I have build a number of X10 devices for my own use (blind controller, sunscreen controller, CM11A compatible USB computer interface, several types of light switches).
I recently developed a unit that conforms (not 100%) to the extended code 1 type 1 specification of X10. It can measure temperature and light intensity. The values can be requested by sending an X10 command to the unit. Temperature is also transmitted autonomously when it changes.
My problem is that, as far as I know, there are no software packages that support the extended code specification. I'm working together with the developer of the X10 control software called ZEUS. This software is not yet finished but I was able to do extensive testing of the unit in my own home.
My questions:
Does somebody know other software that supports extended code 1 type 1 X10 (or A10) communication?
Is somebody willing to test the unit in his/her environment(preferably in the Netherlands)?
Han Alink
X10 extended code device
X10 extended code device
Hi Han,
Sounds great your project, would be great to measure temps etc over the X10 power-line. As far as I know there is indeed no software yet that support the extended code. If I come across I let you know immediately. Good luck on your project and keep us informed, would love to show the first temp readings over power-line on my site [:)]
Pieter
www.bwired.nl On-line Domotica, Home Automation house.
Sounds great your project, would be great to measure temps etc over the X10 power-line. As far as I know there is indeed no software yet that support the extended code. If I come across I let you know immediately. Good luck on your project and keep us informed, would love to show the first temp readings over power-line on my site [:)]
Pieter
www.bwired.nl On-line Domotica, Home Automation house.
X10 extended code device
Hello Pieter,
If you are interested, I can send the specifications. It contains a paragraph on the codes to be send to a CM11A. If you are wiling to adopt your software (you did your own isn't it?) I'm very willing to send you a unit for testing (you are in the Netherlands!?).
For your information: I'm also working on a pressure and humidity X10 device.
Han Alink
If you are interested, I can send the specifications. It contains a paragraph on the codes to be send to a CM11A. If you are wiling to adopt your software (you did your own isn't it?) I'm very willing to send you a unit for testing (you are in the Netherlands!?).
For your information: I'm also working on a pressure and humidity X10 device.
Han Alink
X10 extended code device
Hi Han,
Yes send me the spec's, I can see if it easy to adjust my system to it. Yes I have my own system, you can compare it to homeseer, almost same X10 driver. But my system has all the things I like in it, so no plug-ins etc. I'm living in Den-Bosch the Netherlands. Which driver or X10 software do you use?
regards Pieter
www.bwired.nl On-line Domotica, Home Automation house.
Yes send me the spec's, I can see if it easy to adjust my system to it. Yes I have my own system, you can compare it to homeseer, almost same X10 driver. But my system has all the things I like in it, so no plug-ins etc. I'm living in Den-Bosch the Netherlands. Which driver or X10 software do you use?
regards Pieter
www.bwired.nl On-line Domotica, Home Automation house.
X10 extended code device
Hey Han,
I just responded to you over on Cocoon too =) You really get around haha.
Like I said on the USA forum, I currently don't support the CM11a, but ol' BWired here does and may be able to work with you. I would not mind adding CM11a support, but it is just not a good fit with my current tasks...
Vaughn
I just responded to you over on Cocoon too =) You really get around haha.
Like I said on the USA forum, I currently don't support the CM11a, but ol' BWired here does and may be able to work with you. I would not mind adding CM11a support, but it is just not a good fit with my current tasks...
Vaughn
X10 extended code device
Pieter,
Do you use X10's ActiveX for the CM11A, or do you have code that handles the serial communication and the such? I played with the original ActiveX code a long time ago, but by the time I started on my HA app, I started with the CM15A and the ActiveHomePro activeX control. It is nice not having to worry about USB/serial communications, and just talking to the Control instead.
I do the same with Insteon and their USB controller. Although Insteon is still pretty complicated even using the ActiveX wrapper...
Vaughn
Vaughn
Do you use X10's ActiveX for the CM11A, or do you have code that handles the serial communication and the such? I played with the original ActiveX code a long time ago, but by the time I started on my HA app, I started with the CM15A and the ActiveHomePro activeX control. It is nice not having to worry about USB/serial communications, and just talking to the Control instead.
I do the same with Insteon and their USB controller. Although Insteon is still pretty complicated even using the ActiveX wrapper...
Vaughn
Vaughn
X10 extended code device
Hi Vaughn
I don't use the homeseer activex control, I have almost similar, but then original source code adjusted to better handle all incoming traffic. Because there is a lot of rubbish as well coming in over the power-line (my power-line?). I only use controls if I can't make it myself [;)] I received the documentation from Han and I will look in to it....so busy however!! (next week business trip planned to India for 2 weeks)
Pieter
www.bwired.nl On line Domotica, Home Automation house.
I don't use the homeseer activex control, I have almost similar, but then original source code adjusted to better handle all incoming traffic. Because there is a lot of rubbish as well coming in over the power-line (my power-line?). I only use controls if I can't make it myself [;)] I received the documentation from Han and I will look in to it....so busy however!! (next week business trip planned to India for 2 weeks)
Pieter
www.bwired.nl On line Domotica, Home Automation house.
