The ScanCam is X10.com's newest offering in their expanding camera line. This wireless camera kit includes an improved Xcam with a built-in wireless sender and microphone, and a focus adjustment. Also included are an addressable power supply, a wireless receiver, a modified Palm Pad remote and a TM751 RF transceiver module. The entire kit is available for around $100 US, and includes a $40 gift voucher as of 3/30/00.
The power supply is available separately for $20 and the controller with TM751 is available also for $20

The camera portion of the kit seems to be an improved version of X10's color Xcam line. The 2.4 Ghz transmitter is built into the base of the camera, meaning less wires and clutter coming from the camera. In fact, the only attachment to the camera is the power supply. The lens of the camera is attached to an adjustable arm that is used to aim the lens. It can be adjusted straight down and fully to the left and right. It can almost be pointed straight up, but the transmitter antenna is in the way. There is also a focus adjustment.

As with all of X10's camera offerings, the ScanCam is almost blind in low light situations. The camera needs at least a 60W lamp on to see adequately, and the more the better the picture. In daylight it performs better, even on overcast days. However, it tends to have a bad glare when looking at something highly reflective, like a white car.

The picture quality isn't bad for a budget camera. The better the lighting, the better the colors. It tends to give a yellowish-gray tint to everything. The addition of a focus adjustment lends itself to a less fuzzy picture.

All in all, I was impressed with the camera for the price. But for a little more money, a much better camera can be had.

Rating: C+

Now for what everyone has been waiting for- a silent module! The ScanCam's new power supply is addressable just like a lamp or appliance module. The wall transformer design puts out 12v DC for the ScanCam. It is rather compact, especially when you consider there is a silent appliance module in the package. There is no audible click when the module is turned on or off. One odd design quirk is that it automatically turns off when another ON signal is sent in its four-code group. For example, if the module is at A1 and ON, and an A2, A3 or A4 ON is sent, then A1 will automatically shut off before the other turns on. It doesn't matter if there are other modules on those codes. I am unsure at this time if this can be modified internally, but there is no way to prevent this for now. It will respond to commands from a normal Palm Pad remote or from the CM11A.

Coolness: A+ Usability: B-

Basically a regular Palm Pad remote modified a bit. For starters, the case is black plastic instead of the normal white. The buttons are also modified a little. Four of the buttons are for turning the ScanCam on and off (in the case you have four of the addressable power supplies; otherwise they are basically wasted) The four that control the ScanCam can be changed from units 1-4, 5-8,9-12,and 13-16. The other 12 perform like those on a standard Palm Pad. The dim buttons have also been changed. For the four used to control ScanCams, each press of dim turns the next code on, while bright turns the previous code on, cycling thought the four. For the remaining codes, they perform the normal dim and bright functions.
The black case is a nice touch. I may swap the internals of a normal Palm Pad with this remote for this reason. If there are less than 4 ScanCams, some of the buttons are practically unusable.

Black Case: A+ Everything Else: B

Also included in the kit was a normal TM751 transceiver, the wireless video receiver, and RG-6 and A/V patch cord for the wireless receiver.

With all the included items, this kit was worth the price I paid. For $100, X10 will always throw in plenty of free items, and this was no exception. This will provide me with hours of fun finding ways to use it. There are a few quirks and design flaws, but they don't ruin the overall effect and coolness.

Overall Kit Rating: B With Freebies: A