X10's Favorite ENTRIES FOR JULY - These are ALL Must Reads!

Entry 223: My home is a "Happy Home." I am paralyzed with Lou Gehrig's disease thus my home is a hospital room. I communicate and control my environment using a computer with various software and hardware including X10 ActiveHome products. I control my computer with my thumb and ActiveHome controls almost everything else. So you see, my home would not be nearly so pleasant without ActiveHome. I am able to "speak" using my computer even though I rely on a mechanical ventilator for life. Using various X10 modules and software, I control all the "normal" environmental factors such as lamps, overhead lights, radio on/off, TV off, fan, nurse "call", and an emergency alarm. Slightly more uncommon or unique, I control my hospital bed head up/down and feet up/down features using four X10 Universal Modules. Even more unique is a urinal drainage system which I operate via an X10 Appliance Module. Thanks to X10, I don't have to ask my care giver or nurse for assistance or interrupt my frequent visitors to use the urinal. Control of environmental factors add to my independence and comfort. My urinal system adds to my dignity. I also take advantage of the more technical capabilities of ActiveHome. I occasionally experience computer "lockup" which leaves me literally helpless. Unable to call for help or do anything for myself, I have been incommunicado for as long as four hours. To overcome this, I programmed my X10 Computer Interface to automatically accomplish several things every thirty minutes during my normal waking hours. Unless I disarm the macro, the Computer Interface automatically alerts my nurse, turns on my urinal drainage,lowers my feet and reboots my computer, all independent of my malfunctioning computer. A timed Universal Module audible alarm set to "Momentary" provides a five minute warning signal to disarm the macro as long as my computer is working as it should. I have a dear friend, Charlie, who helps with many of my projects. He is working on a new project which will use a timed Universal Module's contacts, on "Momentary", to recover certain computer software malfunctions short of a complete reboot. He and my sons are also working on a X10 controllable "excess secretion" extraction system using a pair of Appliance Modules.  I am anxiously awaiting X10's coming infrared control for my TV and stereo. That may even merit purchase of a Bose Wave Radio with its infrared remote control. This will greatly add to my independence. In the words of a certain X10 executive, I hope your home is as happy as mine. -- Earl Aman

To read more about Earl visit: http://www.js-net.com/phantom/earlaman.htm

Read the X10 News Item concerning this Contest Entry and Entry 4

Entry 30: A true story. I had my X10 system running everything in my apartment, from the TV and Radio to the lights. It worked wonders to make my place look lived in. Almost too well. Shortly after I had move into my apartment my superintendent had some work to do in my apartment. I gave him permission to go in while I was away. I came home to see the superintendent standing in the hallway looking scared out of his wits. In somewhat of a panic he told me not to go into the apartment as it was haunted. He did not believe in ghosts up until this point, but had readily changed his mind on the issue. He proceeded to tell me how the lights, the TV and stereo had been turning themselves on and off. I tried not to laugh when I showed him how the system worked. He was impressed (not to mention relieved) when he saw the system in action. Some time later he borrowed a few control modules from me so I could control his stereo and lights for a very romantic, candle lit dinner he had with a young lady who later became his wife. I'd like to think that somehow I played some part in their getting together!  - Gregory Ross

Entry 34:  I have a 2500 sq. ft home that I am remodeling floor by floor. I have installed a 100Mb computer network, cable TV and ISDN network in the house. I have also installed a security system with passive sensors on the doors and windows, as well as active sensors (PIRs) in the hallways and entry areas. X10 is a big part of my remodeling project.

Additional Security: I use X10 technologies to control a number of devices in my home. I use it to augment my existing alarm system by turning lights on and off, making it appear that I am home even when I am not. I use the keychain remote to control devices as I come and go. Particularly useful is access to the front lights and living room lights. I can insure that whenever I come home, if the lights are off, I can turn them on before I enter the house. I want to monitor the outside of my home with a portion of my security system. I want to place digital cameras connected to my web server, so that I can “dial-up” and check the status of the yard. Ideally, I want to be notified if something moves in the yard. I have a number of neighbors who think that my yard is their dogs restroom. I want to be notified via e-mail if there is movement in the yard, and I want to see what it is, and use X10 controls via my web site to turn on and off an ultrasonic pest chaser. (That should take care of !! those dogs….)

