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CHOOSING AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE MINI-CONTROLLER

Most of our projects use the mini-controller as an example because it is inexpensive and simple to install. However, you may want to choose an alternative controller for many different reasons. Some of the reasons are:

You may want to have access to more than 4 unit codes at one location
You may want to mount the controller on a wall or in standard electrical box
You may not have an electrical outlet conveniently available for the controller's plug.
You may want additional functions such as the ability to turn lights on and off at preset times.

The Maxi-Controller

The maxi-controller gives you all the functionality of the mini-controller and places all 16 unit codes at your finger tips. It is a good alternative but you still need access to an electrical outlet. I recommend that you have at least one maxi-controller or mini-controller in your system even if you use the more advanced controllers. These units are extremely useful for troubleshooting when your system doesn't work as you expect.

Electrical Box Wall Mounted Controllers

There are a whole series of controllers that replace a conventional wall switch. Thus they allow you to control lamps or other items from one convenient location and don't have dangling cords. Most of these units just send out X10 signals so some arrangement must be made to operate the lights that were originally switched by the replaced mechanical switch. Some of the newer units do have "load bearing X10 switches" in addition to the controller function and thus can directly replace the old switch. All of these units require a 110 volt source in the box (you will have to check for this before you decide to use such a controller). Unless you are experienced with house wiring, you probably should hire an electrician to install them. These units are also quite expensive compared to other controllers. I find them very attractive for some applications but they are not the best for "do it yourself" home automation projects.

Battery Operated RF Remote Controllers

This is, by far, the most interesting and versatile category of controllers. You can place them anywhere because they are battery operated. They come in a variety of styles from 2 address key chain models to 8 address tabletop and wall mount models. RF stands for radio frequency and this means that they send radio signals that can remotely control units from one room to another. However the radio signals are quite weak and normally can not operate reliably more than 50 feet from the transceiver. The transceiver is a module that plugs into an outlet and converts the radio signals in to X10 signals. You only need one transceiver for each house code you use so you will likely need only one transceiver for all your projects.

Click here for a more complete description of RF remote controllers

ORDERING THE COMPONENTS

To order from Smarthome (or just see their description of these devices) click on the Smarthome X10 affiliate link below:

X10

OTHER LINKS

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Starter Project --- Select a Project --- Alternatives to the Mini-Controller -- Battery Operated Remotes -- Help with Troubleshooting -- Help with Addressing

(C) Donald Scouten 2003