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Duck!
They’re everywhere in the air all around us. What? The Radio Frequency (RF) signals generated by the myriad of push button transmitters and other devices we have at our command: key chain remotes, Palm Pad remotes, some motion detectors, and on and on. Enter the top of the line WGL W800RF32A X10 RF Receiver to capture those that are X10 signals and get them into your home automation software like Indigo where they can be interpreted and put to good use. With the W800RF32A working in tandem with your HA software, you receive X10 commands literally through the air, thus minimizing power line clutter and improving home automation response times by bypassing the sometime inherent power line delay.
Be sure and look at the V572AB RF Receiver with PSC05 Interface on this site to compare the W800RF32 with another RF receiver alternative.
The W800RF32 is engineered to receive (and pass on):
- All 256 house/unit code addresses
- All regular X10 RF commands like on, off, dim, brighten, etc.
- Extended RF commands, such as those transmitted by X10's “Entertainment Anywhere” remotes and X10 security modules
How It Works
The W800RF32A X10 RF Receiver connects directly to your computer via a serial (RS232) port. Therefore, if you are on a Mac and using Indigo, you will need a USB to serial adapter. The sensitive quarter wave whip antenna is then poised to pluck the X10 signals out of the air and send them into your computer and into your home automation software. The various HA scripts and triggers you previously setup will generate X10 commands into your interface (like a PowerLinc Controller) and down the house power line to the appropriate X10 devices that need to react to the original RF signals. All of this from that one button you pushed three rooms away from your computer. Be aware that all of this magic is predicated on your computer being on and your home automation software (like Indigo
) up and running.
The Antenna Advantage
Unlike some competitive products, the W800RF32A X10 RF Receiver package comes with an external antenna and 12’ of coax cable. Since it is coax, you have the option to go beyond 12’ (up to a 100’) from the receiver module for maximum reception. Some users end up placing the antenna in their attic at that “sweet spot” that is sensitive to signals from all the nooks and crannies of the home.
Here’s what you’ll find in your package
- W800RF32A module, 310 MHZ
- Antenna, 310 MHZ, quarter wave whip
- Mounting bracket for antenna
- Antenna coax cable (12’ – RG6)
- RS232 serial cable
- 9-volt DC power supply
NOTE: The reliable Keyspan USP Serial Adapter is offered as an add-on option if you do not already have a USB to serial adapter.
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