FAQ: X10 starter kit - is that all I need to get started with a home automation system?
X10 is used to create smart homes with a communications protocol that allows compatible products to talk to each other by wireless transmissions and through the existing AC wires in your home. Costly rewiring of your home is unnecessary because you just plug in control modules wherever you need them.
In its simplest form, you have 3 elements:
- control modules plugged into an AC outlet that receive commands to switch motors, appliances and other devices on and off.
- a hand held remote control transmitter used to send control signals
- a receiver plugged into an AC outlet that receives the command signals and transmits them over the AC house wiring to the control modules
You can use our x10 starter kits to set up a very simple system and expand it as desired. The PC software is included in the kit, but you do not need to use it if you want to keep things simple at first. You can activate the PC software at any time to enhance your system capabilities with timers, sensors, motion detectors, etc.
We currently have 2 starter kits that are all you need to start your smart home project - one that is geared for motorized blind and shade control, and another one that is focussed on irrigation control. The motorized blind and shade kit can be expanded to include irrigation control (and anything else), and the irrigation kit can be expanded to include motorised blind and shade control:
x10 Starter Kit for Blind and Shade Motors
x10 Starter Kit for Irrigation and Watering
x10 can be used to control anything you can think of: irrigation, motorized blinds or shades, lights, heat, appliances, burglar alarms, fire alarms, security, etc. Your imagination is the only limit.
We sincerely hope you enjoy using these advanced systems; if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time!