I have tried desperately to find offical documentation detailing how one goes about using X10 with Vera, what parts are required, and how the interface looks and operates. I have tried google, cocoontech, x10, the MCV wiki and these forums.
However, Unfortunately, this info is no where to be found. Yes, I have searched the forum, but random postings of “i am using X part as my x10 interface but have Y and Z problems” does not answer my question.
Can someone, preferably an official MCV representative, detail what is required and what is possible with Vera + X10? (Note, not interested in Insteon at all, only X10 parts/interfaces!).
Thank you for shedding some light! This information will be shared with prospective and existing Vera users.
Unofficially, it appears to require a SmartLabs 2412U PowerLinc Modem. You’ll find reference to this and to X-10 in the MCV wiki in likely one of the last places you’d think to look, the page about Insteon. http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Insteon_Intro
I think the reason being that the PowerLinc does both Insteon and X-10 and as far as Vera’s concerned they’re all devices that it talks to through the PLM.
You might try one of the X10 serial interfaces, as they are cheap enough to experiment with. Just plug it in instead of the Insteron Modem, using a usb to serial adapter. I thought that Insteon was backwards compatibile with X10, maybe the serial interface part will work with Vera. Worth a try if you can get one easily.
Kicking this topic back to the surface. I have a few X10 devices left at the cabin and really don’t want to get rid of them… Mainly interested in:
my old PHS01 (motion sensor & floodlight, sends / receives x10, controls other x10 devices). When triggered it turns on its lights and signals switch that runs porch light to come on. Then 10 minutes later turns everything off. I wish there was a zwave unit like this.
Anyway… since many months have gone by, is there any change or better way to get x10 and vera talking other than the USB x10/insteon adapter? Does this xmit/rcv x10 and show the states. Example… x10 motion sensor fires, turns on its lights and porch. Will vera show the floodlight on and x10 wall switch on?
i’m with Les any updates. the reason i’m asking is because i would like to put a sensor in my garage and i can get an x-10 cheap and i dont need a fast response on it
There was a beta (last year sometime) that when an X-10 device was turned on/off externally from Vera, the UI would also update, and produce a message beneath the X-10 device in th UI ("unknown or unhandled or something like that) so Vera is capable of listening to PLC and acting upon it. If only this feature was implemented.
Alas, that is no longer in the most recent beta and hasn’t been for more than 6 months.
There are a few Mantis reports filed for X-10, two are listed below and I do intend to keep pushing this issue.
So right now if I go to the effort to try to use my existing x10 devs, the only thing I can do is send commands to them? Not have them externally trigger any scenes correct? Sounds like its not worth the cost of the usb insteon/x10 adapter.
If thats the case, I guess I either need to make an HSM100 water resistant (discussed elsewhere, or wait for Aeon labs to actually get their motion sensor on the market like they have been promising for probably about a year now.
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