The X10 CP-290 Powerhouse computer interface is part of the X10 "family" of devices which allows you to control lamps and appliances via the existing AC wiring. Here is a little about how you use X10: Let's say you wanted to remotely control your living room light with the X10 "system". You would need a "lamp module" which you can get at Radio Shack, DAK, Heath/Zenith, and many companies specializing in home automation via mail order (see list below). The module plugs in where the lamp did, and the lamp plugs into the module. The module has 2 switches, one for a "housecode" (A-P) and the other for "unit number" (1-16). You can still turn the lamp on and off from the lamp, but lets say you wanted to control it from a bedroom. In order to control the lamp remotely, you need a control "console". This is available from the same places as the modules. The console has a series of buttons which allow you to turn units (modules) on, off; or make them dim/bright if it is a lamp module - more on appliance modules below. The console has a switch for the housecode which is set to match the code on the modules. Consoles come in different models which differ in the number of units which it can control (8, 16, etc). The X10 CP-290 Powerhouse functions as a control console in that it has 8 buttons for controlling up to 8 units. In addition, it has a serial port which you connect to a PC over which software on the PC can command any unit to turn off, off, dim etc. The PC software can also download "events". Events are the same commands (on, off, dim, etc) but are associated with a time and day of the week to happen. Once these events are downloaded, you can turn the PC off and the X10 Powerhouse will do the events when the time/day comes. The CP-290 can "address" the full range of housecodes and unit numbers, allowing control over 256 modules. The X10 CP-290 Powerhouse is available at Radio Shack, from Heath/Zenith, and most mail-order companies selling home automation equipment (see list below). Cost is approx. $40-$60. In addition to modules which control lamps, you can get "appliance" modules which contain a relay instead of a TRIAC and so can be used for radios, small appliances, etc. You cannot dim these. You can also get wall switches and outlets which provide the same capability - switches will dim, outlets contain relays for on/off. You can also get 220VAC modules/outlets. Leviton also makes a line of X10-compatible modules/controllers, but they tend to be expensive. They do feature some additional capabilities such as "local" dimming from a wall switch. The companies selling home automation equipment have a wide variey of X10-compatible devices which can be used together to produce a very powerful home automation system. The PLIX evaluation board from Micromint (same address as Circuit Cellar Inc below) allows you to use a standard parallel printer port to interface with a TW523 bi-directional powerline interface from X10 USA. This allows you to monitor ALL X10 commands that occur in your house (as opposed to the CP-290 only telling you about commands it sent). ----------- For Additional Information, See ------------------------- A good video on automating your home: Living With An Intelligent Home $24.95 + $5.00 S/H Home Systems Network 1-800-808-0718 Also available through many home automation suppliers Home automation groups on CompuServe, America Online, Internet newsgroups. Mail-order companies specializing in home automation: Home Automation Systems 1-800-SMART-HOme Home Automation Laboratories Home Control Concepts Magazines: Electronic House - $19.95 for 6 issues/year (as of 11/94) 304 Boston Post Road P.O. Box 340 Wayland MA 01778-0340 (508) 358-3400 Circuit Cellar Inc (203) 875-2751 4 Park St, Suite 12 Vernon, CT 06066