X10 extended code device
Hi Han
Do you know this product?
RFXCOM 1-Wire® Sensors
RFXCOM has developed a battery-powered temperature sensor based on the DS18B20 1-Wire® device. The unit can have up to two sensors attached, and reports changes in temperature to a precision of 0.5C, using a variation of the X10 RF system.
The messages can be read by the W800RF32. The xPLW800 service decodes these and broadcasts them to the xPL network using the sensor.basic schema.
The xPLW800 service also keeps track of the minimum and maximum temperatures measured, and includes them in its sensor.basic messages.
http://www.rfxcom.com/
Pieter
<b>Download Attachment:</b> [img]images/icon_paperclip.gif[/img] rfxtemp.jpg<br />23.69 KB
www.bwired.nl On-line Domotica, Home Automation house.
Do you know this product?
RFXCOM 1-Wire® Sensors
RFXCOM has developed a battery-powered temperature sensor based on the DS18B20 1-Wire® device. The unit can have up to two sensors attached, and reports changes in temperature to a precision of 0.5C, using a variation of the X10 RF system.
The messages can be read by the W800RF32. The xPLW800 service decodes these and broadcasts them to the xPL network using the sensor.basic schema.
The xPLW800 service also keeps track of the minimum and maximum temperatures measured, and includes them in its sensor.basic messages.
http://www.rfxcom.com/
Pieter
<b>Download Attachment:</b> [img]images/icon_paperclip.gif[/img] rfxtemp.jpg<br />23.69 KB
www.bwired.nl On-line Domotica, Home Automation house.
X10 extended code device
Hello Pieter,
I was not aware of this specific product family. However, before starting on the X10 temperature/light sensor, I did look into other available technical solutions: One Wire, TempLinc, Zigbee ...
I'm aware that buying an existing product is certainly faster, maybe better and probably cheaper than developing one myself. But it's not challenging!!!
There are several reasons I started this development:
1) I have an X10 operated sunscreen (also my own development). The problem is that is has to be closed automatically when the weather gets bad.
2) My blinds close automatically at sunset. If it's cloudy weather, they have to close earlier; if it's very bright weather, closing should be delayed.
3) I have a sprinkler system in my garden. I want to have an X10 interface for this system
4) My hobby is electronics. I have put a lot of effort in X10 stuff already.
Combining these things I thought developing a general purpose extended code interface for X10 would be the best thing to do. The first device (Temperature and light) is probably the easiest in terms of sensors. But the device could be used as a test vehicle for the X10 extended code communication development. It's working now and I'm currently looking into a windspeed, pressure and humidity sensors.
When I also have the software (Zeus? or some other package) to use information from the sensors to control other X10 devices, I will continue with the sprinkler system and some other things (meter reading?).
I assume you have read the specifications. Any comment is welcome.
Also if you want to try the device with your software, your very welcome.
Han Alink
I was not aware of this specific product family. However, before starting on the X10 temperature/light sensor, I did look into other available technical solutions: One Wire, TempLinc, Zigbee ...
I'm aware that buying an existing product is certainly faster, maybe better and probably cheaper than developing one myself. But it's not challenging!!!
There are several reasons I started this development:
1) I have an X10 operated sunscreen (also my own development). The problem is that is has to be closed automatically when the weather gets bad.
2) My blinds close automatically at sunset. If it's cloudy weather, they have to close earlier; if it's very bright weather, closing should be delayed.
3) I have a sprinkler system in my garden. I want to have an X10 interface for this system
4) My hobby is electronics. I have put a lot of effort in X10 stuff already.
Combining these things I thought developing a general purpose extended code interface for X10 would be the best thing to do. The first device (Temperature and light) is probably the easiest in terms of sensors. But the device could be used as a test vehicle for the X10 extended code communication development. It's working now and I'm currently looking into a windspeed, pressure and humidity sensors.
When I also have the software (Zeus? or some other package) to use information from the sensors to control other X10 devices, I will continue with the sprinkler system and some other things (meter reading?).
I assume you have read the specifications. Any comment is welcome.
Also if you want to try the device with your software, your very welcome.
Han Alink
X10 extended code device
Hi Han,
Don't get me wrong , you are completely right! I always get a great kick when something is working and self made. All the standard products are made this way to in the beginning! I just put on the links to get as much possible information so it can help us with our own projects.
I have red your information and it looks great, I would love to test the device but I have to be sure my software can handle the extended code, I know it does not right now. I'm also making a driver at the moment for the Xanura CTX35, CTX15 so I will look in to it. If its easy I will add the extended X10 code. I'm also very busy, Next week I will be in India for 2 weeks, so in due time I will get back to you.
Pieter
www.bwired.nl Online Domotica, Home Automation house.
Don't get me wrong , you are completely right! I always get a great kick when something is working and self made. All the standard products are made this way to in the beginning! I just put on the links to get as much possible information so it can help us with our own projects.
