[ale] Linux and X10

[Jason Boyles]

        I've been looking through some home automation catalogs and considering 
 the purchase of some X10 modules, contingent on my ability to control them from 
 my Linux machine.
 
        I have found a relatively inexpensive device which will convert X10 
 signals into ASCII codes and vice versa.
 
        Check it out at   http://www.smarthome.com/smarthome/1150.html
 
        Is there any freely available software for Linux or generic UNIX which 
 will allow me to control such a device? I'd like to avoid unnecessary 
 reinvention of wheels.
 
             My altavista search turned up software to control the CP290, a 
 device which apparently only SENDS X10 signals. I would like to receive them as 
 well, which the aforementioned device 
 (http://www.smarthome.com/smarthome/1150.html) will do.
 
        I have grand visions of my Linux machine alerting me to the presence of 
 visitors and brewing coffee on command. Can sentience be very far off?? :-)
 
        Actually, I have much more mundane immediate applications, such as 
 remote power cycling of computer hardware.
 
 Any info would be appreciated.
 
 ----
 Jason Boyles <jason at shawinc.com>