XTB, reliablity, etc.

The dim problem was easy to identify and solve. I can still recall that time X10 stopped working after I held the dim button down. That was back in the era when we had to re-boot Windows several times a day, so I did the obvious - reboot the RF transceiver. When the pattern repeated, the fix was just as obvious - don't hold the button down.

We learn things on a daily basis. Things to do and not to do. We wait for the mixer to stop before pulling the paddles out of the bowl. Some of us found out what happens if we don't.

The more complicated things become, the more potential problems. A CM11A X10 system is vastly more complicated than a plug-in wall timer, but most of you expect it to work the same. Actually, it works better because those dang wall timers would crap out after a couple of years. That's why we went with X10 in the first place - those old brown BSR modules from Sears and that old timer with the blue readout. It just worked SO much better than those old mechanical timers. Most X10 systems today have evolved way beyond a clock timer and a few plug-in wall modules.

The CM11A was not a perfect system, but many of us learned how to use it. And coming from Windows, the fix was easy any time it stopped working. The beta CM14A was significantly more reliable. And the Ocelot runs months and months without a glitch. The best automation system is one you don't even think about. That's how X10 works for us.

I agree with you that X10 isn't perfect. But it isn't all that difficult to troubleshoot problems, especially if you have a signal level meter. Once you get decent signal levels throughout your house, you will find problems are few and far between.

Jeff

I handled my "endless DIM" problem the same way I handle any issue I experience that's not within my knowledgebase. Whether it's batch files, lancing boils or X-10 issues. I Googled it. It took less than ten minutes to find a solution and an incredible new resource: CHA. From visiting CHA I now have XTB's, AHC Maxi controllers and AHC transceivers - things I might never have found out about otherwise.

That's interesting because that's where a number of people I know have made the jump to X-10. Simulating a "lived in" house with those damn dial timers with the pull out clips at 15 minute intervals was infuriating, especially if you actually wanted to USE those lamps outside the pre-set intervals. One power failure and lights were coming on during the day!

I can't recall whether I bought a GE Home minder or the CP290 first. That's before I started keeping inventory records. That's before PC's, even, IIRC or darn close. I still have them, BTW, and they were still working, the last time I looked. The CP290 makes a great controller for arthritics because the buttons are so large!

Amen! Couple X-10 modules to Ocelots and other sophisticated controllers and you can build an incredible complex system. Sprinklers, Christmas lights, hot tubs, fish tanks, animal enclosures and lots of other things all have been automated via X-10. I think a number of recent detractors really underestimate how much people value a system that allows them to automate an incredible amount of gear without having to string wires. In the article I cited that said 25% of Americans would change out a switch, I think it's safe to assume a much smaller number, then, would consider themselves competent to run electrical wiring. I'd say half, which makes that 1 in 8.

Automation is something that really interests me. Yes, there's more reliable but nothing has come close to offering the panoply of devices that X-10 has. I just picked up a VCR commander for $5. Now I can take an old, retired VCR from the shelf and set it up to monitor the side door cam and record when there's any motion as a backup to my front door PC recording setup. All possible because X-10 is an established and now completely open protocol. X-10 gives me an almost endless opportunity to explore and experiment, and at a price that doesn't bust the budget.

Yes. To successfully implement X-10, you need a meter, a little screwdriver to turn the codewheels and a willingness to do a little research if a problem arises. That's not asking a lot.

-- Bobby G.

less tested it.

When Dave doesn't like someone he pontificates on things he knows nothing about. He has a long history of doing that, to the detriment of this newsgroup. You, OTOH, are on a vendetta and have been repeatedly told by numerous folks here to go away.

Do tell us how many Z-Wave components you've installed. Oh, wait. I almost forgot. You're not an installer. You recently claimed to have worked with ELK's M1G system. I happen to have a good relationship with ELK and know most of their staff. Like the three major distributors in Burnaby BC (where you claim to be an installer) no one there ever heard of you.

I've never said anything untrue about Dave Houston. Unfortunately, he cannot say the same about me nor can you.

Ah, yes. The infamous ASA crowd. How many thousands of times have you and the rest of the ASA buffoons been asked to go away from this newsgroup.

So easy to do, yet you repeatedly complained that the fee was too high for your budget. Hmm.

Yeah, right. Dave also posted insults about the engineers at ELK, calling them incompetent because *he* couldn't understand the instructions which they provided. Never mind that even alarm installers, most of whom have no college eduction, successfully install ELK products every day. "Copious supporting evidence," in Dave's mind amounts to his claim that something is true.

I mentioned you only in passing. The discussion was about the relative merits of Z-Wave which you have maligned. It is important for the readers to understand when someone opines without experience (you've admitted in the past that you never even tested Z-Wave but you conveniently "forget" that tidbit now) and when someone posts with a bias, which is why I explained your Google-documented animosity toward another gentleman who sells it.