I have red your information and it looks great, I would love to test the device but I have to be sure my software can handle the extended code, I know it does not right now. I'm also making a driver at the moment for the Xanura CTX35, CTX15 so I will look in to it. If its easy I will add the extended X10 code. I'm also very busy, Next week I will be in India for 2 weeks, so in due time I will get back to you.
Pieter
www.bwired.nl Online Domotica, Home Automation house.
![[img]images/icon_paperclip.gif[/img] rfxtemp.jpg](/uploaded/bwired/20064720944_rfxtemp.jpg){kind=link}
X10 extended code device
May I ask what language/platform are you developing on?
X10 extended code device
Hi niknik
I'm on Windows, using Visual Basic, ASP and for database mysql.
www.bwired.nl Online Domotica, Home Automation house.
I'm on Windows, using Visual Basic, ASP and for database mysql.
www.bwired.nl Online Domotica, Home Automation house.
X10 extended code device
Hi Pieter,
I was reading your system details this very instant.
One thing I didn't find is: what is your internet connection? (or, do you have an idea on how much upload does the video streaming require?)
Regarding the CM11, does it have any special "tricks" to program for it?
I'm a programmer for over 15 years, and I'm used to working with embedded devices, low level programming, electronics, etc.
I know x10 pretty well on the "theoretical" level, but will just now be able to put it into practice. So, I will also eventually create my own program.
You talked about having some "garbage" incoming on your CM11, do you have any realiabilty problems on any of your X-10 modules?
Using the A10, I suspect it will re-transmit a command until it's acknoledged... but does that translate into any noticeable delays on turning things on/off?
sorry for all these questions.
Carlos
I was reading your system details this very instant.
One thing I didn't find is: what is your internet connection? (or, do you have an idea on how much upload does the video streaming require?)
Regarding the CM11, does it have any special "tricks" to program for it?
I'm a programmer for over 15 years, and I'm used to working with embedded devices, low level programming, electronics, etc.
I know x10 pretty well on the "theoretical" level, but will just now be able to put it into practice. So, I will also eventually create my own program.
You talked about having some "garbage" incoming on your CM11, do you have any realiabilty problems on any of your X-10 modules?
Using the A10, I suspect it will re-transmit a command until it's acknoledged... but does that translate into any noticeable delays on turning things on/off?
sorry for all these questions.
Carlos
X10 extended code device
Hi Carlos,
My Internet connection is now 5Mb up and 1Mb down. The download is for me not that important. The upload however is very important for me. Thats why I have for ADSL the highest upload possible within reason. I would like to have a DSL connection but the prices are still to high for me. My camera server the AXIS 241q can handle 4 video streams at once and will adjust the framrate accordingly. But sometimes when it's very busy on my website browsing for me is much slower. In the AXIS 241q I can set, if the need is there, a permanent bandwidth. The CM11A is not very special, here you can download a control for Visual Basic ftp://homeseer.com/pub/hsax37.zip there is also a manual with it and some examples. The rubbish is mainly on my power-line, I have 3 phases installed in my home and I should use some filtering and adjusting of my power-line network.
The reliability of the Xanura A10 is very high, I sometimes (rarely) I miss a reading. Xanura is updating there modules frequently with every time higher standards and capacity. The Xanura modules which have a built in actor (switch) are very fast.
Regards Pieter
www.bwired.nl Online Domotica, Home Automation house.
My Internet connection is now 5Mb up and 1Mb down. The download is for me not that important. The upload however is very important for me. Thats why I have for ADSL the highest upload possible within reason. I would like to have a DSL connection but the prices are still to high for me. My camera server the AXIS 241q can handle 4 video streams at once and will adjust the framrate accordingly. But sometimes when it's very busy on my website browsing for me is much slower. In the AXIS 241q I can set, if the need is there, a permanent bandwidth. The CM11A is not very special, here you can download a control for Visual Basic ftp://homeseer.com/pub/hsax37.zip there is also a manual with it and some examples. The rubbish is mainly on my power-line, I have 3 phases installed in my home and I should use some filtering and adjusting of my power-line network.
The reliability of the Xanura A10 is very high, I sometimes (rarely) I miss a reading. Xanura is updating there modules frequently with every time higher standards and capacity. The Xanura modules which have a built in actor (switch) are very fast.
Regards Pieter
www.bwired.nl Online Domotica, Home Automation house.
X10 extended code device
Well, in here we have pretty decent DOWNload speeds, up to 16Mbit... but upload suck, at around 400Kb! 
Anyway, for personal use, and just a single camera at a time (or low frame rates), I guess it would be enough.
Just another question. On those modules with built in actuator, when you press the button, to ON/OFF, or DIM... does it transmit the command over the powerline too? Or does it act locally only?
Anyway, for personal use, and just a single camera at a time (or low frame rates), I guess it would be enough.
Just another question. On those modules with built in actuator, when you press the button, to ON/OFF, or DIM... does it transmit the command over the powerline too? Or does it act locally only?