rfxcom and x10 controller

[drmacchi]

Hi All,
Bert,
I was planning to buy rfxcom receiver+trnsmitter to control oregon and x10 security devices i asked confirmations for that to Bert.
Now, i haven't yet purchased anything, i have a NEW PROBLEM.
my cm11a usb , every ?hours looses communication with homeseer, i've seen many posts in homeseer boards showing this is a common problem.
So my questions are:
1)what can replace cm11a-usb , i was thinking the cti-213 on serial port, because my laptop with HS doesn't have serial ports (avoiding usb/serial adapters..)
2) can a SERIAL CONTROLLER BE CONNECTED TO RFXCOM LAN VERSION ?, so to create a virtual com port over lan , used by my laptop to manage ALL x10 lamps and so on
3)cti-213 is in USA, homeseer-shop, is there an european web-shop where to buy it , or there is a BETTER serial controller available in europe, i saw xanura ctx35 , but i read something like "not all x10 devices are controlled".... so i'm not sure about that

THANKS A LOT for all explanations !
lorenzo

[Lennart]

Hi Lorenzo,

To answer your questions:

1) I would go for a Xanura CTX35 or the newer PMIX35. The difference between these devices is that the CTX35 is an RS232 device whereas the PMIX35 is a USB device. Furthermore, the PMIX35 supports an extended protocol that has features for powerline diagnostics (voltage level, noise level, etc.)

2) Yes, the Rfxcom LAN interface + serial module can be used as a virtual com port over IP. The CTX35 works well in this setup: several members of this forum are using it in that way and report success. See also http://www.domoticaforum.eu/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=487. Note that there may be cheaper alternatives if all you need is a virtual com port over IP. See alo http://www.domoticaforum.eu/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=893. The additional benefit of using the CTX35 in this way, is that you may virtualize your whole home automation setup. Note that you cannot connect the PMIX35 to the Rfxcom LAN interface, as it lacks an RS232 serial port.

3) See 1).

Lennart

[b_weijenberg]

thanks Lennart.

Lorenzo,
To control X10 I would advice to use the X0 power line units. The RFXCOM transmitter can transmit X10 but RF is not as good as the power line units like the CTX35. The transmitter is mainly used for KlikAan-KlikUit, HomeEasy, DomiaLite, BBSB and Harrison curtains.

The LAN interface can have 2 receivers and (1 transmitter or 1 RS232 Serial Interface)

Bert

[Digit]

I'm using a CTX35, connected to my LAN with a Serial Device Server. There are plenty of those, like http://www.lavalink.com/index.php?id=56 or http://www.antratek.nl/Sollae.html. Works like a charm.
I'm doing PTZ cam control over a RFXCOM serial module. If you're going to buy a RFXCOM LAN interface and a CTX35, you could consider that to (a serial module is very little $$$)

[drmacchi]

Hi All,

BERT: if a purchase a LAN serial , transmitter + 2 receivers , is that good to (ALL TOGETHER) : a) receive oregon , b) receive x-10 security c) give commands to x-10 security like "arm/disarm sc-9000 marmitek" d) connect a ctx-35 on serial to controll HOMESEER ?
What i didn't understand even last time i asked you (sorry to ask again!) is : your device have INCLUDED receivers /transmitter module or i must buy one lan adapter and modules are separate.
Could you send me PM or may be on this forum the link for the device i need all included?

Which is the best online-shop where i can purchase ctx-35 (i found ELEH... c.a 173 euros )

Thanks again !

[Bwired]

@drmacchi Did you check this topic:
topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=411
and http://www.bwired.nl/How_rfxcom.asp

[drmacchi]

Hi Pieter , very helpful photos . by your description : you use comport 1 for different receivers , then comport 2 for transmitter.
Now about me : same configuration , but i need serial RS232 interface too (cod. 77000 bert's website). where do i plug this one if the 2 comports are already used?
can i plug it on comport 1 (receiver)as slave, shouldn't it be on comport transmitter ?

[Bwired]

Hi,
As Bert told above [;)]

The LAN interface can have 2 receivers and (1 transmitter <u><b>or</b></u> 1 RS232 Serial Interface)
You can't use them all 4 together, you have to choose [:(]

[drmacchi]

Damn, you are right! i didn't read it.
So to accomplish my need : one lan adapter with 2 com port : com1 master as receiver TO RECEIVE x10 lights , x10 security , oregon // comport 2 as transmitter to send commands to x-10 security.
ANOTHER adapter to use with rs232 serial port

Is that right?

[Bwired]

Right!
You can connect the CTX35 to a rs232 connector on your computer or buy a cheap rs232 lan adapter for you Xanura CTX35.
check this topic on Lan adapters: topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=893
There is so much info in this forum (search button)[:D]