News 3/1/2000 3/13/2000

I finally got some images etc. and updated the Projects section. I've added info on the Great Garage Project (my hacky setup!), how the universal module can be modified to do two momentary relays, and how to make the mini controller into 10 pollable switches (like 10 power flashes). That idea was on Ido Bartona's excellent site, but we have techniques for getting the wires on solid, and how to "poll" it for status.

These and other things all happened in the Discussions area, where all that stuff comes together. Having the collaboration for projects like these is what I was looking for, it's great!

Pauldryan has a post about the X10 vouchers. He found that his credit card statement didn't reflect the discount that the web site did, and apparently x10 says this wasn't just him. I've read elsewhere about this as well. I would take his advice and check your credit card, reply to his post so we can see if this is actually common.

I finally got the XRay software working and will finish the review soon. Bottom line on the software, "big woop". It does download the images but it's a bit shaky and clunky to use. Interesting that it has pan tilt and zoom options in it, maybe a hint at things to come?

Were you as surprised as I was with the announcement of the X10 IR Commander? If your answer is yes, you're not alone! X10 sent that newsletter announcement to only a select few. Try to find the IR Commander on their site, I tried and couldn't! We got our heads up from Scott, who was one of the recipients of that select newsletter.

I'll have more about this posted in the Bargains and Deals Forum, under the topic "Heads Up!". -Carol

X10.com has come out with an infrared controller called the IR Commander. Thanks to Scott for the heads up, I didn't get info on it myself. It uses a firecracker to send remote codes to a battery operated receiver with three IR emitters. On my first extremely quick look at the downloadable software, it looks like it's a universal remote in a box, that's triggered by the firecracker, doesn't look programmable.

I would imagine that if X10 documents (or someone reverse engineers) the sequences needed, other software could trigger the control. I'll try to get one to review, or if any of you buy one, I'd rather have you send in a review! It's $49 at the link shown.

Past news 2/9/2000 - 2/29/2000 >>