Romantic Uses: I love the Ultimate remote. I can access macros and specific devices from almost any location in the house. It is really fun. For more romantic situations I have created a macro that I can trigger that will slowly dim the lights as my date and I are watching a movie. After a couple of hours, the lights go completely out, and the bedroom lights come on. Just like a bug zapper, my prey is drawn to the light. It usually starts a discussion about my home control system. If I want someone to go home after the movie, I just turn the lights on full brightness from the dim mode. It usually gets my point across.

Energy Conservation: I use it to control Xmas lights during the season inside and out. That way I never forget to turn the lights on and off. I use it to create moving displays outside of my house on an isolated power network. (Too many on and off codes make it hard to use my internal lights). I use a dimmer controller on the Xmas tree to dim the lights. I have a hot water re-circulating system that gives me instant on hot water at all faucets in my house. Since I work most of the day, I turn it on and off with an X10 appliance module. It helps save energy, and reduces the wear and tear on the water pump.

Safety Considerations: I have been toying with the idea of interfacing my x10 system into my alarm system. I want to use the PIR sensors in the house to detect movement, and automatically turn on, off or dim lights as I move from room to room. For example, say I get thirsty at night and have to go to the kitchen and get a drink of juice. I want the PIR's to detect my movement, soft start a light in the bedroom, as I move into the hallway, soft start (little brighter) the stairwell lights, and as I enter the kitchen, turn on the lights. As I return to my bedroom, I want the reverse sequence to occur. It will be a great feature when you have an "guest" over. I hope to interface my alarm system with my computer network, and use digital cameras to log into my web site, see what is going on in the house, turn on and off lights and appliances. It’s only a matter of time and money before I can get that functional.

Mobility: My little sister is handicapped and sometimes just turning on a light switch is a chore for her. I gave her a keychain remote and receiver. She uses it to control the living room lights in her apartment, and to control the power to her wheelchair battery charger. It really has made a difficult task very simple for her. She thanks me every time she sees me for it.  X10 is a big part of my life. I can't wait to try new devices as they become available. It's really cool stuff.  -- Carlo Peratoner

Entry 58:  I have a 24 year old daughter who was born with Spina Bifida and is confined to a wheelchair. As a result it is hard for her to get access to light switches and other controls. I have used X10 products to automate all the appliances in her room that are not inherently controlled by remotes (such as her TV). Throughout our house, I have installed X10 outlets and switches so that my daughter can control things that she can't reach by using one of your great RF controllers. I have also linked my burglar alarm system to the X10 controls so that if an alarm arises, critical lights inside and outside my home are activated as an extra security measure. While these installations were intended to increase my daughter's quality of lifestyle by gaining her access to lights and appliances that are difficult for her to access otherwise, (and they certainly did accomplish that), my wife and I also benefit from the X10 components in that it is easier for us to control lights and appliances remotely than it would be if we had to go to the specific room or location of the item being controlled. Finally, we also benefit from being able to use the Active Home computer interface and software to schedule control of exterior lighting and our landscape pool filter independently of our being home or remembering to take care of these things. I love X10 modules. In fact when they were first introduced, I designed and built my own computer interface, running off a home brew Z80 DOS machine. That should give you an idea of how long I've used X10 to make my life easier and better and to facilitate my daughter's needs. I've also used X10 for my swimming pool filter scheduling, lawn sprinkling and holiday decoration lighting effects. -- Ron Morasse

Entry 63:  It it 2:30 AM, the husband gets up and takes care of his business. Ten minutes or so later his wife does the same. Suddenly a blood curdling scream ripples through the early morning stillness. He jumps from the bed, grabs the phone to dial 911 and races to the aid of his wife. What was wrong? How bad was it? All sorts of dire thoughts dancing in his head. As he approaches she pounces on him like a banshee. Screaming verbal abuse and pounding madly on him. He falls under this melee and lies on the floor in utter disbelief at the transformation in his wife. What could have driven her to this sudden fit of rage and violence? Finally, she calms. Her rage vented and violence exhausted. He has a chance to speak. Timidly, he asks, "Honey, what is wrong?" Controling another outburst she replies, "You left the lid up again!" With ActiveHome this disturbing scene, which affects thousands of happy marriages, could be avoided. A sensor, connected to ActiveHome, would detect the lid position. If left up longer than a preset time, ActiveHome would lower the lid automatically. In this way ActiveHome would contribute to keeping marriages happy and benefiting America. I can see the ad now: "Buy ActiveHome to keep the lid on family unhappines and keep America strong!" P.S. This was written on the 4th, so I thought a little patriotism was in order. -- D. Nolan Barnett

