Home Automation Domotica Forum Europe, Bwired Forum

I am about to take the first steps into home-automation and after looking for the different brands I have decided to use Xanura A10 modules in my home.

To start with I intend to buy the CTX35 data-interface and three or four modules. This should offer ample opportunities to experiment with and as budget permits I can extend the installation with additional modules.

What I am still contemplating about is which of the following two options I should choose from:

1) Every lightswitch in my home is fitted with an AIX module and every lightbulb/power-outlet with a SAX1. With a AIX I can hook-up up to 4 light-switches.

2) Lightswitches are fitted with a SAIX1. Dual-switches (two in the same housing) will still need an extra SAX1 at the corresponding light-bulb / power-outlet.

I am interested in learning what others would do. Eventually I will be fitting the units everywhere in my house and am looking at the most practical method.

I would also check out the new modules, check out www.xanura.nl they have updated some models and also a different ctx35 interface with a nice program to check everything (and can also work as a ctx35)

Also if you where to buy a complete bunch of devices from elekhomica, waakzaamwonen, or whatever i would send them an email asking them for a quote, since its a lot of devices (i presume) you should get a discount on it.

// Erik (binkey.nl)

It was my intention to order from one of the companies you mentioned and I will definitely ask for a quote. I will start with the first floor (livingroom etc...) and work towards the other rooms as budget permits.

@Jfn
I think you need to understand the difference between the Xanura modules, I'm not sure if you do? please tell me if we are on the same level
The Xanura AIX can not directly switch a light on, it has 4 inputs which can be triggered and then the module sends an "ON" or "OFF" X10 / A10 command on to the powerline. So you still need an Module with an actor which does the actual switching. With this solution you will have more delay on the powerline. For light switching I think it's best to use direct actors. And for special places you can use the solution with the AIX.
And never use 2 Xanura modules in one outlet, that will go wrong after a short while, resulting in a malfunctioning module!

I am aware of the difference between the various Xanura modules and that the AIX cannot switch on a light directly. I was therefore considering two options:

Fit all lightswitches with an AIX (and thus disabling direct on/off switching) and fit all lights with an actor

or

use a direct actor at every lightswitch (thus allowing direct on/off switching) and for special places use an AIX. Btw, I still need to find out how to configure the 'hotelschakeling' (what is the english word for this?) using these things.

Speaking about delays, what is the average time it takes for an AIX initiated action to reach an actor and to switch on a light?

For internet connection I will go with the CTX35. I looked at the HCS box, but it offers way more functions than I need. I have a dedicated mini-itx PC that will function as an automation central so I do not need the extended featureset of the HCS.

OK Great!
The CTX35 is a good controller, use it myself, there is also an Homeseer plugin available. I'm not sure about the exact delay, dont have it running in my home setup but you surely notice it.
Best is to use actors for lights like in the livingroom, bathroom en bedrooms etc. Like a gardenlight etc does not matter, because those are usuele switched On with an event.
Check this forum there is a lot of information on it or use the search option.
Here is a topic with http://www.domoticaforum.eu/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=813 with hotel option etc.
regards Pieter

I am about to order a bunch of Xanura SAIX12 modules and a CTX-35, but am holding-off the order until the availability of the PMIX35. As it can double as a data-interface I am waiting on what it is going to cost (Maybe drop the amount of SAIX modules in favour of the PMIX to keep costs down).

Those Xanura modules do not come cheap. Although I got a slight discount, the 10+ units I am about to order will set me back more than one thousand Euro's.

The server (A PC based on an Intel GLY2 mini-ITX board) that is going to function as the central repository for all domotica is up and running (Currently serving as a webserver for my Vantage Pro weatherstation). It runs Linux at the moment.

The Xanura PMIX35 is a nice device and give you much more information about the sended package and the quality of the powerline. Then again if your powerline is OK a CTX35 will do very good. Again all depends on the price of the device. I have a PMIX35 running on Bwired at the moment, don't ask me the price of the device... I don't know it yet
Finally someone with a Davis Vantage Pro, I have this great weather station running as well on Bwired http://www.bwired.nl/Weather.asp
Do you have a online site?
Regards Pieter

I just (today) order my stuff, and asked about the PMIX35.
The guy called Xanura, and asked when it was available.
They told him that there was no ETA on the PMIX35.<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">De levertijd van de PIMX35 is nog niet bekend.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">---
Never start anything you can not fi....

PMIX35 Topic
http://www.domoticaforum.eu/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=776

I have the Vantage Pro (the VP2 predecessor). I have it online (http://pe1pqf.mine.nu/weather). I still use the default configuration of the software (Wview Weather), so no fancy extra's.

The UV sensor is broken, so no UV readings (A replacement is way too expensive).

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Bwired</i>
Finally someone with a Davis Vantage Pro, I have this great weather station running as well on Bwired http://www.bwired.nl/Weather.asp
Do you have a online site?
Regards Pieter
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes very expensive, btw we live in the same town

I have decided to put the order for the Xanura modules on hold for a while. I have some other issues I have to deal with first and unfortunately you can spend your money only once.

I will definately make a start with it this year, but not now.