Does anyone knows about X10 products?

Question

Does anyone knows about X10 products? It sounds cheap so quality is a concern. I am looking for wireless lighting devices. They have it's own forum which I don't trust.

Answer 1

I've used them for years and they do work quite well! You should know 'tho that Radio Shack sells the identical products under the name "Plug'n'Power" and occasionally puts them on sale. I loath ratshack but still deal with the drones to get spare modules.

The only drawback to them is they are slightly sensitive to surges, most protectors filter out the control signals as noise which either stops them from working or cuts the control range way down

Answer 2

Yep - I agree with everyone else here - the products are generally good and do what they advertised, particularly the light control/dimming modules. I've used them all over my house in a variety of ways.

One thing to be aware of is that many homes will experience a dead zone where some modules don't seem to work. This has to do with the way houses are wired and there is an easy solution.

Your circuit breaker box has two hot wires, each of which feeds one side of the box (and thus one "side" of your house). When the x10 receiver is plugged in on one "side" of your house it will often have difficulty sending its signal to the other "side". Basically the signal has to go up one side of your circuit box, out to the transformer and then back in and down the other side of the box, often becoming too weak on the journey to activate the module.

The fix is a device that plugs in to a 220v outlet (usually your clothes dryer/water heater) and acts as a bridge between the two sides, allowing the signal to get through on a much shorter path.

The upshot: Give it a try, you'll like it for what it is advertised to do. If your home has dead zones get the device (referred to by x10 as a "phase coupler") and that should set you straight.

Enjoy

Answer 3

Yeah, they specialize in succulence cameras.

The prices are good, but actually not that cheap - surveillance cameras have come down in price a lot over the past 5 years, so they really aren't much cheaper than the rest - they are NOT considered a cheap or no name brand. Their quality is pretty good - I have a wireless color and sound X10 camera. It works good. I bought it about 3 years ago for about $150. It came with the motion sensor and all the hook-ups to go into the VCR and TV.

Answer 4

I've used X10 products. In fact I still have an 8-in-1 programmable universal remote in my living room, but I haven't used the modules in a while. I've been really pleased with their stuff when I used it. A few years ago, I installed an X10 wall switch and got a keychain remote for my grandmom so she could turn on her outside porch light when she pulled up to her house, to make it safe for her to walk up to the door and so she could see the locks easier. She couldn't stop raving about it.
I've never had quality concerns. I have personally used, aside from the above: the lamp module, transciever module, appliance module, 16-device remote control, and serial port PC adapter (at the time, the whole set was called the Firecracker Kit).
Go for it. Get a starter kit with a few modules, if you hate it, EBay the whole set and move on. But I think you'll like it.

Answer 5

X10 has been in business for a long time. They sell a variety of security devices.

I have bought some of their products and they did what the company advertised.

However, if you are worried, then go to a security store in your town and talk to the people there. It might make you feel more comfortable if you dealt with a place where you can talk with the people in person.

Answer 6

Recommended.