Linux And The X10 Home Automation System

Home automation systems are becoming more popular every year. Even your own home computer can be installed with software and hardware devices to control your home efficiently. It may seem like science fiction, but it is now possible for you to automate your home and control all of your electronic devices through your computer.

With a PC that has Linux installed and a home automation system you can hook up all of your electronice devices to it. X10 home automation systems are one of the first devices that are made compatible with the Linux software. It also doesn’t hurt that the X10 home automation system is one of the most popular home automation systems.

Understanding exactly what the X10 is will help you understand better how it can work with Linux. The X10 system is made up of devices that replace or plug in to the standard electrical outlet allowing you to plug in the various devices you wish to control. There are also X10 modules that can be integrated into light switches to allow you to remotely control your lights in various rooms. Some are even installed in climate control devices for automated operation.

On cool piece of tech developed by X10 is called the firecracker. It plugs into the serial port of your PC and gives you control of all of your X10 devices from the computer. Through a program on Linux called Bottlerocket and GtkX10 you can control your devices which are plugged in to the firecracker.

Another great thing about this Linux add-on is that it’s cheap. All you need is a few dollars and you can get the Firecracker, receiver, lamp module and a remote giving you control over all of your installed X10 devices.

Today, other home automation modules are now developing devices that can be attached to the PC and let you control every electronic device in your own home through the Linux program. There are many versions of Linux so some companies are creating devices that are compatible with any of them.

With Linux, you can control your home automation systems with a single click of the mouse. You also have the ability to install remote control programs on Linux. This gives you the ability to connect and control your house remotely from anywhere if you have access to the Internet.

In Linux you also have the ability to schedule your home automation. You can set the time your lights turn on and off and could even schedule the time for your sprinklers to water the garden. If you come home from work late in the evening you can walk in the door with all the lights turned on, the coffee brewing and the oven preheated ready for cooking. Of course, having your lights turn on at the moment of your arrival also provides extra security.

You can even pre-program your stereo and your climate control device to turn on at a specific time. You then walk through the door to a comfortable temperature and your favorite tunes playing. No longer will you have to fumble around and turn on everything that you need in order to relax. All you need to do is sit back and relax.

For cheap home automation you can’t go past Linux and the various compatible components available for it. Linux software is also required to let you gain access to various electronic equipment in your home.

You can have a more comfortable life with a home automation system using Linux and home automation software. This will change the way you live your life and many people even said that it made them live in a much more comfortable and convenient home.