USB or Serial? Which is better?

[JLMonroe]

I am going to buy Homeseer soon. Just upgraded my Pentium 100 to a 2.8 GHz. Bu tit has 1 serial and 3 USB ports. My old stuff uses serial so I am already out of serial ports.

So I have a serial X-10 controller, but I'm having to decide whether to buy a card with some more serial ports or buy a new X-10 controller for USB.

You guys know. Help the newbie out!

[Rupp]

Go for the USB. Not many have needed it just yet, but as newer PCs run out of serial ports we'll all move there eventually.

-Rupp

[MikeMatthews]

From my experience, USB is better, but it's not too dramatic.

The criteria for judging an x10 interface are:
1) reliability
2) signal strength
3) response speed
4) easy integration with HS
5) supports downloaded events

I've had one for many months, and all of these are satisfied well. However, I dont' think the USB does #5, which may be an issue for some. I can't speak to the specifics, but the CM11a has locked up on me, the USB hasn't. The USB response speed is slightly faster on receiving x10.

[torpedo_62]

Hi,

Smarthome has released the Powerlinc Controller vis USB with 32KB of memory for storing commands. Here is the link:
http://www.smarthome.com/1132cu.html

Hope that helps

Torpedo

[Rupp]

Torpedo,
That post is well over a year old ?