In the introductory post to the X10 Home Automation series, I gave a brief introduction to what transceivers do in an X10 system. Transceivers are at the heart of the X10 protocol – basically they are the bridge between wireless control and the powerline control of X10 (see How X10 Works). They work by transforming RF signals and converting them into a signal that can be transmitted over the existing powerlines in your home, otherwise known as the PowerLine Carrier (PLC).
(More after the jump)
What do X10 transceivers do?
A more technical definition of what an X10 transceiver does is that it takes transmissions and translates them into X10 powerline protocol. Outside transmissions could be anything ranging from a push of a button to an infrared signal from a controller to an automated command via PC software. Of course, there is a huge variety of ways to transmit signals to an X10 system, but that is best left to another section in the future.
Why do I need a transceiver in my X10 system?
You simply can’t have a working X10 home automation system without a transceiver. Period. You need something to pass signals on to their end destinations, and the transceiver is that messenger. The real power with x10 home automation is twofold: the ability to remotely control lights and appliances, and the ability to split and control the home in different zones.
Transceivers allow you to harness both these benefits. By acting as a bridge between wireless (or other control methods) and powerline control, they allow you to use a remote control to turn off the kitchen lights from your bedroom (an especially handy ability if it’s winter and you’re already warm in bed).
A more powerful function of the transceiver is its role as a router of signals. The most common transceivers only control one house code, allowing you to set up zones in your house, via house codes. (Recall from How X10 Works that there are 16 house codes, from A to P, each representing a “zone.”) This lets you use the “All lights ON” command and have only living room lights turn on. Alternatively, there is a less-frequently used whole-home transceiver, which broadcasts on all house codes, when you do want that broad level of control. However, the sophistication of controllers (the subject of the next post) and home control software have reduced the need for this hardware solution.
What types are there, and where can I get these transceivers?
- The most common and popular X10 transceiver is the TM571. You can get it from our retail partner, ExTenOnline.
- An older, but also commonly used transceiver is the PAT01.
- If you are interested broad control, consider the V572 whole home transceiver from SmartHomeUSA.
No related posts.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by C-J Sveningsson. C-J Sveningsson said: X10 Home Automation: Transceivers | Smart Home Automation Guide http://bit.ly/Rqbjh [...]