Entry 86:  My wife leaves work ahead of me to get groceries and prepare our dinner meal. Having programmed the X10 to perform some of her tasks makes me feel better about her entering our home alone. As she enters our drive the flood light over our drive is activated and her field of view is clear for her entry to the house. As she approaches the door a motion sensor deactivates the deadbolt locks and lights the hallway as she enters. Entering the kitchen the lights come on full so she can see where to put the groceries. Having programmed the X10 to activate the A/C she has entered a comfortable living area. As she enters the living room the lights are activated be another motion sensor giving her clear access to the living area. As I drive in to the driveway the motion sensor once again activates the flood lighting over our drive and allows me to approach in safety. As we prepare for bed the X10 arms the security panel and turns lights off as we depart each room. We retire to the bedroom where we read and turn off the overhead just before going to sleep. Our life is made simpler because of the X10 and is impressive to our friends who are in our similar situation. -- Booby Groomer

Entry 97:  For a class project our group had to design a game of the future. Our game focused on the living room of the future. We wanted something that was as engaging as Twister. Our game is called "Simon the Aqua Ninja!" (It is well known that Ninjas can walk on water using special pads). Our game is played on a 15'x15' playing field. Each corner is designated with a color target (Orange, green, blue yellow). In addition, each corner has a pair of X10 controlled lamps with a red or blue bulb. The game is played by two teams of two people. The goal is to follow a course indicated by the computer controlled X10 modules (and also amplified by an audio voice recording telling the teams what the color of the next target is). The teams are given two pads to stand on, they can drag push these pads around, but must remain on at least one of them at any time. In addition, one member of each team wears a vision altering device to encourage team cooperation. The goggles we used for our prototype allowed the player only to see backwards! It is an exciting game to play and to watch! It is a physically and emotionally demanding game -- the lights flashing and the computer barking at the players adds to the excitement. The system was implemented using an ActiveHome kit and 8 lamp modules. A soundblaster was used to shout out the targets (a male and female voice) to be followed. The pads were made from foam core boards, they slide easily. The goggles were made out of cardboard and mirrors. This setup can easily be done in a family room or garage. You can see a picture of people playing the game at:    http://lacsap.www.media.mit.edu/people/simon.gif   -- Pascal Chesnais

Entry 117: A day in my life with X10. At 5AM, the temperature is adjusted for waking hours, and the sprinklers start if the soil is dry. At 6AM, NPR comes on though the whole house stereo, the lights in the bedroom begin to brighten, the stereo volume begins to increase, and coffee is started in the kitchen. By 6:30AM, the lights are on in the bedroom, bath, hall and the kitchen so I can let the dogs out. During the day, sensors indicate if anyone is home and adjust the temperature accordingly. If no one has been home, the temperature adjusts for an evening return, and the lights and stereo are turned off. In the evening, the water fountain is turned on, the exterior lights come on and the bug zapper is activated, all at the appropriate time based on sunset. At night, One button on the alarm clock assures all lights are off, and starts Enya playing, at midnight, Art Bell is switched on, this makes for some interesting dreams! I also have a romantic button that dims the lights and starts the appropriate music. If no-one has been home for more than 18 hours, the home assumes a lived in look. Lights come on at a semi-random fashion, simulating activity in different parts of the house, and the AC is adjusted for a less costly temperature. The garage doors are also powered off to ensure they are not opened. If the system detects activity without the alarm being disabled, the system pages my with that information. In addition to these timed features, I also use X10 to provide simple control of complex systems. In the home theatre, one button sets up the theatre system in the appropriate mode, draws the drapes if it is still light outside, dims the lights, and starts the movie. I have a telephone interface so I can call the house and make adjustments as necessary. I also use the telephone interface to remote control the stereo and lights while outside with the cordless phone. (IR doesn't work too well in the sun). Also for the outside activity, ringing the doorbell or a telephone call, flashes the patio lights. The system logs all activity to a file which is accessible over the internet so I can see if anyone has come by. Speaking of the internet, I am working on a web page interface so I can control any of the above via a browser either locally or anywhere in the world. I have an ISDN router to the net which routes any of the 5 PCs on my 100Meg LAN. One of the PCs is hooked to a rear projection TVs with a wireless keyboard (The first WebTV!). It will make a nice GUI for controlling the system. I am also working on interfacing a camera into the system so I can record who has stopped by. I would then be able to view this information over the net. -- Chris Weaver

