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Let's Automate Starter Kit #2

Let's Automate.com sell a variety of home automation (HA) starter kits and X-10 products, but one of the more interesting ones is the computer-based starter kit (Part #10293). This kit includes a CM12U computer interface module, an AM12U appliance module, LM12U lamp module and LW10U wall light switch. The kit also comes with the ActiveHome software (see the Generation5 review) to control everything via your PC.

CM12U

The computer interface module connects your computer to the main via a CM12U-to-serial port cable (supplied). You can then use the ActiveHome software (or other compatible programs) to send X-10 messages to your appliances. The CM12U also has a little bit of EEPROM allowing you to download programs directly into the CM12U. Combined with the internal clock, this means you can program simple and timed command without your computer being on. For example, you perhaps would like to switch your lights on every morning, but you don't have your computer switched on all night. You can create a simple macro on your PC, download it to the CM12U and turn your computer off.

The CM12U also has the capability to 'awaken' the computer from sleep mode if additional commands are required to process a macro.

AM12U

The appliance module simply turns an appliance on and off. You plug the AM12U into the wall socket and the appliance into the AM12U. As with all modules, the AM12U has two dials that allow you to select the house and device code. The AM12U can then switch an appliance on and off. This could be something like a light, coffee maker, video camera, whatever you want!

LM12U

The LM12U is like the appliance module, but it is made for incandescent lights (bulbs, not fluorescent). You can turn any light with a 60W or higher rating into a dimmable light! For example, I have the LM12U plugged into my bedside light and the light will now dim nearly completely down when a DVD is played, and can dim back up again when I so wish.

LM10U

Similar to the LM12U except it is built to replace your wall-mounted light switch. This means if you have a room lit with incandescent lights, you can replace your light switch with the LM10U and have computer-operable (remote-controlled too), dimmable main lights! Of course, this requires the power to be switched off and a tiny little rewiring to be done, but nothing complex.

Conclusion

These modules all do what they say, were a breeze to setup and operate. On top of that, turning your room (or house) into something typical of a Star Trek episode is an excellent feeling! While home automation is still not the cheapest of hobbies (sorry, home improvement!), this package allows you to do a fair bit at a reasonable price. The only problem I foresee is that the modules can sometimes be a little bulky, so for people with limited space around their mains sockets, some inventive rewiring might be required.

Note that each of these modules can be bought individually too, and are available for both US (110V/50Hz) and UK (220V/60Hz) models. For those of you in the UK interested in starting your home automation project via your PC, the Let's Automate computer starter kit is a definite winner!

8.4

Price: £100

Liked: Good value for money, easier to setup, CM12 useful.

Disliked: Controllers can be bulky.

Website: http://www.letsautomate.com/

Submitted: 28/04/2001

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