Media for a stupid X10 sprinkler question

a stupid X10 sprinkler question

i'm a complete neophite who just learned about the X10 and the garden sprinkling capabilities thereof.

Having browsed a number of threads discussing products like Rain8 and X10 in general, i'm beginning to get some idea; however, all of the X10 discussions and all of the product descriptions i've seen focus on the digital end of it, and none address the water/pipe end of it. While the latter may be trivial for seasoned auto-irrigators, I am at a complete loss about what to buy/do beyond the device such as Rain8.

Q1: Do I simply connect my multiple (electric) valves to Rain8 and then assign X10 addresses to the corresponding controls in Rain8? (Valves such as

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, for example). If so, is there a compatibility issue? Are the required valves toggled off/on by means of X10-protocol signal or by presence/absence of current? If by the latter, does something like Rain8 supply the 24V to the valves ... i realize, I may be completely off here. Are there any sophisticated valves that, in the manner of a rheostat, open up to various pressure levels, as specified (water flow diminuation, equivalent to dimming of lights)?

Q2: Regarding the 2-way communication involving "confirmation signals" mentioned here --

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: is the confirmation signal a standard part of the X10 protocol, or is it a feature exclusive to this gadget? Furthermore, is it possible to query an X10 device to receive data? In other words, can something like an X10 rain gauge (is there such a thing?) respond to a query by sending back rain data? Can devices send back their current state, on request (whether they are on or off)?

Q3: at this point I am thinking I'd need to install a water pipe manifold, attach the multiple valves to it, and connect each valve's electrical cable to the Rain8 (the cable happens to at least *look like* the 1/8th" audio plug). Am I way off?

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the newbism -- I can't find a comprehensive A-Z schematic that lists *all* the components involved and how they interface. (My needs are to water a few zones in an average home.)

Andrew