Sending macros to/from rfxcom

[brille]

Hi,

I am new to RFxcom so please bear with me if this question is silly or in the wrong place.

At home a have all my lights controlled by nexa/sartano RF remotes. This is working super I can control everything from a simple remote.

My problem is that I would like to have some macro possibilities. My remotes only have 5 on/off buttons - which is not enough (A/B/C/D/E). Both because I need more that 5 buttons and because I want the ability of an all off/on button.

As you can see this means that I need the ability to send macros so that f.eks:

Button A will switch all lamps on/off
Button B will do morning mode - the lamps off the rest on
Button C will ...etc etc

That requires that the signal (Button A on) is received by some sort of a controller which will decode the RF signal and send a number of RF signals.

My guess is that this can be done with RFXcom reciver and transmitter via software on my PC but what I want to do it without my pc is being used (I can use it for programming a controller but I want the system to run without a pc).

Is there a way to do this ?
either with the RFXcom reciver / transmitter alone or via some sort of controller?



It would be nice to put a wall switch by the door like this one below and use it for all on/off
http://www.elbutik.se/product.html?prod ... arch_page=

I hope you can direct me in the right direction [:)]

/Brille

[b_weijenberg]

Brille,

The RFXCOM receiver and transmitter need a PC to do the functions you need.

You can select Homeseer with the RFXCOM plug-in or xPL.
This will run on a small lower power PC if you don't use too much functions of Homeseer that needs large processor power.

Bert

[brille]

hi bart,

darn! I had hoped that it would have been posible with some sort of controller, because i wantet to avoid the hassel of a pc (with the problems som it is bound to give..) and I was also looking for a low power solution.

I just came across this one: http://lintronic.dk/TT455-RT-238.htm which actually dose excatly what i need - i just cant find out if it can communicate with the RFXcom rec/trans.


br
brille

ps, if everything else fails - Any idea about where to look for a low power pc to run as a server?

[Snelvuur]

perhaps the home control box, if you want it easy without hassle?

// Erik (binkey.nl)

[brille]

Hi Bart and others

I have decided to go for RFXcom and an old laptop (later I will properly get a low power server like this one: http://www.logicsupply.com/products/lv_5677), but for now the laptop will have to do! Its an old 500mhz Celeron thing which has served as a music box for years.

1) If anybody has any comments on speed let me know

Second I would like to have some input to what RFXcom units I should get.
Looking at the RFXcom.com I get a bit confused..

I have only ONE usb port on my laptop is this possible when I want to:

Receive nexa (and others) remote signals
Receive signals from a temperature sensor and maybe a meter reader later
Transmit nexa (and others) signals

2) Which RFXcom modules do I need for this?

3) If this is not possible with only one usb-port I will try to use a usb-hub (or alternative I will use another computer or go for a wlan interface) Can this be done?


I am really a bit lost so any comments/insights are appreciated!


BR
/Brille

[b_weijenberg]

Brille,

The USB and 1 COM port LAN interfaces can have (1 or 2 receiver) OR 1 transmitter OR 1 RS232 module installed.

The 2 COM port LAN interfaces can have (1 or 2 receivers) AND (1 transmitter or 1 RS232 module) installed.

With the use of an USB hub select:
433.92MHz USB receiver http://www.rfxcom.com/receivers.htm#80002
433.92MHz USB transmitter http://www.rfxcom.com/transmitters.htm#80005
It can be necessary to use a powered USB hub because not all laptops can supply enough power.

When you have the option to install a LAN or WLAN interface on the laptop or use a PC with such an interface select a 87005, 86005 or 88005
http://www.rfxcom.com/transmitters.htm#87005

Bert

[brille]

Hi again,

Thanks for the fast reply Bert,

It looks like what I need is the LAN version (87005) I guess that the 60 eur extra for this version is ok in order to avoid the hassle of getting the usb-hub working.

I assume that I can connect it to a port in my wireless router and access it from my laptop via wireless LAN, right?

Is there any limitation to the different interfaces (usb/lan/wlan) - is there any other considerations I should make?

I dont want to limit my self because of bad choices like everybody else I suppose

If I go for the 87005 is there anything else I will need to get going (some software of course)

Br
/brille

[b_weijenberg]

The 87005 is a very good choice. You are not limited to the length of an USB cable and the LAN interface can be placed anywhere on the world and can even be accessed via the Internet.

Personally I prefer Homeseer with the RFXCOM plug-in because it is the most flexible and complete Home Automation software. The RFXCOM plug-in makes optimum use of the RFXCOM receiver and transmitter.

[brille]

87005 it is

Thanks for helping me out - ill order in the next couple of days.

Do you know if there is a freeware alternative to homeseer whitch i can start out with?

Br
/Brille

[Digit]

Good choice. I have RFXCOM receivers, transmitters, RFXMeter, LAN interface, these devices will never let you down.

Regarding the software, check this list: http://www.rfxcom.com/supported_sw.htm
Or make it yourself; it's much more fun!

[brille]

Bart, i can see you suggested xPL in your first post, guess i try that one for starters

i do a lot of vba at work - if vb can be used i will defenetly give it a try

[Digit]

You can download VB Transmitter and Receiver source code here:
http://www.rfxcom.com/downloads.htm
[:)]

[brille]

Ill have a look

just placed my order...so ill be back with more questions later