In this next post in the X10 Home Automation series, we’ll discuss in detail X10 controllers. Controllers do exactly as their name indicates – they allow users of the system to send commands to devices to turn on or off. They do this by transmitting a signal, which can happen in several ways: wireless by RF or IR to a transceiver, or through a powerline signal as a hard-wired switch or plug-in controller.
If you know all this and just want to browse some products – we’ve got you covered. Skip to the end of this post for a listing of X10 controllers.
What does the controller do?
Obviously, the purpose of the controller is to allow you to control your home automation system. But how does it do this? In X10, the controller sends a command, either wirelessly or via the powerline (PLC), to a transceiver, which then transmits the message to a receiver module, which carries out the command. In essence, controllers are transmitters and modules are receivers, and the transceiver is the messenger boy.
Why do you need a controller in your X10 system?
Another obvious answer: you want to be able to control your home, don’t you?
Okay, what types of controllers are out there?
There are tons of controllers compatible with X10 available. They split neatly into two categories: wired and wireless. From there, things get a little messier. Let’s start out easy.
Wired controllers have two distinct classes: line-in (hard-wired) and plug-in controllers. Hard-wired controllers are the most iconic – they’re directly connected to your wall. Even if you might not normally think of it as one, even your light switches are controllers – switches and dimmers are the most common in-line controllers in an X10 system, and they can be used to control just about anything. An example of a plug-in controller is a tabletop controller. No special installation is required – simply plug it in, and with minimal (if any) programming, it’s ready to go.
Wireless controllers also divide into two further classes: those that transmit via radio frequency (RF), and those that use infrared (IR). Radio frequency control has much longer range, and can be used virtually anywhere in the house. Infrared controllers have a much more limited range, and they need to be directly pointed at the receiver, just like your TV remotes which also use IR. As you can imagine, X10 controllers are by a large majority RF controllers.
But don’t be fooled by the term “wireless” – there are a good number of X10 switches that are also wireless – so you can have the convenience of a switch without having to go through the hassle of leading wire to it.
What are some examples of these controllers?
I thought you’d never ask. Here is a list, sorted by type of control:
Wall Switches – Hard Wired
- X10Wall Switch – your standard wall switch, but with a smart home twist.
- X10 Model WS12A 3-way Dimmer Switch – sounds complicated, but simply put, it can control and dim 3-way circuits.
Wall Switches – Wireless
- X10 Slim Wireless Wall Switch – basically an RF controller that you use adhesive to stick onto a wall. Works just like a regular switch, except wirelessly.
- X10 Slim Wireless Wall Dimmer – exactly the same as above, but it has dimming functionality added.
Plug-In Controllers
- X10 Maxi Controller – this tabletop controller gives you decently sophisticated control over your home – the only installation involved is plugging it in.
- ControLinc Maxi – this is a more sophisticated tabletop controller, complete with programmable buttons and scene lighting programming.
Remotes: RF
- SlimFire Keychain Remote – for pocket X10 action, this keychain remote controls two settings, which are easily programmed. Most likely uses of this include turning on the lights as you’re exiting your car.
- X10 Credit Card Remote – also for the pocket, but with more functionality. This small remote boasts 10 programmable buttons.
- X10 5-in-1 RF/IR Remote – this accounts for everything, more or less. Use this baby to control your TV, VCR (if you still have one?) Cable box, DVD player, and X10 home automation system.
Remotes: IR
- Universal Replacement Remote – this isn’t specifically made for X10, but it can be made compatible by using an IR-X10 converter.
By no means is this list exhaustive. This is just to give you a taste of the many options you have. You can even use your computer to control your home, with the help of some software – we’ll cover that in a later post. Please visit our partner retailer, www.extenonline.com, for more X10 products.
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