I started using X10 almost as soon as it was commercially available (I still have one of my original Rat-Shack appliance modules that kinda sorta works if the load on it isn't more than a 60-watt lamp). I started writing my own software for it when the original X10 "computer interface" was available (CP-10?) because I didn't like the boxed software (which, of course, was Windows-only). I "graduated" to the ActiveHome setup several years ago - once again writing my own software because the AH stuff sucked - and the on-board memory of the CM11A was junk. Which meant I had to do "work-arounds" to enable even basic "scene" controls.
I got "into" Insteon in November and my wife (non-geek) has been so impressed with it's capabilities, we're junking all of the remaining X10 stuff and going full-blown Insteon. In fact, **SHE** is so hooked, she won't even consider the Icon brands.
Writing the software (because I wanted to and, once again, it's all Windows - except for one rather expensive Mac package) is quite a bit different because of the enhanced communications capabilities, as well as the VERY rich command-set. However, you don't even need to get any software if you want to just stick with the hardware: you can set up some very elaborate scenes in the devices, fresh from the factory.
The caveat is that it is a very new system and protocol, so you don't have all of the various devices available (e.g. wireless) that you do with X10. Yet. With the number of partners SmartHome has in their program, plus the SmartLabs themselves, I have no doubt that there will be quite a few new hardware choice coming in the next few months.
The Smithsonian Museum (Air and Space, especially) - Washington DC (there's some other stuff there, too)
Redstone Arsenal - Huntsville, Alabama
Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral, Florida
I would skip the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas, as it's been turned into a Disney-like attraction instead of the very cool museum that it used to be.
As a long-time Austin resident and Texican native, I'd have to take exception with this.
It doesn't hit triple digits until August.;D
Seriously, though, if you're not used to higher temperatures, stay inside as much as possible. And remember the "shock" factor of going from air-conditioned space at 78 degrees F to 95 F -- this is where most natives even get summer colds.
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I started using X10 almost as soon as it was commercially available (I still have one of my original Rat-Shack appliance modules that kinda sorta works if the load on it isn't more than a 60-watt lamp). I started writing my own software for it when the original X10 "computer interface" was available (CP-10?) because I didn't like the boxed software (which, of course, was Windows-only). I "graduated" to the ActiveHome setup several years ago - once again writing my own software because the AH stuff sucked - and the on-board memory of the CM11A was junk. Which meant I had to do "work-arounds" to enable even basic "scene" controls.
I got "into" Insteon in November and my wife (non-geek) has been so impressed with it's capabilities, we're junking all of the remaining X10 stuff and going full-blown Insteon. In fact, **SHE** is so hooked, she won't even consider the Icon brands.
Writing the software (because I wanted to and, once again, it's all Windows - except for one rather expensive Mac package) is quite a bit different because of the enhanced communications capabilities, as well as the VERY rich command-set. However, you don't even need to get any software if you want to just stick with the hardware: you can set up some very elaborate scenes in the devices, fresh from the factory.
The caveat is that it is a very new system and protocol, so you don't have all of the various devices available (e.g. wireless) that you do with X10. Yet. With the number of partners SmartHome has in their program, plus the SmartLabs themselves, I have no doubt that there will be quite a few new hardware choice coming in the next few months.
The Smithsonian Museum (Air and Space, especially) - Washington DC (there's some other stuff there, too)
Redstone Arsenal - Huntsville, Alabama
Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral, Florida
I would skip the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas, as it's been turned into a Disney-like attraction instead of the very cool museum that it used to be.
As a long-time Austin resident and Texican native, I'd have to take exception with this.
;D
It doesn't hit triple digits until August.
Seriously, though, if you're not used to higher temperatures, stay inside as much as possible. And remember the "shock" factor of going from air-conditioned space at 78 degrees F to 95 F -- this is where most natives even get summer colds.