🚀 go-pugleaf

Michael C wrote:
> "rowan194" <googlegroups@sensation.net.au> wrote in message
> news:1130602833.547425.64290@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > You mentioned home automation, have you looked at X10 products? Tricky
> > Dicky sell them.
> >
> > Actually, after a quick look it seems all they have now is a remote
> > control. They used to have things that let you hook up a computer, turn
> > lights on and off, etc. Perhaps I'm looking on the wrong part of the
> > site.
>
> I've had a pretty good look at home automation. The problem is they don't
> have anything that switches power on and off from the usb port because usb
> can't extend between your PC and where ever the thing you are switching is.
> It does seem like it is possible to control it from your PC but through a
> wireless link or something. The sites I've looked at have been *extremely*
> vague as to how it all works. I found something that works through ethernet
> but getting my customers to set up ip addresses and have a second network
> connection near the pc is too complicated.

Are they residential or business customers? From memory they need to be
on the same power phase for X10 to work.

If you do a google AU search for "X10" you can probably find something
suitable. This is one kit I've found:

http://www.eon3.com/content/products/product-detail.asp?intProductID=565

Basically all you would need is the sender and one of the power
switches. I do see that it requires serial, but as the page says a USB
to serial converter can be utilised.

HTH, and I wish Tricky Dicky still sold this stuff, because I'm now
inspired to have a play! :)