Entry 149: HOW TO KEEP UNWANTED VISITORS OFF OF YOUR LAWN: I would use my ActiveHome system as part of a home automation sprinkler system to keep animals off of my yard.  Many inconsiderate people in my neighborhood allow their dogs to "make use of" my front lawn, without cleaning up afterwards!   By plugging my sprinkler transformer into an X10 appliance module, and then using an X10 motion detector (perhaps the X10 flood light), I can set my sprinkler to turn on whenever it detects motion in my yard, thus discouraging wayward pets (and their owners)! Also, I would program the system to water the lawn in the early morning hours, to save water. - Richard Blauvelt

Entry 161:  My suggestion (which I have been using for the past few years) is to limit your children's TV and video game playing time by using one appliance module for each device to be controlled.  Each controlled device (a TV for example) needs an appliance module, a small box (large enough to house the module) and a new power cord. Insert the device's plug into the appliance module and that into the new power cord--placing that all securely into the box. Strain relieves should be used to protect the wires entering and exiting the box. Now program the TV to be "off" when the children "should" be during their homework. And by using different module codes, you can program earlier and/or later starting and ending times for different devices. Likewise, use a macro to "give" an extra hour of viewing time as a reward. Please follow normal AC safety parameters. If in doubt, locate a professional to install a module for you. Maybe X10 can add a lockable box to their product line! -- David Formilan

Entry 162:  X10 makes it easier to be away from home! When we travel out of town we take our three children but we leave our fish, cats, birds and sea monkeys. These pets still need to be cared for so we have enlisted neighborhood pre-teens to help. Still, I didn't like the house being empty all the time. X10 automation has made our little trips so much more convenient: 1. The fish are fed by multi-day dissolving tablets, but they only eat when there's light. An X10 appliance module controls their fluorescent light so they get 12 hours of light each day, just like if we were home. (They also get 12 hours of restful dark each night, of course.) 2. We live in the south and it gets HOT! I used to set the thermostat on 80 while we travel in the summer to reduce our electric bill but still keep the house bearable on our return. Now, on long trips I X10 the thermostat to 90 (to keep things from melting -- and the pets are staying with the neighbors) and I use the computer module and thermostat setback control to drop it back down to a comfortable 75 on the evening of our arrival. 3. If we wind up coming home early, I don't want to walk into such a hot house, so I use the telephone interface to call ahead and drop the thermostat back a couple of hours before we get home! 4. The ReX10 is our new favorite toy. We especially like the security of knowing it's there to scare prowlers away when we're gone for several days. However, the 12-year-old girl who feeds our cats is still pretty scared of such a vicious dog, even though she knows it's not real. X10 to the rescue! I just give her the keychain remote so she can carry it with her when she goes over to the house. Being able to "control" the dog with the keychain turns the fear into fun. 5. The house still looks lived-in while we're gone with various lights going on and off throughout the evening, the foyer lights held at 25% and the porch lights on full-bright at night. I only worry that someone may come to borrow some eggs or something while we're gone and be insulted that we "ignored" them. Well, maybe ReX will scare them off anyway. :-) 6. Finally, when we do arrive home it's usually late at night. I press the "welcome home" button on my keychain remote, the sidewalk lights come on, the foyer lights come to full bright, and the kitchen fluorescence all come on so I can drop off the mail and check the answering machine.  7. Hopefully the kids fell asleep in the van, but that means I have to carry them in, one by one, with no free hands to fumble with lights witches. I simply press the bedtime button and the upstairs hall lights come up to 25% dim so I can carry the sleeping kids to bed; at the same time my bedroom lights come full on awaiting my arrival with a warm glow. 10 minutes later the downstairs lights go off automatically, the foyer lights go back to 25% and the hall lights dim out slowly to off.   8. Someday when I get all the windows and doors wired for security checks I'll be programming the alarms in to the bedtime schedule. For now I just pet the doggie and rest easy.  All in all, X10 takes a lot of the hassle out of traveling. So really, X10 works great for use even when we're not at home. :-) - Phil Hord