How does one get started writing applications that interact with x10 protocol?

Question

As a hobby I'm looking into home automation. My understanding is that there are a couple open protocols out there and the most popular seems to be x10. I'm wondering if anyone with experience writing code against x10 devices could comment on how they got started, what languages they used and any other relevant information.

Answer 1

This might be a good starting point Wireless Home Automation Using .NET and X10

He walks through some of the basic processes including creating an X10 communication library and using C# to get things going. Note the second link at the bottom of the page on the right, the article continues.

Here's the C# X10 library.

Answer 2

http://freshmeat.net/projects/bottlerocket/ from http://www.yolinux.com/TUTORIALS/LinuxTutorialX10SmartHomeNetworking.html

Open source software that should get you started.

Answer 3

X10 is notoriously unreliable, and no professional home integrators sell it. SmartHome tried to address the reliability issues with the release of the Insteon line of products, which combine the powerline x10 signals with RF distribution. More information on what can cause problems with X10 signals can be found at SmartHome.com.

From years of experience with X10, I can tell you that there are few things that are more frustrating than having your home automation suddenly stop working. X10 will eventually drive you batty.

If you're just playing around, you would be better served by starting from scratch with Insteon. I've had better experience with Insteon, but it's not bullet proof and has a slightly higher cost to get started with. Note that Insteon requires a neutral wire at the switch location.

If you're attempting to do it right, start with Lutron's RadioRA.

• Insteon SDK
• PowerLinc Module connects your computer via serial cable
• PowerLinc2 Module does the same through USB