Introduction: Control Home Automation and Security Using X10

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 In this instructable I'd like to share some experience I have with x10 and using it to control home automation, home security and lowering your home insurance bill. I'm not going to describe every single method x10 can be used but instead I'll explain the various ways I use x10.

In my case x10 was also extremely useful to allow me to control lighting or other electrical appliances without having to rewire parts of my home.

WARNING: I'm not responsible if you decide to purchase x10 products and it doesn't work in the same manner as I show in this instructable. x10 is a simple yet amazing technology but does not replace the quality of rewiring a house properly or having a high end security system installed.

Step 1: Assessing Your Needs.

The results I wanted were: 
-a method of controlling various lights and appliances in my home that did not have switches or wiring due to my home being so old.
-a wireless security system that is safe but easy to install and can call out with a recorded message to inform me or intruders.

Actual areas needing a solution:
Wireless Security System
A wireless system that detects if doors or windows are opened or any movement occurs within the secured area.
Modules needed:
-Security Kit (windows sensors, door sensors, horn modules, arm/disarm remotes, security console with call out function, motion detectors, lamp modules)

Wireless Motion detector
A wireless motion detecting system for the front and side of my house that would detect motion from any direction and turn on various lights in the front and side of the house. This system should also be controllable from the security system and wireless controllers.
Modules needed:
-x10 ActiveEye motion detectors for each direction you want to detect movement.
-Security Console
-3 way wall switch.
Various x10 lighting and appliance control
Light switches that actually replace the typical light switches for controlling lights throughout the house. The x10 switches can then be controlled by either pressing the button on the switch or setting up a wireless wall switch with a transceiver and controlling wirelessly. Lamp modules can be used to allow lighting control in areas where there are no wall switches (in my case, rooms that were not wired in that way).
Modules needed:
-2 and 3 way wall lighting switches
-Lamp or appliance modules
-Wireless wall switches
Software to control all x10 devices.
This software is installed on a central PC or server and communicates with a USB x10 module that can control all other x10 devices and provide a web based console to view your homes status remotely.
Modules needed:
-usb wireless x10 control (CM15A)
-ActiveHome Professional software and plugins for controlling security, providing the web console.

Step 2: Wireless Security System

I recommend purchasing this kit on ebay.. Much cheaper then purchasing directly from x10. 

Then install the various modules. View the photos below for a better description of each item.

Step 3: Wireless Motion Detector

A wireless system that detects if doors or windows are opened or any movement occurs within the secured area.
Modules needed:
-Security Kit (windows sensors, door sensors, horn modules, arm/disarm remotes, security console with call out function, motion detectors, lamp modules)

Step 4: Various X10 Lighting and Appliance Control

Various x10 lighting and appliance control
Light switches that actually replace the typical light switches for controlling lights throughout the house. The x10 switches can then be controlled by either pressing the button on the switch or setting up a wireless wall switch with a transceiver and controlling wirelessly. Lamp modules can be used to allow lighting control in areas where there are no wall switches (in my case, rooms that were not wired in that way).
Modules needed:
-2 and 3 way wall lighting switches
-Lamp or appliance modules
-Wireless wall switches

Step 5: Software to Control All X10 Devices.

Software to control all x10 devices.
This software is installed on a central PC or server and communicates with a USB x10 module that can control all other x10 devices and provide a web based console to view your homes status remotely.
Modules needed:
-usb wireless x10 control (CM15A)
-ActiveHome Professional software and plugins for controlling security, providing the web console.

Optional:
I use my Digital Picture Frame (https://www.instructables.com/id/Digital-Picture-Frame/) as a console to control the entire system.