When I first moved into my house, I installed X10 switches for most of the lights, and X10 modules for the lamps both upstairs and downstairs. I used software on my Mac to control them along with a computer interface (I believe it was called ActiveHome), and RF remote controls. I bought a ton of stuff from the X10 web site, including spare light switches and motion sensors, some of which I still have in the original boxes.

As I settled into my house, I got switches to control the ceiling fans, and I got better software called Indigo, which allowed better control on the Mac. I eventually settled on Indigo 2, which I ran from an old iMacDV (the grey translucent CRT model with FireWire inputs). Indigo provided a web server and a graphical interface that allowed control of your system through a web browser. I set up a web cam that showed a ceiling fan and its lights, which could prove that the commands I issued remotely worked. Then I used mobile Safari on my original iPhone to control it all. It was geek nirvana.

For various reasons, I stopped using X10 in that setup. This past weekend, I decided to see what it would take to get it running again. The light and ceiling fan switches were still installed. I had de-installed the lamp modules (and replaced the bulbs with CFL, so the old lamp modules would no longer work). The old iMac still functioned, but was obsolete. The Indigo software was three versions out-of-date.

I went to SmartHome and they wanted $189 for the latest version of Indigo 5. There was no option for an upgrade, so I went to the Perceptive Automation site and found that there was an upgrade option for $99, plus they sold the interface I needed to control X10 and the newer INSTEON modules. I ordered the software upgrade and the interface.

I migrated the Indigo installation from the iMac DV to the smaller, and soon-to-be-headless, Mac mini 2010. The software recognized my module database, and even the graphical interface that showed the lights and ceiling fans on a floor plan of my house. One thing that was cool about Indigo 5 was that it included an iPad and iPhone app to control your setup either from a list of modules, or from that graphical interface, only available via WiFi from inside your house.

I ordered some INSTEON modules for the lamps and a couple of other things from SmartHome. I should have ordered from MacHomeStore.com, the store front for Indigo, because they turned out to be local and the shipping was overnight (at least, for the computer interface).

I got the computer interface today and hooked it up. After downloading a serial driver, I was in business, and the existing X10 controls worked like a charm. I can turn on/off lights from the computer or from the iPhone and iPad. Indigo allows timers to be set based on sunrise/sunset, so I can set my outdoor lighting based on the light outside.

Next up, install the new modules so I’ll be in business around my entire house!