Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!bellcore!faline!thumper!ulysses!terminus!rolls!mtuxo!mtgzy!rlf
From: rlf@mtgzy.UUCP (XMRN10000[saf]-r.l.fletcher)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: More X10 questions
Keywords: Feedback
Message-ID: <3854@mtgzy.UUCP>
Date: 19 May 88 16:09:57 GMT
Organization: AT&T, Middletown NJ
Lines: 21

I have used X10 stuff for years and like it alot even though I have
been blown out of bed at 3 AM (more than once) by a loud stereo
being turned on by lightning. I have most every gazank that has been offered
for these things in recent years (phone, timer, Homeminder, RS232 INT)
but what is lacking in this system is feedback to a host. I cannot
help but wonder why no company (BSR, Tandy, GE, Leviton) has done any kind
of development on adding feedback from the modules to a host controller.
It does not seem to me an insurmountable problem. You add a circuit to
the module with an inductive pick-up around the "hot" 120VAC (clamp-on ammeter)
lead of the connected device and LSI circuit that handles A/D. When
queried, the module xmits a bit pattern back to the host with the amount of
current being drawn by the device. With everything tied in this way your
host PC could run a reasonable estimate of electric bill. Not to mention
being able to remotely determine whats on or off in your home. (Something
I'd really like to be able to do)

Why has this not been done (or has it). I know of feedback control systems
but they are hardwired and $100-$200/port, but none for the BSR AC carrier
scheme. Whaddya think? Can it be done? I kindof get the feeling I must
be missing something or it would have been done by now. I think there
are many who would be willing to pay $25-30/module to have this capability.