![[X-10 Logo]](../graphics/x10tilt3.gif)
Q1. I've read a lot about the X-10 POWERHOUSE system but how does it actually work?
The system consists of a range of different types of controllers for different applications: Manual controllers, Mini Timers, Telephone Responders, Computer Interfaces, etc. All of these controllers send digitally encoded signals on your existing house wiring (you don't have to re-wire your house). These signals are received by plug-in modules into which you plug the lamps and appliances to be controlled. You set each module to a different 'address' (letter and number) which corresponds to the signals transmitted by the controllers. There are also wall switch modules for controlling outside lights and ceiling lights; you install these just like a regular dimmer. You need a module for each light or appliance you want to control.
Q2. I am interested in the CM12U ActiveHome Home Automation Interface but I am not sure if I need to leave my computer turned on all the time?
No, you don't. The CM12X/CM12U ActiveHome Home Automation Interface has its own microprocessor and real-time clock with battery backup. You only need to use your computer for programming. Once the module is programmed, it can be disconnect from the computer. However, having a computer connected and running will offer a number of extra facilities that won't be available otherwise. eg. Activity logging. Furthermore, there are a number of good quality third-party software available that will greatly enhance the functionality of the module over the X-10 supplied software. eg. Homeseer.
Q3. What computers will the CM12X/CM12U work with and how many lamp and appliance modules can it controls?
The CM12X/CM12U ActiveHome Home Automation Interface is a RS232 interface and is capable of working with any computer that has a RS232 serial port. The software, however, is different for each computer. The module is supplied with PC compatible Windows software on CD-ROM. For the Mac, please follow the link from "Other links of interest" to the relevant site. The CM12X/CM12U can control the full addressing range of X-10 modules. ie. Up to 256 modules.
Q4. What is the difference between a TW523, TW7223 and XM10E?
Very little. The TW523 is a converted USA unit whereas the TW7223 is a factory-made 230V unit, CE approved and comes with a 2-pin Euro plug on a short lead. Both modules are functionally identical. X-10 has recently changed the microcontroller in the TW7223. The new version is also called XM10E. The case is borrowed from the top part of the CM12U. The firmware has been completely rewritten. The behaviour of the new module is slightly different in that BOTH copies of the received X-10 command are passed on, including dim and extended codes, whereas the old version only passes the second of the two copies. This may cause problems with some OEM home automation units that are expecting only one copy of the commands. If in doubt, the TW523 is recommended for compatibility over the TW7223. Update: The newest TW7223 is behaving like the original TW523 again but there is nothing to tell the different versions apart.
Q5. What is the difference between an IR543 and an IR7243?
They are physically and functionally identical. The IR543 is a converted US unit with a UK 3-pin plug whereas the IR7243 is a factory-made 230V unit with a Euro 2-pin plug and is CE approved. Other than that, they are exactly the same.
Q6. Do you have the DVD (or MP3) Anywhere package?
Unfortunately not. However, the two products that make up the DVD Anywhere package are available separately. They are VS30E and MK19E. By merely changing the software (available free at X-10 website), the package becomes MP3 Anywhere.
Q7. Do you stock the XCam2 wireless camera package?
We have the basic XCam2 package in stock. It consists of a single standard lens wireless colour video camera with built-in transmitter, X-10 addressable power supply and a separate receiver with no PC capturing facilities or software. It is PAL compatible, CE approved and comes with UK plug type power supplies. Unfortunately, the package price is much higher than the US price. The high price is due to X-10 Europe having a completely different pricing structure to X-10 USA. Specification for the product is available although the document is US based and the power supply shown is not X-10 addressable.
Q8. Why is X-10 USA prices so much cheaper?
We would like to know too. Apparently, X-10 USA and X-10 Europe have different pricing structure, volume difference, marketing policies and official product approval procedures. So it appears that X-10 USA prices are always cheaper.
Q9. I have a converted US module but have lost the wiring instructions. How do I connect the black and white wires to the UK mains?
The US black wire is equivalent to the UK brown (live) wire and the US white wire is equivalent to the UK blue (neutral) wire. On the PR511 Dual Floodlight/Motion Detector, there is also an additional blue wire. This wire is the switched live wire. When motion is detected, this wire will be live with 230V AC.
Q10. What is a TWSERIAL and does it need a TW523 or TW7223 to operate?
A TWSERIAL is a small unit that interfaces between a TW523 or TW7223 and a RS232 serial port of a computer. It handles all the critical protocol timings on sending and receiving X-10 signals. The unit is the size of a DB25 shell with a 25-pin female connector on one end and a 4-pin RJ11 connector on the other. It is powered by the host serial port and thus do not require any external power. With the device, any computer equipped with a RS232 serial port may send and receive X-10 signals under programming control using simplified byte-encoded like commands. A TW523 or TW7223 is required.
