I need to sort out remote switches for a few things that don't have them - such as the amp in my kitchen which has remote volume, but not power for some reason.

I'm considering going down the X10 route, but can't decide whether this is old technology or not. For example, things like light switches all look pants and can't support 2 way circuits.

Are there any good X10 sites to buy UK kit from other than Lets Automate (http://www.letsautomate.co.uk/)?

other good uk site is Laser (http://www.laser.com)

Also check out AutomatedHome (http://www.automatedhome.co.uk) the UK Home Automation portal. there is an asscoiated Yahoo mailing list. Trust me ;) whatever you can think of someone on there has automated it....

I've just started doing a few things with X10 and there are definate advantages and disadvantages...

Adv:
Cheap (but only compared to some other lighting control systems)
Mature - lots of software for PC control
Variety of 3rd party controllers available

Disadv:
poor (imho) variety of units available in 240V
can be slow
can be unreliable (no collision detection in the protocol)

If you want 2-way control with local switches then you seem to have to go to with the DIN mountable units - which can require some additional wiring. I Now have my hall and landing via these (LD11) modules. For local switching they use "momentary" wall switches. My hall has 3 light switches and Landing 4.

They can also be controlled via Pronto remote control (and X10 IR Controller), PC and my Alarm (Comfort).

All of which means you can achieve various affects such as making the house appear occupied when you're away. Turning the landing light on when motion is detected at night. Turning the hall light on when you get home and open the door. I also have the outside lights on X10 and have plans for a few more....

X10 certainly has its faults - it can take a second to tranmsit 1 command etc. but the better bespoke systems (lutron etc) usually are far more expensive and require more re-wiring and have less ability to integrate with 3rd party systems. For easy(ish) retrofit
there is little alternative.....

Deano



[Edited by dsmith - 12/26/2002 7:59:26 PM]

Lutron cheap here http://www.bestpricetv.com/Lutron.html