I want to start making some lighting in my home automated. I've been reading some of the threads and I think I have the basic idea. But, I'd like to ask if I'm doing this properly.

I have an MX-500 remote I'll be using with the X-10 products. I believe the IR543 will allow me to use my remote to control my X-10. That said, will I still need a transceiver?

For now I just want to do the basic turn on, turn off and all on and all off. What will I need (if any) if I want to later on add dimming features? Will I just need to purchase the dimmable wall switches and still able to use the IR543?

Thanks for any/all advice

Yes, you will need an IR543, it takes the X10 IR signals from your MX-500 and puts them on the powerline so your X10 devices, switches & modules, can do their 'magic'.

A transceiver takes the RF signals put out by X10 wireless switches and X10 brand remote controls and sends them via the powerline to your X10 devices.

Check out these links for more information on X10:

[Link: homeautomationnet.com]

[Link: pigselectronics.com]

http://www.x10ideas.com/

Just understand that each light or appliance (or each group of either) will require a module or switch or dimmer. The IR-543 is only the IR-to-X10 "translator"; you still need at least one "receiver".

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Thanks for the info guys.

So, if I only want to use my remote (MX-500) to control my switches, the IR543 is enough to do the trick. But if I want to add other wireless controllers (or X-10 remotes) to control the X-10 products then I would need a transciver. Did I understand that correctly?

And, every applicance or lighting I would like to control would need to have an X-10 switch or a lamp module (receivers) to work with the IR543.

You don't need a transceiver with wired devices, like switches:
[Link: homeautomationnet.com]
Receptacles and modules:
[Link: homeautomationnet.com]

This is what is ment by wireless:
[Link: homeautomationnet.com]

Here's the BIG picture:
[Link: homeautomationnet.com]