GT,

There are many manufacturers of X10 devices, all speaking the same 'language'. So first, don't be afraid to mix and match brands (though this doesn't apply universally).

It sounds as if you're not planning to create the world's most automated house, so some basic goodies will get the job done. Let's go down the line to figure this out:

1) The remote uses IR signal, so that needs to be converted to electrical signal that X10 understands. The IR543 ($20+) does that.

2) Each device (light, drapes, lamp, etc) needs a controller. This can be as simple as plugging in a lamp module inbetween the lamp's plug and the wall outlet. Find the basic ones at www.x10.com for not much money, but the drapes module will cost quite a bit more, and I'm not exactly sure off the top of my head where to procure them. But they're out there.

Technically, that's all you need. But you'll end up doing more :) Trust me. It's addicting.


Thank you,

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