X10 ActiveHome Pro CM15A — USB 2-Way Home Automation Interface Owner's Manual

Owner's manual for the X10 ActiveHome Pro USB 2-Way Home Automation System (Model CM15A) — the computer interface and companion software that let you control lights and appliances throughout your home using X10 modules, schedule timed events, and build multi-step macros.

How It Works

There are two types of devices in an X10 system: Controllers and Modules. Any light or appliance you want to control plugs into a Module, which then plugs into a standard AC outlet. Modules receive commands from Controllers over your home's existing electrical wiring. The ActiveHome Pro Interface is both a Controller and a Transceiver — it connects to your PC via USB and plugs into an AC wall outlet, translating commands from the ActiveHome Pro software (and from wireless remotes) into signals sent over house wiring to your Modules.

Hardware Setup

1. Before connecting anything, download and install the ActiveHome Pro software from the link in your confirmation e-mail (temporarily disable antivirus software during install, as it can interfere).
2. Plug in the CM15A Interface only when the installer prompts you to connect it.
3. Connect the USB cable between the Interface and your PC, then plug the Interface into an AC outlet near your PC.
4. Insert four AAA alkaline batteries into the Interface's battery compartment — these retain the time-of-day clock through a power outage; they are not required for basic operation.

Module Types

• Lamps — dimmable modules and modules for incandescent lighting only (e.g. LM14A, LM15A/Socket Rocket, WS12A Decorator Wall Switch, Leviton Lev-6381/6383).
• Appliances — On/Off-only modules for higher-wattage loads and small motors (e.g. AM14A, AM15A, HD243/HD245 heavy duty, SR227 split receptacle).
• Sensors — battery-powered wireless motion sensors (MS12A HawkEye, MS13A HawkEye 2, MS14A EagleEye, MS16A ActiveEye). ActiveHome Pro can't control these — you only see when they've been triggered.
• Other — special-function modules such as the PR511 Floodlight Motion Sensor, SC546A Remote Chime Module, and UM506 Universal Module.

Adding & Controlling Modules

Create rooms first (each with its own color for easy identification), then add modules via the Add Module dialog or by dragging from a Module Pane directly into a room. House and Unit Code addressing is assigned automatically but can be changed manually. Lamps have a switch plus a brightness slider; dimming to 0% turns the lamp off. Appliance modules use a simple on/off switch. Two-Way Modules (LM14A, AM14A, AM15A, and select third-party models) include a Poll button that queries the module's current status.

Timed Events

Every module or macro can have multiple timers for specific times, days of the week, or date ranges. Timers can be linked to sunrise/sunset ("Dusk and Dawn") rather than a fixed clock time — useful for lights that should track seasonal daylight changes. Special timer options include:

• Security — randomly shifts the timer ±30 minutes so lights look more natural while you're away.
• Store in Interface — saves the schedule to the CM15A's own memory so it runs even with the PC off (enabled by default).
• Repeat — resends the X10 command multiple times, useful if signals aren't reliably reaching modules.

Macros

Macros group multiple module commands into one sequence, with optional delays between steps (e.g. turn on the coffee pot, wait 10 minutes, turn on kitchen lights to 70% brightness, wait an hour, then turn everything off). Macros can be triggered by: the Run Macro button, a scheduled Timer, a button press on any X10 remote/controller, or an X10 motion detector. Check "Run while computer is OFF" to store the macro in the Interface's memory so it still runs when the PC is off.

Lifestyle Mode

Instead of manually programming timers, Lifestyle Mode watches the commands you send over 24 hours and automatically repeats that pattern going forward, continuously incorporating new activity as you do it. Individual modules can be excluded from Lifestyle learning via the House Icon toggle on each module.

Understanding House & Unit Codes

Every X10 module address has two parts: a House Code (A–P, set via a dial on the module — assigns modules to a group) and a Unit Code (1–16 — separates individual modules within the same House Code). Other X10 remotes/controllers can only address one House Code at a time, though ActiveHome Pro itself can control any House Code.

Troubleshooting

Expanding Your System

Compatible accessories include the KR19A Keychain Remote, WS467 Wall Switch Module (dimmer replacement), LM15A Screw-in Lamp Module, SR227 Receptacle Module, PR511 Dual Floodlight Motion Detector, SS13A Wireless Wall Switch, UM506 Universal Module (for pool pumps, sprinklers, etc.), SC546A Remote Chime Module, and the PF284 PowerFlash Module (bridges dry-contact/low-voltage alarm signals to X10 commands).

Warranty

120-day limited warranty from x10pro-usa.com against defective material and workmanship from the original date of retail purchase. Contact 1-888-384-0969 or support@x10pro-usa.com for service.