How Does X-10 Work?

To make a device such as a lamp or appliance controllable via X-10, you plug the device into an X10 lamp module or appliance module and then plug the module into the wall outlet. The module can then supply or deny electrical power to the lamp or appliance. An X-10 computer interface (like ActiveHome, CP-290, etc.) can send small signals over the home wiring to control any such devices.

Your Macintosh connects to the computer interface using a serial cable.

A typical Macintosh X-10 arrangement is:

Macintosh serial port

--> Mac adapter cable (like we sell)

--> X-10 interface cable (ships with the interface)

--> X-10 interface, which plugs into the wall.

 

The primary purpose of our adapter cable is to convert from the Mac 8 pin connector to the PC-style 9 pin connector. The cable is also essential for those using FireCracker because it contains special connections to support the FireCracker's nonstandard wiring.

To use X-10 via USB, the arrangement is only a little different:

Macintosh USB connector

--> USB adapter (mini-DIN 8 connector)

--> Mac adapter cable (like we sell)

--> X-10 interface cable (PC-style DB-9 connector)

--> X-10 interface, which plugs into the wall.

The FireCracker requires precise timing of signals that USB hasn't been able to deliver.

Interface Choices

Choices for the X-10 computer interface include the ActiveHome/IBM Home Director, the CP-290 and the FireCracker. The FireCracker is unusual in that it doesn't plug into the wall. It sends radio signals like the PalmPad or a universal remote to a transceiver that, in turn, plugs into the wall.

The ActiveHome/IBM Home Director is the most popular these days, but it can be unreliable at times. The CP-290 is much older and is very reliable. The ActiveHome series supports sun-based events, macros and a maximum of about 70 events. The CP-290 holds up to 128 events and you can retrieve the stored schedule from it.

Where To Get The Hardware

There are numerous vendors for X-10 compatible hardware, both online and local retail. The Thinking Home AppleGuide has links to several. Good starting points for online shopping is www.x10.com and www.smarthome.com. Local retailers include Radio Shack, MicroCenter and many home improvement centers.