Welcome to the Home Automation Archives

Hometoys writes “Xpress is a new Windows 95 program that uses the interface and wizards efficiently to make startup and operation a breeze.

The help system is short and sweet but it covers most of what you’ll need to know. The start-up schedule screen shows icons for your devices in the top frame and the schedule [...]

Hometoys writes “WinX10 has been around for a while and it’s really a nice program. Like most, it’s easy and intuitive to use.
The help system is contained in short text files accompanying the program to help get you started. You’ll need vbrun200.dll in your \windows\system directory to run WinX10. As you can see, you can [...]

Hometoys writes “Smart10 is another slick CP290 controller program.
The help system is short and sweet but it covers most of what you’ll need to know. Configuring Smart10 is a snap. I was up and running and turning lights on and off within 5 minutes of loading the program. Smart10 is available in both a 16 [...]

Hometoys writes “HomeAtion 2000 is one of the newer generation of Home Automation software that allows control of your house systems via a Powerline Modem. It can serve as the front end for such controllers as:
1. JDS TimeCommander Plus
2. JDS Stargate (for functions compatible with TC Plus)
3. HomeBase
4. HomeVision (soon)
5. Applied Digital MicroRedac (Old HAL [...]

Hometoys writes “Lynx is a Home Automation system that allows control of X10 devices via the LynX-10 Coprocessor which plugs into the serial port of your PC. An optional LynX-PORT input / output board can be used to send input from sensors to the computer via X-10 signalling. Your PC must run continuously for the [...]

Hometoys writes “X10WC is a slick and easy to use windows program to control your CP-290. I had it up and running in no time and the learning curve is almost non-existent. The program allows direct control of devices as well as easily programmed scheduled events. It supports some undocumented CP290 features as well including:
Fade [...]

Hometoys writes” CyberHouse’s open, extensible architecture allows you to use inexpensive, off-the-shelf subsystems and components such as standard security panels, thermostats, IR devices, and lighting.
CyberHouse is a Home Automation system that allows control many devices using serial port add on controllers readily available from varied manufacturers. This concept gives you the option of choosing controllers [...]

Hometoys writes “While not as sophisticated as HomeVision or TimeCommander, the new controller from X10 promises to be the new entry level standard for PC controlled home automation. This unit takes over where the CP290 left off by adding macros and battery backup as well as an easy to use interface.
To set up your system [...]

Hometoys writes “HAL2000 by Home Automated Living has been around for several years and my experiences with the company have always been positive. HAL supports this software and is continuously updating and improving it. My HAL Deluxe Introduction Kit came with a HALdeluxe Program CD, HAL Internal PCI Voice Portal (modem), (1) HAL Power Line [...]

Hometoys writes “Like everyone, I’ve been bombarded with ads from X10. I eventually decided to buy a camera, which led to buying ActiveHome. The ad sounded great indicating all things I would be able to do with this, but I was quickly discouraged. I really needed more power in the macros. [...]

Hometoys writes “CP290 Director X programs the original X10 home automation computer controlled interface, model number CP290, with a great looking program that makes the most of what the CP290 can do. Like its predecessor program for OS9, this version supports sunrise and sunset events, events with specific dates and repeat intervals, and even and [...]

Bob at hometoys writes “In my opinion, wireless data networking is the only way to go for home applications so I am keen to try different systems and configurations. The Proxim configuration that I discuss here consists of their Gateway, USB adapter (installed on a desktop PC) and PC Card (installed on a laptop). Symphony [...]