I'd like to get started on X10 but I need some help.

I've read some and I found out I'll need a IR543 so my pronto can control the X10's.

Will I need a Wireless Transceiver Module (TM751) or something like this? or does the IR543 take care of this?

I have a 3 way switch in my room. One switch is a slide dimmer and the other is a normal 3 way switch. I'm thinking of getting the PLW02 3 way switch. Do I HAVE to get a slave switch? I was hoping to replace my normal switch with the x-10 3 way dimmable switch and keep my old slide dimmer switch. Is this possible?

On X10.com I see something called firecracker. It is an inline device I attach to my computer. If I get one of these, can I control the above devices with my computer? It is listed as 39.99 with some other devices. Is it worth the cost?

Who has IR543's in stock? :)

Are the RCA switches on X10 just as good? They are cheap now because of an overstock special.

Thanks for any help.
Robert

Robert, Have you checked out the X-10 forum here? Lot's of Pronto related threads there. You might get better/faster answers over there.

Good Luck.

Garth.

Yeah, its a tiny little RF sender with a really basic util. Looks just like the classic 16 remote unit. You can then buy other software for automation or what have ya.

The IR543 will do the trick, for one room at least without ir extenders. Anyway, Smarthome.com has the same unit but I dont believe the part# is ir543. You'll find it under tabletop controllers. They are pretty good about having stuff and getting it to you.

Switches: I dont think you MUST have the slave, but do yourselft a favor and get it. I havent even botherd to try withought, but if it will work you will probably find that you will be making irritated trips to the one you didnt replace because your X10 switch will not if the other is hard off. If you really want the "slide" dimmer on one of them you will probably want to spend the extra cash and get the fancy dancy switch with local dimming and a slave for it.

Good Luck

JT

BTW the firecracker is serial..

X10 switches are ok but there seems to be alot of dud's. Ive had 3 of 8 in one order bad. Oh well!

http://www.homeautomationnet.com

ROBERT ,
IM HAPPY WITH MY X10 STUFF, IT WORKS GREAT TOO.
IT CAN BE TRICKY THOUGH WITH OTHER ELETRICAL COMPONENETS RUNNING ON THE SAME PHASE.
I SUGGEST YOU CALL AND SPEAK TO A REP FROM ONE OF THE COMPANIES. TELL THEM EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, AND WHAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH. IR543 IS CORRECT OR #4040 BOTH THE SAME. AND DEFINATELY GOTO THE X10 SECTION.
GOOD LUCK.

Thanks everyone. I've looked at the X10 section. I just wanted to talk to the X10 Pronto crowd first.