Q11. Can the TW523, TW7223 or XM10E be driven directly using a PC?
The TW523/TW7223/XM10E was originally designed for OEM use. The module is primitive in functionality and its control lines are at TTL level. However, with suitable low level device drivers, the module may be interfaced with the PC parallel port quite successfully. Device drivers are currently available for MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 and 95. Once the drivers are in place, high-level programming languages may be used to send and receive X-10 signals.
Q12. Why do we have two approved radio frequencies (418 & 433 MHz) in the UK?
Originally the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry, responsible for regulating the use of the radio spectrum in the UK) only permitted the use of the 418 MHz band for low-powered radio devices whereas the rest of EU have standardised on 433 MHz. The DTI has finally permitted the use of the 433 MHz band in order to harmonise with the rest of the EU. Due to the small market size, X-10 would probably phase out the use of 418 MHz gradually with wireless modules only available on 433 MHz.
Q13. What is the unit code of the TM12E/TM12U built-in appliance module?
The unit code of the TM12E/TM12U built-in appliance module is fixed to 1 and cannot be changed.
Q14. What is the unit code of the RR501 built-in appliance module?
The unit code of the RR501 built-in appliance module can either be 1 or 9, depending on the slide switch position.
Q15. I've seen references saying that the X-10 system is a security system. Does that mean it is a burglar alarm system?
The general X-10 system is not a burglar alarm system but gives security by making your home look and sound "lived in". Most burglars will not break in if they think someone is home and the best way to make your house look as if there is someone home is by using the X-10 system to turn on lights and appliances while you are away. It's better to keep burglars away than to detect when they have broken in. However, if you also own a burglar alarm system, there is a PF284 or the CE approved version SM10E Powerflash Burglar Alarm Interface available. This connects to your existing burglar alarm system and when your alarm trips it will flash all of your lights which are connected to LM12U Lamp Modules and LW10U Wall Switch/Dimmers. There is the SK8000 X-10 Wireless Security System available which contains sufficient items to protect most homes and is compatible with most of the X-10 modules.
Q16. I hear a click when the Appliance Module turns on but not when the Lamp Module turns on. What is the difference between the Lamp Module and the Appliance Module?
The AM12U Appliance Module contains an electro-mechanical relay (hence the click) to control TVs, stereos, coffee pots, etc. The LM12U Lamp Module contains a solid state switch called a triac. This allows the module to dim and brighten incandescent lamps (up to 300W). You should use the AM12U Appliance Module for fluorescent lamps which cannot be dimmed, but note that the Appliance Module does not respond to the "All-Lights-On" command.
Q17. I have read in some of X-10's owners manuals that you shouldn't use the Wall Switch/Dimmer to control an outlet. Realizing that I would void my warranty if I damage the module, I decided to try it anyway and it worked! I replaced the wall switch next to the bedroom door which controls the bedside lamp plugged into an outlet behind my bed. Why does X-10 advise against doing this?
What you have done works perfectly well and there is no risk of damaging the LW10U Wall Switch/Dimmer as long as it is only controlling your bedside lamp. The unit was designed to control incandescent lights only (up to 500W) and can be damaged if it is used to control anything else. If you use the LW10U Wall Switch/Dimmer to control an outlet, it is possible that someone may at some time unplug the lamp from the controlled outlet and plug something else in, a vacuum cleaner for example. This would damage the Module and/or the vacuum cleaner. This is why X-10 doesn't recommend using the LW10U Wall Switch/Dimmer to control an outlet. If, as in your case, the outlet is behind a bed or other piece of furniture and you are sure that there is no possibility of something else being plugged into the outlet, then it is OK to use the LW10U Wall Switch/Dimmer.
Q18. I have a Mini Timer and have my lights and appliances set to go on and off at specific times during the day. Can I override the times I have set and turn something on from the Mini Controller? If I do this will the Mini Timer still turn things on when it's supposed to?
Yes. All X-10 modules respond to specific digital codes representing on and off. They respond to these codes regardless of which type of X-10 controller sends them. If the MT10U Mini Timer turns a particular module on, the MC460 Mini Controller can turn it off, the SC503 Maxi Controller can turn it on again and the KC674/ RT504/HR10U Wireless Remotes can turn it off again, etc. If the MT10U Mini Timer sends out a signal to turn the module on and it has already been turned on from another controller, the module simply ignores the command. Likewise, if the MT10U Mini Timer sends out a signal to turn the module off and it has already been turned off from another controller, the module again ignores the command.
