ok i have a question about the x-10 products. i have read in the FAQ about need a seperate module to control the x-10 products but this is my question. i was thinking about getting some of theses:


now i am unsure of what i need to make these work with the pronto. could i not just get an x-10 remote conrtol and just copy the commands to the pronto or would i still nedd to get the add on module.

thanks in advance
dustin

X10 modules are operated by RF (radio frequency) not IR (Infrared) like the pronto. In order to control X10 products using an IR remote requires an IR-X10 converter like the IR543.

If all you want is some switches that you can control by remote, you can purchase switches elsewhere that can be controlled via IR remote directly (I think Home Depot even sells them). The disadvantage to IR switches is that you must point the remote directly at the switch....if the switch is behind you or to the side this can be quite inconvenient. The advantage of using the IR543 is that you can place the unit with the rest of your equipment so that you only have to aim the remote as usual.

thanks for the reply!

ok i thank i got it. so i would have to get the switches, the convertors and the remote that it comes with in order for the packages to work? correct?

do you know any good sites for x-10 or home automation sites? i have used google and found several sites but am now more confused that before.

dustin

No. If you want to use X10, you would need to get one X10 switch for each normal switch you want to replace. Then you would need to buy one converter for your theater room (assuming that is the only room you are looking to control via pronto IR). The converter only needs to be in a room if you want to control x10 products by IR remote from that room. You only need an actual X10 remote if there are products elsewhere in your house that you want to be able to control from outside your theater, otherwise the pronto will be controlling the switches.

I have a ProntoNEO and have most of the lights in my house on X10 switches. You need to get an IR receiver for X10, such as the IR543. This is what I have. The IR543 only lets you control one set of unit codes at a time, so you can only control up to 16 devices unless you change a setting on the IR543. There may be a newer version of an IR receiver that lets you control all house codes and all unit codes at once. Check X10's site for it, or google for X10 and infrared receivers. I remember seeing a site that modified the IR543 to accept all house codes and sold their version for around $100.

To get the IR codes into the NEO, you can download a setup file from this site. That is how I got my NEO working with my IR543. Search the files section of remotecentral.com for X10 and the NEO.