Hello and welcome! This site is dedicated to my experience or should I say experiment with home automation and home improvement.

All of the home automation gadgets I use to date are sold by X10.com. You might know X10 from all those annoying pop up ads they used to run for their mini cameras.

My first experience with home automation was with the X10 starter package called ActiveHome - Home Automation Software and Controls . It comes with the Active Home Software (a free download at X10.com), an appliance module, a lamp module, a transceiver, and remote control. I loaded the software, connected a lamp, a stereo and used the remote to control them. Pretty cool! I really like the remote control because not only does it control X10 devices but your TV and VCR too! With the software I set up a few timers such as, lights on at 6:00pm. Not a very complicated set up but it was a start.

My current set up is pretty simple. I use 1 socket rocket to control a lamp in my basement.

I have 3 wall switches. They are easy to install. The wall switches are pushbuttons not the traditional "up and down" switches so they take a little getting used to. Just read the directions for installing. You should not need an electrician but I did find the wire colors in my house did not coincide with the diagrams provided by X10 which can make things a bit more complicated. Just be sure to shut off the power at your circuit breaker or fuse box before installing. 1 of the switches is also used in conjunction with a slave switch for a 3 way light. (It's actually a 4 way switch? But I use a non automated switch as the main light control. Again since I am not an electrician I found this easier than installing the X10 switch). Another note, I bought the switches in white but of course my new house has a beige color scheme so I painted them all beige with some spray paint I picked up at a craft store.

I also have 2 Decorator dimmer switch. It comes with white and beige switches and dimming can be controlled by a remote or wall switch.

I use Active Home software for controlling some automated functions and have the computer interface connected so the once you program your settings you can shut off the PC and any commands will still run. The PC interface came with my original Active Home purchase. Same for the transceiver. The transceiver send the X10 signals throughout the house.

I really loved the last remote I bought, the 6 in 1 ultimate remote. But recently it fell down the stairs and broke. I had a few 8 in 1 remotes left over from a purchase and using it to control my TV, VCR and X10 devices. The 6 in 1 remote is easier for guests and my wife and son to operate. I hope to get a new one soon.

I also have a video sender that we used for our sons nursery. Connected it to my TV and a camcorder. It was a good baby monitor. I am trying to find another use for it or waiting for the next child, :).

I plan on expanding my system in the near future. Maybe a web based system. I also have a few motion detectors for some future security system. I have to try to keep it simple so my wife can use it without a hassle. A links section coming soon!

Please check back for future updates.

I'm a looking into The amazing FloodCam. It is a weather-resistant wireless color video camera. Looks like a neat gadget. I'll be sure to post here if I buy it.

Coming Soon!