I am currently using the cm11a with Activehome to control X10pro, Leviton, and PCS X10 devices. I am to the point where I have exceeded the capabilities of Activehome, especially with the PCS switches.

I searched this forum for past posts on the topic, and did a little research on my own. My requirements for a new controller are these:
1) Controls X10pro, Leviton, and PCS devices.
2) Can be run independent from a PC. (Once programmed)
3) Preset dim support for PCS switches.

That's really it. In looking at my options, the JDS Timecommander and Ocelot jump out as the top two contenders. I really do not need the IR control feature of the Ocelot (I'm not sure if I understand it or would use it)

The drawback of the ocelet seems to be the fact that it used the TW-523 as it's X10 interface, but I'm not sure that I will use extended X10 commands.

The drawback of the Timecommander is it's higher cost.

Based on my requirements, are there any suggestions as to which of the two is best? Or is there a third option I have missed?

All suggestions as welcome.

The Ocelot and JDS Timecommander (TC) are your two best choices. I have the TC but bought it before the Ocelot came out and would probably lean towards the Ocelot today because of the price difference. The TC's software is a little more flexible but I don't think that flexibility is worth the extra money in my situation.

What I'd recommend is downloading the software for each system and start writting your program in each. That should quickly give you a good handle on the which device would best suit your needs.

FWIW, the TC uses the TW-523 just like the Ocelot. Both support the PCS preset dim codes.

Here is the link for the TC WinEVM
[Link: jdstechnologies.com]

Here is the link for the Ocelot's CMax
[Link: appdig.com]

If you decide that you prefer the JDS product, you might consider the Stargate Lite instead of the TC.

Btw, there is a list for the ADI products at www.futurestand.com and you can subscribe to one for JDS products by sending email to [email protected]

Have fun with whatever you decide to use!

Cheers, Jim.

The IR function of the ocelot is that you can use your Pronto or any other 'learning' remote to control your X10 devices, actually any type of input.... contact closure, IR, digital etc.

you can also use the ocelot to make your home theater system fully power automated like a crestron or AMX system for a fraction of the cost!!

Thanks for the input. I did download the software for both. Unless I'm missing something, I really liked the JDS software much better. The Ocelot application was very crude and did not give you an easy way to track your devices. With X10 devices, scenes, gate chimes, controllers, I already have 102 addresses used and have not started on the upstairs yet. I like the Ocelot for the price and expandability. Is there alternate software, even if I have to buy it, that can be downloaded to the ocelot?

I'm not aware of alternate software for the Ocelot.

I've had the JDS TC for several years now and am pretty happy with it. The software, WinEVM, still is a bit kludgy but it's more flexible than Ocelot's CMax. I do miss the IR capability, though, and really don't want to spend an additional $300 for the IR XPndr.

Thanks for all of the advise. I went ahead and bought the Ocelot. Looks like they are back-ordered through the month. By the time it arrives, I should have the program written.