Q19. I listen to my local AM radio station in the evenings and have noticed since I installed the X-10 system that I hear a buzz in my radio. The buzz goes away when I turn the lights off. I don't want to have to listen to the radio in the dark, what can I do?
The interference you refer to is caused by the LM12U Lamp Module which contains a dimmer. All dimmers interfere with AM radios and some cordless telephones. Some dimmers are worse than others and the level of interference depends on what station you are listening to. The LM12U Lamp Module should not interfere with FM stations and X-10 has made every effort to make sure their dimmers are no worse than any others. If you want to listen to an AM station, try plugging your lamp into an AM12U Appliance Module. This module does not contain a dimmer and will not interfere with your radio.
Q20. I like the idea of being able to control my lights by remote control, but if I have a Mini Controller in my living room do I have to go back to my living room every time I want to turn on the lamp in my bedroom?
No. All X-10 modules have a feature called local control. This means that at any time you can turn on a lamp or appliance connected to a LM12U Lamp Module or AM12U Appliance Module simply by turning the on/off switch on the lamp or appliance off, then on again a few times. This will cause the lamp or appliance to turn on. You will of course have to leave the on/off switch in the ON position to control the module by remote control. If you turn the switch off and leave it off, you will not be able to turn the lamp or appliance on from an X-10 controller. You can always turn lights connected to LW10U Wall Switch/Dimmer on and off from the push button on the unit.
Q21. I am very pleased with my X-10 system and everything works as it should. However, I occasionally come home and find a light on which was not programmed to be on. What could cause this?
The X-10 controllers send signals over your existing house wiring and there can be up to 4 or 5 houses supplied from the same pole transformer. If a neighbour has a similar system and his system is set to the same House Code as yours, it is possible that your neighbour could be turning your lights on. Try setting your controllers and modules to a different House Code, this should solve the problem. It is also possible for a module to turn on by itself if a momentary power interruption occurs, or if there are transients or spikes on your house wiring such as might occur during a thunderstorm. This however should happen only rarely. If you are experiencing a lot of trouble, it is possible that your module may be overly sensitive to the problem in which case X-10 would be happy to replace the module.
Q22. How much electricity does the X-10 system use?
Each module consumes less than 2W. Therefore even 20 modules equals to only a 40W light bulb. Any time a lamp is switched off sooner than it would be, you save energy. The system therefore will very quickly save you money on your electricity bills.
Q23. Can I have more than 16 modules?
Yes. Any number of modules can be set to the same Unit Code and they will all respond to the signals from the controller simultaneously as a group. The numbered keys on the controllers really refer to groups of modules. You can set any number of modules to the same Unit Code and they will all respond as a group. There is no limit to the number of modules you can set to the same Unit Code. You can further expand your system by setting modules to other House Codes. There are 16 (A to P) of these to choose from so 16 Unit Codes times 16 House Codes equals 256 groups of modules that can be controlled.
Q24. Can more than one lamp be dimmed or brightened at the same time?
Yes, if you own a SC503 Maxi Controller. Other controllers such as the RT504 Wireless Remote, the MC460 Mini Controller, and the MT10U Mini Timer have rocker keys which transmit number-on, or number-off when a key is pressed. You can therefore only control one module (or group of modules on the some Unit Code) at a time. However, if you have a SC503 Maxi Controller, you can for example press buttons 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and then press ON, and modules set to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will all go on together at the same time as a group. you can then press Bright or Dim and they will all brighten or dim as a group.
Q25. Can I have more than one controller in the same house?
Yes. You can have as many controllers as you like. The modules obey the signals they receive if they match the House Code and Unit Code they are set to. The modules don't know, or care, which controller the signals came from.
Q26. Will the system work from one house to another?
It is possible for X-10 signals (which are transmitted onto your house wiring) to travel from one house to another if the two houses are on the same pole transformer. If you suspect that your neighbour might be turning your lights on and off, try setting your system to a different House Code. There is usually less than 16 houses on the same pole transformer and you have 16 House Codes to choose from. Alternatively, the installation of the appropriate number of FD10 DIN Rail Filter/Couplers at the junction box would filter the X-10 signal from entering or leaving the circuit.
Q27. I would like to use the Lamp Module to control my stereo and wondered if I could control the volume by using the dimmer feature. I noticed, however, that there are warnings on some Lamp Modules saying "Lamps Only". What will happen if I use the Lamp Module to control my stereo?
The dimmer circuit in the LM12U/LM12G Lamp Module "cuts out" part of the voltage waveform to the output, even when the module is at full brightness. Most appliances such as televisions and stereos could be damaged by such an irregular voltage supply. PLEASE DON'T DO IT!
Q28. I'm told that the Wall Switch/Dimmer can't be used to control a fluorescent light. For my information, please explain to me why the regular Wall Switch/Dimmer won't work?
