will these X10s work?

[maroun.c]

Hi,
finally found some 220V X10s.
Can anyone confirm if these are the correct ones?
http://www.intellihome.be/english/home_automation/controllers/xm10_two_way_plc_interface

http://www.intellihome.be/english/home_automation/x10_receivers/am12_appliance_module
Thanks

[markdk]

Have you thought of RF X10 - radio broadcast X10. The interface to Neptune I believe is the same. Plug modules can receive electrical or RF command. They are I believe more reliable. This is the way I think I will go. I have not done it so these are just my thoughts. More seasoned experts could you comment please?:confused:

[phuzzykins]

Whatever X10 transmitter is selected, it must support the same command set as the PL513 module.

This isn't a given - there are several different interfaces presented by different X10 transmitters, and not all of them will work! I personally have about 4 different X10 transmitter modules (PL513, CM11a, and a couple of SmartHome transceivers which I don't remember the names of) and they don't all work with the AC3.

[maroun.c]

Thanks for the replies.
Looks like I won't have to struggle with these anymore as the Apex is likely to have a full 220V version. Guess this would be a good move as I met with manyu people in Europe and Middle East working with other controllers just to avoid those voltage difference issues and all of those wished they would be able to runa full 220V AC as it's much more user friendly. Lets hope it won't be too late to be released.

[phuzzykins]

Worst case, you could use network power controllers made by APC or WTI, with a small PC application to bridge between the Apex and the power controller.

These power controllers are significantly more expensive than the Energy Bar or Direct Connect boxes though, at between $50 and $100 per controlled port.

I've been toying with the idea of writing an app that allows the Apex to control Insteon devices, Phidgets modules, and APC and WTI power controllers. It would do this by polling the outlet status, and sending commands to the appropriate devices.

If there's enough interest, I'll go ahead and write it. It's not very much code, but I can only support devices that I have access to.

[maroun.c]

Might be interested in such application if the apex doesn't come out with 220V supporting DC.
Do you need to have a physical access to those devices as I live across the globe.

[phuzzykins]

I already have access to the devices I mentioned... any device that has a reasonable telnet or http interface, I could probably add support for with just remote access over the internet.

The cheapest solution by far would be Phidgets InterfaceKit 0/0/4 relays (http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=9&product_id=1014)

They're $52 for a 4-relay module, and are rated for 240v AC at 10 amps. You'd just need to wire the relays up. The modules connect to a PC via USB, so you'd need to have a PC of some sort near your tank.

[maroun.c]

having a PC next to the tank would nt be a problem. Not sure about wiring stuff myself but could have those done. Guess I''ll just give it sometime to see if the APEX will trule come as a complete kit for 220 if not I'll certrainly consider those. Would those be more reliable than X10 considering that it's a wired connection?

[phuzzykins]

The signal integrity would be far more reliable than an X10 solution, due to the fact that everything would be going over wired, acknowledged, error-corrected busses.

The overall reliability would depend mainly on how reliable your PC is. With the appropriate failsafe mechanisms in place, I would not hesitate to use this solution on my own system.