Appliance Control: Making Things Do Stuff - Smart Home Automation with Linux and Raspberry Pi - page 18

EasyTouch35 Universal Remote Control
This device's appearance is that of a traditional “all-in-one” infrared remote control, with separate menus for eight
AV devices and the ability to learn the codes from other remotes. However, in addition to its infrared capabilities, it
includes an RF transmitter to control X10 devices via an RF-to-X10 gateway such as the TM13.
As a standard IR remote, it works well enough, although the screen when backlit hums slightly. The touchscreen
works well, and you can design the menu yourself using predefined icons for each function.
I'll cover universal remote controls in more detail later in this chapter. For the standard X10 wireless controllers,
refer to Table 1-3 .

Table 1-3. Wireless Controllers for X10

Wireless Controller Name

EasyTouch35 Universal Remote Control

KR22E Keyfob Remote

HR10U Handheld RF Remote

SS13E Stick-a-Switch

In-Wall Transmitter Modules
These appear to be like the wall switches I covered earlier insomuch as they hide inside existing wall outlets. However,
these do not control any appliance directly. Instead, they solely send an X10 message to a specific device, such as a
lamp or appliance module, relying on it to control the hardware attached to it. Therefore, to use these as automatic
light switches, you need two devices, the in-wall transmitter and an appliance receiver.
One type of in-wall module is the MicroModule Transmitter Dimmer (TMD4, shown in Figure 1-11 ), which can
command up to four different X10 units from the four switches wired into it. These messages include dimming control
if you want to control lights or a simple on/off for appliances. People with large living rooms and those that enjoy
mood lighting and multiple light sources may have four lights in a single room, and this is one of the few devices that
lets you control all of them from a simple panel. Note, however, that each light still needs its own lamp module. Of
course, it is not necessary for each switch to command an X10 device; it can simply place the message on the power
lines and let the PC controller do something with it, such as change the volume on the stereo.

Figure 1-11. The TMD4