What is X10?

A good introduction to X10 home automation can be found at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X10_%28industry_standard%29

Which X10 devices and X10 protocol set is WebIO compatible with?

WebIO can communicate with any X10 protocol device that responds to the standard X10 commands.

WebIO supports sending the following X10 commands

• On – Used to turn on a device
• Off – Used to turn off a device
• Dim – Used to Dim a lamp module
• Bright – Used to Brighten a lamp module
• All Units Off – Used to turn all modules off of same House Code
• All Lights On – Used to turn all lights on of same House Code
• All Lights Off – Used to turn all lights off of same House Code
• Status Request (Query 2-way device), including receiving On/Off messages

WebIO does not support the following X10 commands:

• Pre-Set Dim High
• Pre-Set Dime Low
• Extended Data

WebIO adds the fallowing X10 functions

• On-Wait-Off
• Off-Wait-On

WebIO supports many X10 devices, including:

• Appliance modules
• Dimmable lamp modules
• Wall switch modules
• Receptacle modules
• Chimes and horns
• Universal modules
• 15amp heavy duty modules
• Hardwire contact and relay control systems

X10 device manufactures include:

• X10
• Smart Home
• Radio Shack
• ACT
• RCS

WebIO supports multiple X10 power line transceivers: 

• The Smart Home Powerlinc serial interface transceiver (with RJ12 6pin modular connector) in TW523 mode.  With this transceiver the WebIO also receives power from the Powerlinc, so no extra power supply is needed.
• The X10 Pro PSC05 (TW523) transceiver.  An additional 9-12 Volt DC, center pin positive, power supply is required to power the WebIO.  Along with a jumper changed within the WebIO.
• The PL513/PCS04 transmitter.  With the PL513 WebIO can transmit X10 signals but not receive message replies from 2-way X10 modules. In addition a separate power supply is required for WebIO.
• The XM10 transceiver for 230VAC power in UK countries. In addition a separate power supply is required for WebIO.

WebIO also supports X10 state query functionality, on supported devices, usually labeled as a “2-way” X10 device.  Meaning the device can accept commands and transmit status information on request.  Keep in mind that 2-way X10 device replies do not tend to be as reliable as receiving commands.

What X10 functionality does WebIO NOT support?

WebIO does not currently support other X10 extended commands used by some more complex X10 equipment.   Although a future revision may provide an option to send any X10 command.  

WebIO is also not recommended for control of thermostats or other devices requiring multiple X10 messages per command, due to X10 protocol reliability not supporting acknowledgements and use of extended codes.

Can WebIO Toggle an X10 Device “Off” then “On”?

Yes, WebIO toggle action is: (on-wait-off) or (off-wait-on) with a 4 second wait state.

The Toggle feature is new to WebIO version 1.0.3.  WebIO version is displayed on the LCD as it is powers up.

This feature is particularly useful for remotely rebooting Network Routers and other equipment where remote or local access to WebIO will be briefly interrupted.

For Example; In case of remotely rebooting a TCP/IP Network Router of which WebIO is connected, and the Router is connected to an X10 Appliance module: 

A WebIO toggle “Off/On” command sent to the Routers X10 module, will power off the router, causing WebIO to be inaccessible via TCP/IP network.  Then to complete the toggle command, WebIO waits 4 seconds and sends an “On” command providing power to the Router and access to WebIO after the Router has booted and become operational again. 

Note: X10 is not necessarily practical for controlling and maintaining a secure and reliable environment for network equipment.

Can WebIO send commands on a schedule or timer? 

Yes.  WebIO can send an X10 command on a set time (new to version 2.0).

No.  WebIO cannot schedule commands on a data time as WebIO has no concept of date or calendar.

A timer can be set to execute an X10 command in the range of 1-254 minutes. Only one timer can be set and only one X10 command can be set to execute when the timer completes. 

Can WebIO report X10 events?

No.  WebIO does not respond to X10 commands (except for the X10 query function) nor does it report any message over the TCP/IP network.   WebIO is an Ethernet to X10 gateway. 

Yet, keep in mind that automated and scheduled scripts on a server/PC can automate the control of WebIO via HTTP-GET messages.  These scripts could also pull device status information, via the WebIO “query X10 device” commands.

Why does WebIO use X10 and not other more reliable technologies?

X10 is considered an older home automation control technology and lacks built-in features such as acknowledgements, authentication and encryption.  X10 is also very susceptible to AC power line conditions of power line noise, attenuation and phase coupling issues.  But when conditions are good, X10 is great at being easy to install and configure (simple addressing with house/unit codes).  Also X10 devices/modules tend to be very low cost in comparison to newer technologies and there tends to be a vast number of X10 devices/modules available.

I have seen several X10 devices fail over the years but I have also seen X10 device “just work” as well, especially when power line conditions are good as in the typical home installation.  The low cost of X10 devices vs. reliability definitely seems worth it for most installations.  X10 tends to exceed in meeting the requirements of being “fun” to use and install for creative purposes or even practical needs. 

At Key Eleven, we are developing other home automation solutions and would appreciate feedback and ideas on home automation technologies such as INSTEON, Z-Wave, Zigbee, LonWorks, UPB (Universal Powerline Bus), etc.

Is WebIO secure?

WebIO has the option to use a passcode for allowing access to control X10 devices.  This passcode provides a minimum amount of security.  All WebIO information including the passcode sent from a users web browser to the WebIO web server is not encrypted, this means that it is possible for someone with the right tools and knowledge could discover your passcode.  For this reason it is not suggested that a WebIO open to the Internet (Internet routable) be used for critical applications such as controlling a thermostat.

Even though the WebIO doesn’t provide high Internet security, there are methods for adding higher security. 

Two examples of a secure WebIO setup:

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be setup that provides an encrypted tunnel over the Internet between a remote users computer or LAN and a local router of which the WebIO is hiding behind.
• The WebIO can be hidden behind a secure web server, which relays remote messages to the WebIO.

What does WebIO guarantee the customer?

A WebIO kit money back guarantee provides customer satisfaction for 30 days.  Does not include shipping costs.   WebIO distributors work out any exchange with the customer.

WebIO guarantee’s device remains functional for 90 days as a device replacement.  Does not include shipping costs.  WebIO distributors work out any exchange with the customer.

WebIO does not guarantee X10 functionality on the customers power lines.  The customer is responsible for all X10 networking.   Note that X10 may not work on some power lines, such as “noisy” power lines.  The customer must verify X10 power line communications availability and reliability.

WebIO does not make any guarantee of X10 control and monitoring reliability.  Such that X10 devices and the WebIO itself is available for operation at all times.   For example:  Internet and TCP/IP network problems may prevent local or remote access to the WebIO web interface.  And Power line and X10 communication issues may prevent WebIO communication to X10 devices.  Also WebIO itself is not guaranteed to operate with 100% reliability.  In some cases the WebIO may NOT reliably send an X10 command and not have a 100% web interface “uptime”.  Such that in rare cases, it is possible to cause the WebIO to temporarily fail to function, requiring WebIO power to be manually cycled (rebooted).  

WebIO is not recommended for critical control and monitor systems such as thermostats and sump pump systems.

For more information, see Limited Warranty in WebIO User Manual

WebIO FAQ last update: 03/05/2008