| If you're just getting started in home automation or | | | | A universal module allows you to wire any two-wire |
| looking to upgrade from X10, this article is for you! | | | | combination to it's contact points and it will act as a |
| Home automation systems can become large | | | | relay and I/O device from the wires. Opto-isolation is |
| systems over time since the process of adding on | | | | even available on some modules (specifically the EZIO |
| "one more thing" is much of the appeal. Choosing the | | | | for Insteon). |
| right system from the start can save headaches and | | | | The basic two communication techniques used by |
| wasted money. | | | | home automation are RF and powerline phase shifting. |
| There are many systems on the market today that all | | | | If you are coming from the X10 world, RF is used |
| claim to help you automate your house, and they all do | | | | between the wireless remotes and the base station |
| to some extent. Some systems have relatively little in | | | | and powerline communication is used for all wired |
| the way of devices, and after you purchase you may | | | | devices. Each type of communication has its pros and |
| find out that you are limited to certain types of lighting | | | | cons, with older houses seeing more benefit from |
| or expensive third-party partnerships. | | | | wireless while more dense living conditions (ie |
| Determining if the system you are looking for has all | | | | apartments/condos/townhouses) see less interference |
| the parts for everything you might do in the future is a | | | | from powerline communication. One technology does |
| daunting task however, which is why universal | | | | both, and this "dual-phase" approach is described more |
| modules take away some of the stress in this regard. | | | | in the link below. |