I've been reading on the x10 documentation on the web, so please correct me if I'm wrong on these items:
X10 type parts available
(A) data receiver/transmitter to be plugged in a wall
(B) computer interface that uses data receiver/transmitter to send commands and receive statuses
(C) lamp module - allows you to turn a lamp on and off (lowest power usage)
(D) on/off appliance modules - meant to control small appliances like coffee makers and toasters.
(E) screw-in lamp modules - meant to controll lights including ceiling lights
(F) wall socket module
(G) 3-way switches - allows a physical button, as well as x10 automation
Existing wiring types:
(1) normal on/off switch with a lightbulb
(2) pairs of 2-3 toggle buttons, connected to a relay that turns on/off a light switch (light switches at the bottom and at the end of the stairs). The relay receives pulses and turns lights on/off
(3) wall sockets
What i can do
some solder expierence
bash, c, c++, php, mysql, some python and perl and other things
install and compile software for linux
Hardware Questions
H1. To control the "toggle buttons + relay" (existing wiring type 2) what do i need? can i just connect something to the relay?
H2. I want to also be able to read the status for each socket/lamp module to store it into a db and later on use that data to create stats - if i can get the 'on at X time, off at Y time, and the power usage in W/hour i can calculate a rough estimate of the cost to run that. What controller do i need for this? And do i have to poll each X seconds/minutes the x10 devices or is there a service for linux that can trigger a command when a device is turned on/off?
H3. If i want to keep the current on/off switches, is there an x10 device that i can connect to them inside the wall? Or should i switch to push-buttons, relays and x10 and use everything like that?
H4. Can the range of the x10 modules be extended? When the signal is too weak?
H5. When the devices are on another powerline, is there a bridge? Or is my only option buying multiple controllers and connecte them to as many PI's as needed?
My main concerns are the pc-power line interface and what to do if the x10 interface does not reach the x10 modules, what options do i have. Having multiple controllers and pi's isn't the best solution I'd like but i would implement that.
** Resources **
- About Debian x10 page http://www.aboutdebian.com/x10.htm
p.s.
any links that answer these questions are welcome, i will add the text here for future reference.