For decades home automation has been a techno-dream that never really came true. It has either been a hobbyist passion or a luxury for the rich. Now in a single unit comes the basis for a complete system for controlling devices anywhere in the house without wiring or expensive installation. It is based on X10 mains-borne signalling technology and can be set up on a standard PC.

X10 offer a starter kit which will demonstrate the remarkable capabilities of this technology. It comprises an X10 Universal Computer Interface, Activehome software and one module which will remotely control a lamp. Installation and basic operations are very simple. The Interface is plugged into the mains, and a cable from it is connected to the serial port of the PC. The software is loaded from a CD ROM.Activehome software is compatible with Windows 98, 2000 and XP. It has an easy-to-follow intuitive graphical display representing switches, modules and time and date settings. A group of commands (macros) can be set up to create schedules of timed events which are then loaded into the computer interface. Once programmed, the interface can be safely disconnected. (Back up batteries ensure that the macro and built-in time clock setting are kept in its memory.) The interface is plugged into a convenient mains socket. The lamp module is plugged into a socket in any chosen room, and a lamp plugged into it. To demonstrate home automation with this starter kit, a simple macro can be created to operate the lamp at several different times, on different days.X10 home automation works by codes being sent from the computer interface through the mains wiring to a specific module. Each module has a rotary switch which is set to give it an individual address code. When this code is received by the module it is able to obey a command. The range of commands that can be sent through the mains wiring to the lamp module include:

• on/off at particular times of day on/off at particular days at particular times timed light dimming, by a selected amount
• timed light dimming for a period, followed by full or off

There is no doubt that the potential of X10 technology is best discovered by using it. This basic kit provides the chance to explore what the interface can do. Then you can decide what specific modules and other items you need to buy. Every item in the X10 range is compatible, allowing systems to be expanded at any time.Apart from light modules, there are appliance modules which can control electrical equipment such as garage doors, or even the early morning kettle! Once the home is fitted with the required range of modules, a wide range of macro events can be created on the PC. Several appliances and lights might be operated at the same time (dawn and dusk). Or they could be set to come on individually throughout the day - either for convenience, or to make an empty house look lived-in and provide a powerful deterrent against burglary. The Interface also has a learning capability so that macros can be created automatically in response to manual switching, to mimic the regular pattern of use of lights and equipment.

In the coming months the range of X10 products will increase considerably. But already everything is available to enable anyone to make a substantial start. At last home automation is becoming an affordable, non-technical reality!