Home automation gadgets for free

mamadrum writes "Firecracker is giving (today only) away a starter kit of PC controlled home automation relays and software. It uses a wireless connection between the PC serial port and an outlet, then modulates control signals on the house AC wiring. Seems to be an example of "give away the razors and charge for the blades" since you only get one relay. Still, adding relays is cheaper than opening up my walls to put in 10baseT. Old tech but decent price. "It's 5.90 for the shipping. Anyone played with this before?

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My Firecracker Experience (The First Hit Is Free!)

[Industrial Disease]

I bought one of these sets during the ZDNet offer a few weeks ago. Here's what you get:

• The serial computer interface: a pass-through DB9 module, about 1"x.75"x.5". Has no noticable effect on the pen pad I have connected to that port, although I have yet to use both at the same time.
• 1 transciever/appliance module: 3"x3"x1", plugs into a 2-prong polarized outlet. It serves two purposes: First, it receives the signals from whatever remote you're using, and relays it into your electrical system. Second, it acts as a remotely-switchable outlet for any appliance you plug into it. You must plug this in, even if you don't used its switched outlet. there's a button on the module to override it.
• 1 Lamp module: 3"x3"x1", plugs into a polarized outlet. Doesn't act as a transciever, but does allow you to switch and dim a lamp plugged into it. You can override this module by switching the lamp off and back on.
• 1 Remote control: 3"x4"x.75", allows you to switch appliances on or off, or adjust lights, individually.
• The Firecracker software: Win95/98/NT program to be downloaded from X-10's web site. (No source, before you ask.) Simulates a remote control. In fact, the default interface looks exactly like the aforementioned remote. Also lets you print a label strip for the (physical) remote, but doesn't do much else. Most importantly, no timer or macro functions.
• A ton of e-mail. X-10 sends me ads daily, which would be annoying if I didn't just filter it into its own folder. If you're interested in using their other home automation products, these ads have some huge (50-75%) markdowns from their normal prices. Other than their own ads, I don't think my spam level has gone up since I ordered, but I'm not certain.

My experiences: I've only used the computer interface for pure novelty value. But then, I live in an apartment where I can walk to any appliance in the apartment almost as quick as I can load the program. Also, most of the electrical stuff in my apartment is either stuff I don't want to switch at the socket, or lighting from convenient wall switches. For the most part, I only really use the handheld remote and a lamp dimmer which is currently hooked up to a lamp in a hard-to-reach corner. I like the kit for that, but don't think I would have spent any more than the $6 S&H that I did.

On the other hand, my dad is more heavily into the X-10 stuff. At his house, he's replaced several wall switches for ceiling lights with X-10 wall switches. He has a more advanced controller package and software (again, Windows-only) which does have timer functions, macros, etc. Although the software allows him to program the controller, the controller itself operates independently of the computer and will continue timer functions, etc. wehn the computer is off. He used to use the old mechanical timed switches to make the house look occupied on vactions; now he uses this Firecracker stuff.

Warning: The special $6 Firecracker deal may be only for new customers. My dad, who had bought their stuff before, ordered a set. He just got his credit card bill, and had been charged $20. I don't know if this was a clerical error, or whether the that's the price for existing customers. Still, that's less than he'd pay for an extra lamp module and appliance module.

From what I understand, X-10 is just one supplier of these home automation gizmos. They sell several types of wall modules, switches, and controllers, as well as security equipment. They also have stuff for letting you control your computer from your TV. I know Radio Shack sells compatible gear, and I'm sure someone has written Linux controller software for some of the existing control units.

Anyway, I may get some more of their home automation stuff in the future (a keychain remote to turn on the lights before I go in might be nice). Which is the point: this deal is just to give you a taste of their products. This new computer module seems to have more novelty value than anything else, but the remote control and switches aren't bad.