The LW10U UK Wall Switch/Dimmer is a two wire device and is connected in series with the light bulb. The signals transmitted from X-10 controllers are transmitted across your house wiring from Live to Neutral. These signals therefore have to pass through the light bulb. The signals will not pass through a fluorescent tube. The ballast in a fluorescent light also acts as a block to the signals. For wall switches that require the Neutral wire as well as the Live (eg. AW10U or LW10G), the above does not apply.
Q29. I would like to install a Wall Switch/Dimmer in my garage but it gets quite cold out there. What is the operating temperature range of the X-10 system?
The integrated circuits used in the X-10 system are designed to operate from 0 to 50 degrees C (32 to 122 degrees F). However, the modules generate some heat from their own electronics so the ambient temperature could probably fall a bit below zero without affecting the operation of the module.
Q30. I presently own mechanical timers and was thinking about replacing them with electronic ones. The X-10 system seems like a better idea but what happens if the power fails. Will I lose all the information I have programmed?
No. The MT10U Mini Timer has battery back up to protect the time of day and your programmed information during a power failure for up to 48 hours. The CM11X/CM12U ActiveHome Home Automation Interface (which is programmed from a computer and then disconnect) has battery back up for up to 100 hours.
Q31. I am controlling a fluorescent lamp from an Appliance Module and have noticed that sometimes when I turn the module off from a controller, it mysteriously switches back on a few seconds later. I tried replacing the module and it didn't make any difference. The module works fine with a regular incandescent light bulb. Why is this?
All X-10 modules have a feature called local control. This lets you turn a module on by turning the switch on the light or appliance off then on again a few times. There is a circuit in the module which senses a change in the load being controlled. Some kinds of fluorescent light, when turned off, store voltage in their ballast which takes a long time to die away. This can cause the module to think that the on/off switch has been turned off and on again and so the module's local control circuitry regards this as a request to turn on. The problem can be fixed by plugging a two-way adaptor into the AM12U Appliance Module and then connecting a small low power night light to the same module as the fluorescent lamp so that when the module is turned off, the night light will soak up the energy stored in the ballast of the fluorescent lamp.
Q32. I recently installed a Lamp Module and have noticed that the bulbs glows very dimly after I have turned the module off. Is the Lamp Module defective?
There is probably nothing wrong with your Lamp Module but you may be using it to control too small a bulb. The LM12U Lamp Module is rated for incandescent lamps 300W maximum, 40W minimum. If your bulb is less than 40W, it may glow dimly when the LM12U Lamp Module is off.
Q33. I have been using the X-10 system for many years without any problems but I have recently purchased a mains wireless intercom and have noticed that I can't control any modules if I leave the intercom locked in the "talk" position. Why is this?
When the intercom is in the talk mode, it continuously transmits signals onto your house wiring. These signals won't cause an X-10 module to turn on, but they can prevent the X-10 signals from getting through. You won't have a problem if you don't leave the talk button depressed on your intercom. If you wish to use an intercom as a baby monitor, you should use a wireless one or one that has it's own separate signal wiring.
Q34. I have an Mini Timer installed in my holiday home to make the place looked lived in when I'm not there. I also have an Appliance Module with a heater connected to it so that the place is nice and warm when I arrive. However, I sometimes arrive there at a time which is different from the normal pattern and the house is not at it's comfort level. Is there any way I can change the programmed sequence by telephone?
You can't use the telephone to change what your MT10U Mini Timer is set to, but you can override it. The TR551 Telephone Responder will control up to 10 X-10 modules (or the LV6325 Leviton Telephone Transponder which controls up to 256 X-10 modules) from any DTMF telephone in the world so you can call your home and turn on the heating or air conditioning even if the timer has it programmed to be off.
Q35. I have a sprinkler system which I would like to control from my X-10 Mini Timer. How can I do this?
The UM506 Universal Module provides an isolated contact closure when turned on from any X-10 controller. This contact closure can be used to make and break the 24V circuit of a typical sprinkler valve. The module can also be used to control anything that is either low voltage operated or is triggered by a contact closure.
Q36. Is there a motion detector which works with the X-10 system?
For external use, the PR511 Dual Floodlight Motion Detector is available and comes complete with screw-in type lamp holders to replace an existing outdoor light fixture. This module will turn on the floodlights as well as up to 4 X-10 modules when motion is detected. It will also turn on up to 4 X-10 modules at dusk and turn them off again at dawn. The DM10E External Wireless Motion Detector may also be used. However, it is sometimes found to be rather too sensitive for reliable human or animal only detection. For internal or sheltered external use, there are the MS13A and MS13E Occupancy Sensor/Motion Detector. A RR501 or TM12E Transceiver Module is required.
