Apple Macintosh Adaptor
unit attaches to our popular Computer Module. It has a USB connector on one
end and a 9 pin serial plug on the other. Perfect to use with a range of
software available for Mac computers. |
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Q.
How come some
modules don't work in some sockets, and when they are removed to other
sockets they work fine? |
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A. This can happen in a
multi-phase system, whereby the X-10 signals are not coupled between the
phases. In many cases the coupling of the phases is already present. In
other cases the coupling can be realised by installing one or more Phase
Coupler/Filters (FD-10). When 3 phases need to be coupled, the 3-phase
coupler/filter can be used (TF678). Both filters also prevent that X-10
signals enter or leave the house.
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Q.
Modules that are
installed a long distance from the controller do not respond to commands,
while others work. Why? |
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A.
The X-10 signal is
transmitted on the power line with a signal amplitude of 5 V. The Modules
respond to commands when the X-10 signals have a minimal amplitude of 50 mV.
We can say that there is a significant tolerance, but, sometimes the signal
can be weakened by a big inductive or capacitive user. It ''''absorbs''''
the X-10 signal. Several solutions are possible to prevent the influence of
this user on the X-10 signal. The Controller can be installed in a central
place between the Modules, as far away as possible from the heavy user. Now
the signals should reach the Modules with sufficient amplitude. Another
effective solution is to install a Plug-in Filter (FM10) between the heavy
user and the power line. Now, the X-10 signals can not reach the heavy user
and can therefore not be influenced. |
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Q.
Why do some Modules
turn on and off spontaneously?
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A. Sometimes a X-10 system
can be influenced by interference from another X-10 system nearby. The X-10
signal is transmitted on the power line which makes it possible that X-10
signals enter or leave the house. This problem can be solved by choosing
another House Code (A...P). With the help of the CM12 Computer Interface you
can detect which House Codes are used in the immediate area, so that you can
always choose an available House Code. The installation of Phase
Couplers/Filters (FD10 or TF678) prevents that X-10 signals leave or enter
the house.
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Q.
I want to
remotely dim my low voltage halogen lights with my X-10 system. Is this
possible? |
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A.
The Lamp Module (LM12)
is not fitted to dim low voltage halogen lights. The DIN-Rail Switch/Dimmer
(LD10) and the Dimmer Wall Switch (LW10) are capable of controlling halogen
lights. |
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Q.
Can the system be
used when other devices also use the power-line, like baby monitoring
systems? |
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A.
Thanks to the set-up of the X10 signal, other sources that interfere can not
activate or deactivate Modules from the X-10 system. Sometimes the X-10
signal can be influenced by e.g. a baby monitoring system that is constantly
in ''talk mode''. The presence of this kind of interference can make the
signal too weak to reach the Modules. |
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Q.
Can X-10 be
controlled from Linux? |
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A. Yes, and it's free too!
Please see the following link:
www.au.debian.org |
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Q.
How many timers or
macros can I store in the ActiveHome interface? |
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A.
Typically about a hundred macros and timers combined, but it varies greatly
depending on how you group items together as they are compressed before
downloading. |
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Q.
What are the batteries in the
ActiveHome interface for? |
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A.
To back up the interface's real time clock during a power outage. Events and
macros are stored in EEPROM and will not be lost even when power is removed.
Note that when new batteries are inserted into the interface, you must
inform the ActiveHome system as it keeps track of the time that the
interface runs on battery to give an indication of the life remaining.
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Q.
How much electricity
does the X-10 System use? |
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A. Each module consumes less than
2W. Therefore even 25 modules consumes the electricity equal to a 50W Light
bulb. But do not forget that every time a light, an appliance or a device is
turned off sooner than it would be, you save energy. The X-10 system is
designed to save energy. The System therefore will very quickly save you
money on your electricity bills.
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Q.
Can I control my
house with a telephone? Even when I am away? |
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A. Yes. By using the HAL2000 Home
Control Software (HAL2000) or the TR7251 Telephone Responder, you can
control all X-10 modules by telephone from anywhere in the world. The
systems are protected by a password.
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Click links below to view X10 products |
