I think I understand... please correct me if this is wrong.

Since Infra red X-10 commands from a Pronto or and ALLforONE remote set for X-10 are NOT house code specific, they will trigger all IR receivers (IR543) in their line of site. And even though those receivers might be set for different house codes, the X-10 commands they emit will collide and interfere, or so I've been told.

I've got two RF transceivers, though, and noticed that all the RF emitters I've collected (slimpad, IBM Home Controller, palmpad, etc.) have their own house code to set, and so only send codes that a transceiver set to the same code will receive. A quick experiment confirmed that one transceiver set to house code "B" ignores any commands from a slimpad set to house code "A". The transceiver set to "A" receives these commands and successfully passes them thru to the devices they control.

So, using RF and multiple RF transceivers I can use device commands on more that one house code.
Using IR and multiple IR543s set to different house codes will only work if the IR543s are in different rooms and NOT activated at the same time.

You experienced X-10ers surely know this already. I found it to be VERY confusing, and not well explained in any of the documentation received with my X-10 devices. I hope this helps any newbies.

Dave

Dave,
Since you had success in the IR remote project, I will give you this idea.
You CAN add more that one IR543 in the same room and have them set on different house codes. The problem is that when they are both on, the signals collide and become lost. The X-10 IR codes are not house code specific so both IR543’s would send out a 4 on one on one house code and one on the other. Use a contact module to trigger a time delayed relay set for 10 seconds. Then when the module makes its contact, it will start the delay of 10 seconds. One IR543 is hooked to the N.O and one to the N.C. The one on the N.C. and the contact module are set to the same code (lets say A for example). When the number code to the contact module (lets say 16 for example) is sent, it will start a 10 second delay which allows the other IR543 to become active (lets say B). 10 seconds later, house code A returns for use. You could have a macro in the pronto to “automate” the A16 to allow the second IR543 to become active for 10 seconds. Later in the macro you could issue the unit information.

Example macro: What is happening

16 on contact, ten second delay starts allowing IR543 (B) to be on, contact off (momentary)
1.0 sec delay allows unit to be come active
4 on triggers 4 on, on house code B

About 6 seconds later, house code A becomes active again. Unless retriggered by another “change macro”
Use the B code to Trigger all your “home automation” macros and A code to do direct lighting control.

Chris Couture

Also posted in "Chris Coutures Idea Page"