X10 type home automation

[Geoffrey S. Mendelson]

Long ago, in a time before Linux existed, in a place far, far, away, I 
had a home automation system.

It used X10 modules sold by a company called BSR (which was only related 
to the British company because at one time they sold BSR turntables).

I had both manual controllers, which allowed me to turn off and on 
lights, etc from other rooms in my house.

I also had an interface which allowed me to send commands on a serial 
port to it which would be sent to modules over the power lines.

I wrote a command line program that ran under SunOS to control it. This 
gave me the ability to use a crontab, etc to control things.

I'd like to implement that here. The mechanical timers available just 
don't work very well, and have to be reset every time the power goes 
out, which is too often.

So what I am looking for are modules that have an on/off switch (relay 
type) in them. We no longer have any incandescent lights to use the 
dimming lamp modules. These modules should accept an Israeli three prong 
plug or an EU type two pin one, and  plug into an Israeli outlet.

I also need some sort of computer interface to control them. I assume by 
now if there is anything at all, it is a GUI. It should run on Linux. 
USB or ethernet would be better than RS-232, but I will gladly take that 
too.

I may be asking too much, but looking at the current prices of 120 volt 
units, I should be able to pay around 100 NIS per module and 200-300 for 
the controller, but I am willing to pay more if I have to.

Thanks in advance, for any information.

Geoff.
-- 
Geoffrey S. Mendelson,  N3OWJ/4X1GM/KBUH7245/KBUW5379
Gung Hay Fat Choy! (May the new year be prosperous).