[LHA-misc] OnQ ALC kit (was: Audrey's up and running)

[John K. <jk...@pr...>]

I re-order this a bit to reply in context.

On Sat, 5 Jan 2002, Jay Hogg wrote:
> At 07:04 PM 1/5/02 -0500, Neil Cherry wrote:
> >Jay Hogg wrote:
> > >
> > > Neil,
> > >
> > > At 03:46 PM 1/5/02 -0500, you wrote:
> > >
> > > >You can go hardwire, ALC is selling a dev kit (meant for Windows),

[snip]

> > > I saw the press release several months ago but can't seem to find
> > > the dev kit, rs232 interface, or other related pieces.
> > >
> > > Do you know where to find info/pricing/where to order?

> >I've responded back to the list (I'm guessing that you're getting caught
> >by the reply-to address like I am).
> >
> >The kit is $312 (not including S+H), you have to call

Is this the "ALC System Developer's Kit"?  As found on pg. 5 of 
http://www.onqtech.com/products/OnQNewProductsbrochure1307555.pdf

If so, who do you have to call?

> I was going to comment that it was a rather steep price until
> I realized it included 3 switches (~$60/ea) + outlet + Software
> + Interface.

Assuming you're talking about the ALC kit, that's rather good pricing for
the switches.  Last time I checked, the cheapest one, the relay was $80-85
and the dimmer ran about $95-100.  Sadly(?)  I've got all I (should) ever
need.

>  Since CeBus isn't looking so good, X-10 is X-10,
> and I still fall in the must-know-status on some stuff it looks
> like this is the next alternative.

ALC should work well for "must-know-status" particularly if you don't need
too high a resolution (sub-second on a fully loaded (31) branch would be a
challenge).  

From my analysis of the protocol, it could have been better (much better),
but it still beats the pants off X-10  (Hardwired for starters, the kicker
is 9600baud vs. 60baud)

> Have you worked with this or ALC at all?

You could say that :)

> >Here are some Links:
> >
> >http://www.onqtech.com/press/ALCProducts.html
> >http://www.onqtech.com/products/OnQNewProductsbrochure1307555.pdf
> >http://www.bass-home.com/faq/faq_alc-protocol.cfm

My own page:
http://www.projectplasma.com/ALC/index.html

John