In this article, we’ll wrap up our discussion of how to set up a very basic X10 home automation system. For people who aren’t familiar with home automation products, opting for a small, manageable system including just a remote and two receivers is a low-key, non-intimidating way to start. Once you’ve mastered installing and using this basic unit, you can consider whether you might be interested in adding more of X10’s helpful home automation products to your home. They’re ideal for use in businesses as well.
As mentioned in the previous article, you’ll need to purchase the equipment, set up the X10 receiver and antenna, and add labels to the remote control using either a computer, label maker or permanent marker.
Set Your House and Unit to the Appropriate Settings
The unit containing your antenna is your main unit. If you only have one X10 system, this unit should be set on the “House A” setting. If you already have an X10 system, it would be “House B.”
Next, you’ll choose the unit you would like to assign to the second light. This will be the light that’s further away from the receiver. Setting it to “Unit Two” should be easy to remember since it’s the second unit you’re adding to your system. The “Three” and “Four” buttons on your remote control the dim and bright settings. These settings are completely optional.
Plug Your System in to Watch it in Action
This is the exciting part. Once your unit is plugged in, it will be up and running and you’ll get to try it out for yourself. First, you’ll unplug the “Ps2” plug. Take that plug and place it into the main receiver. After that, plug it into the wall. Repeat this process with your second lamp.
Switch the first labeled button to its “ON” mode to see if it works. If you’ve followed all the steps listed above, it should turn right on. Next, switch the second labeled button to “ON” to see if the second is working also.
Troubleshooting
What if your units don’t work when you switch on the buttons? If that’s the case, don’t panic. Simply look to make sure that the UNIT and HOUSE are plugged in correctly. If one unit will work but the other unit won’t, the problem may be with one or both of the receivers, which you’ll need to unplug and test individually.
Figure Out where to Set Up or Mount your Remote
If you want your remote to be mounted to the wall, some sturdy double-sided tape should do the trick. If not, find a place where it’s not likely to be bumped or knocked down and simply set it on a table, counter, nightstand, or another flat surface. Be sure that wherever you decide to place the remote, it will be within the range of the lamps.
When it comes to home automation, the possibilities seem virtually endless. X10’s simple and reasonably priced automation products can give you the automated home you want without requiring expert technical knowledge or vast financial resources. You can start out small with a couple of lamps, as described in this article series. Then, who knows? You may end up with a fully automated home at some point in the future. The choice is up to you!
X10 Home Automation & Security
X10.com is the everyday person’s best source for home automation. Since 1976, we’ve been providing unique home gadgets at reasonable prices. Visit us online at x10.com and find out what you’ve been missing!
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