X10 Output Plugin?

[oldcqr]

Ok, I searched and didn't find it..

Is there an X10 Output Plugin for Vixen, specifically one that controls either via a CM17A, or a CM11A (Firecracker)?

[oldcqr]

Sorry Zach, I use X10 with great results for many elements in my display and my home. I agree it can be touchy, but I have it working perfectly.

[Michael]

If I remember, there is a way to shell out of Vixen and run a command line program that comes with X10 modules to send commands. Not the best way, but it will work for things like turning on/off channels at start/end of sequences.

- Michael

[oldcqr]

If I remember, there is a way to shell out of Vixen and run a command line program that comes with X10 modules to send commands. Not the best way, but it will work for things like turning on/off channels at start/end of sequences.

- Michael

Which may be the way I end up doing it, since I already have a bunch of batch files set up and some home-brew code. I was just hoping there was a 'cleaner' way.

Perhaps when I get done with this current code project I'll work on one.

[teberle]

I have started one, just never finished it.

[ErnieHorning]

I know nothing about writing plug-in’s but I understand that plug-in’s are created with C#. Here’s a site that describes writing an X-10 library for the CM11A (Firecracker). It may at least provide an example how the CM11A should be controlled.

http://www.15seconds.com/Issue/040413.htm

If it turns out that this is useless, well… it’s free.:-|

[Michael]

I would be willing to test any X-10 plugin someone creates. I have a house full of them, and several computer interfaces also.

- Michael

[tiggernaz]

I would like to see an X10 plugin also.

But, I have used Vixen to control the X10 modules with a little creativity.

I am using the CM11A contoller (still working on reliablity issues by adding a phase coupler and repeater, but that is another story). I have installed Active Home and made sure it was communicating and controlling the X10 modules correctly.

I also had to configure the serial port to COM4 (and the Active Home software to COM4) because leaving it on COM1 caused issues with Vixen.

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First create two channels for each X10 module, an ON channel and and OFF channel. Example Ch.1 = Module E1 on and Ch.2 = E2 off.

Then use the Launcher plugin and configure one Launcher instance for Ch.1 only and another instance for Ch.2 only. So the Launcher plugins should be configured as such:

Launcher (instance 1)
Channels = 1 to 1
Program Executable Path = C:\Program Files\Home Control\x10comm.EXE (assumming active home installed and located in the default directory)
Parameters = E1 On
Trigger Level = 100% (I used the default for this one)

Launcher (instance 2)
Channels = 2 to 2
Program Executable Path = C:\Program Files\Home Control\x10comm.EXE (assumming active home installed and located in the default directory)
Parameters = E1 Off
Trigger Level = 100% (I used the default for this one)

To turn on X10 module E1, turn on Ch.1 for a short duration (500 ms should be sufficient).

To turn off X10 module E1, turn on Ch.2 for a short duration (again, 500 ms should be sufficient).

The X10 modules have a turn on and off delay so you will have to learn your system and program your sequence accordingly.


My method is a little cumbersome but I think it will work good for what I need it to do without the learning curve of plugin module programming, debugging, etc!


Hope this helps!