Does Mr Houston resort to personal insults when challenged?

Having never received a commission from a manufacturer in the nearly 30 years I've been in business, I wonder where this gentleman gets his "copious evidence" on me. :^)

rest of the ASA buffoons been asked to go away from

How many thousands of times have the ASA 'buffoons' asked you to leave that NG?

I smell a compromise in the works --- How about we ask all the ASA participants to not participate here if you'll leave ASA?

them incompetent because *he* couldn't understand the

of whom have no college eduction,

How the hell would you know. what's your education level? the same, just what I thought.

amounts to his claim that something is true.

there's a lot whom wish you'd hurry up.

It is important

i bet rlbs never installed one.

yes and yes

I wonder where this gentleman

looks like the same place you get your 'evidence' on most things you pontificate about.

I've been in the industry for nearly 30 years.

Five years of college.

drop shipping doesn't count.

pretty sad. 5 years and no degree. oh by the way, FL State prison doesn't count. care to recount now?

Do tell, which one? Multiple one(s)? Name it or them. Did you graduate with a degree? Let check to see if you were actually enrolled and for how long. hehehe! Human Resources investigations are quite fun.

about. He has a long history of doing that, to the

repeatedly told by numerous folks here to go away.

Oh wait... Are you responding to *moi*, or to Dave, now?? If you're going to write a response to someone, why not do it correctly? Or is your newsreader malfunctioning again??

Why do you think I put "seen" in parenthesies? I've never installed any Z-Wave device and don't want to. It's like the thing with DSC. When they introduce a new panel I've learned to wait about a year for them to work out the bugs. I hate the fact that they use their dealers to field test their panels.

Prove it, asshole. Where do I work? What's the name of the company?

Yep. I have one in my house.

Like the three

there ever heard of you.

Right, Bass. Keep singing that song. It bugs the ass off you that you can't find out who I really am, or who I work for. Are you including the "small distributor" you say I work for in the "three major" ones in Burnaby? Well there's only "two major ones in Burnaby" (Burtek and Tri-ed). ADI happens to be in Vancouver. If you're going to attempt to maligne someone, it's good to get some of your "facts" straight.

What nonsense would that be? That you're not only an installer wannabe, you're an idiot as well?

You lie about everyone else. Why would you say anything truthful about Dave?

Really? Prove it Bass. What have I ever said about you that's the least bit untruthful.

the rest of the ASA buffoons been asked to go away from

I dunno. It seems you want to drag me back into your little vendetta. Let's go around again.

of Z-Wave which you have maligned. It is important

admitted in the past that you never even tested Z-Wave

bias, which is why I explained your Google-documented

Interesting. I seem to recall a similar discussion involving your opinion of DSC. You have no direct experience with their products either (other than what people have told you second hand). You call it "junk" yet one of your websites extolls it's virtues.

You certainly do.

I've been in business, I wonder where this gentleman

Probably from the same place you get your "copious evidence" on me.

"Frank Olson" a écrit dans le message de news: p5dgh.484892$R63.302772@pd7urf1no...

And how many zillion time have you been asked just to act ok,not even leave any newsgroup?

And after that how many zillion time have you been asked to just leave ASA and you never did,so why should we leave here when the only thing we do is prove to the innocent guys here what a scum bag you are...in fact I find it more like helping this community then a vendetta..

That's nice. Ever actually install anything?

And after "five years of college", all you have is a degree in Bullshit, right? "Robert L. Bass, BS". Nice.

Why even bother?

We're even, Frank! I need a new monitor now too.

To prove once and for all who lies. But then again, when asked for proof of anything, he never responds. Sometimes saying nothing tells more than if tried to defend himself.

In line.

You need proof? I should think the "proof" is obvious.

I've noticed that. I've also noticed that he resorts to posting responses to individuals he doesn't like through a "third party" (much like he buys product for resale). He's a "chicken-s*it" that runs a "chicken-s*it outfit".

He accused the "other Frank" of "cut and run" tactics in another thread. I've yet to see him post any meaningful response that doesn't involve more outright lies, misleading comments, and innuendo. It's a wonder he's not living behind ten foot high electrified fences with all the people he's pissed off over the years. One of these days, someone _will_ take exception to something he posts and I shudder to think of the possible consequences.

It is, as Jim keeps saying, something that probably needs to stay out there to enlighten any newbies before they fall into RLB's web.

He trys to debate a particular point but seldom wins because he has no proof to offset the actual claims against him. He is a hit and run artist and when he gets called on it he can't stay on track. Doug is still the "winner" of the best RBL parity post.

Nah...all of his stuff is long distance. He isn't worried about that.

They have in past and RBL challenges them, on line, to come down and face him. Maybe with his record they think better of it. He does have street creds you know. Although his record is old he might believe he is a "born again thug".

At this point, it's the very opposite of birth that occupies his mind.