X10 Community Forum
💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: astrothug on May 26, 2010, 10:30:12 PM
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ok so I bought it, want to try some stuff with touch screen tablet PC's around the house, this is what I got.
1 Wireless PC Transceiver (CM19A) $49.99
1 ActiveHome Professional Software (SW31A) $49.99
1 Small Wireless Transceiver (TM751)
and of course after some research and trial and error, I find out that the software does not seem to work with the CM19A.
http://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/cm19a.html link that says it does not work with activehome software.
Has anyone got this to work, and if it does not work what the hell is X10 promoting something that is incompatible to each other.
on a positive note I love the Icon Remote, very cool.
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astrothug,
It is my understanding that Active Home Pro will work with the CM19A, within limits.
First, I'm not positive that AHP will install the driver for the CM19A, although I have been told by some that it does.
Second, since the CM19A is RF only, control of power line devices will be limited to the 16 on the House Code the TM751 is set to and you will probably have to convince AHP to send all commands by RF.
Third, since the CM19A is a computer interface only, and doesn't have any memory to store timers and macros, all of those will have to be created as "Run from PC" and not "Store in interface".
I'm with you in wondering what X10 was thinking with this bundle. But, it may be a really nice and cheap introduction to AHP, assuming it can be made to work this way.
I sense a barrage of questions looming from both old and new AHP users! B:(
If you have the guts to try it out, I (and I'm sure others) would be really interested in the journey.
>!
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Yes I also see it on the horizon.
Active Home Pro and Active Home PC. Read it quick and you may think you are getting a CM15A.
I have seen this lately on the sales site.
So everyone read carefully the Whats Included Data and Know what you are getting.!
I have also seen low ball prices on things like AHP and you get just the basic unit and software. The add on price get you back to the old price with everything in it.
I do think the CM19A maybe supported by AHP or we have another mismatched kit. ::)
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I think this is X10's idea for replacing the old Firecracker marketing tool. When the Firecracker kit first came out X10 gave them away free. This is the USB replacement and I wonder if X10 has really ironed out the details of driving the CM19 with AHP...sigh. I suspect X10 is hoping the forum will carry their water. Pity all the X10 users with Mini, Maxi consoles, Mini Timers or in wall transmitter like XPT expecting this CM19 to be cheap way to home automation.
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I remember my first order to X10... it was the RCA gift pack plus a PalmPad remote... I paid full price for the remote. After I received my order and did some reading... I called X10 back and ordered a TM751.
I think some of X10 package deals are designed to sell products... not "build a system". But I do think the CM19A can be used with the AHP software. Maybe I can do some tests.
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I too purchased this and found it doesn't work. False advertising
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A couple of years ago I unplugged the CM15A from a working AHP system and plugged in a CM19A. (The DLL was running but AHP itself was not running). I recall it worked with ahcmd.exe RF commands from the SDK (executed at the command line in a terminal window.)
It didn't work very well. It frequently crashed after just 2-3 RF commands, But it crashed just as frequently with the CM15A as the transmitter. I blamed the problem on the SDK ahcmd.exe implementation.
Try unplugging and replugging the CM19A - perhaps that's needed to properly initialize the CM19A and/or the DLL.
Also try rebooting the system while the CM19A is plugged in.
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I wounder if the latest AHP 3.271 if memory serves me. Has added CM19A control or fixed some of the bugs. Some here indicated extra RF commands where available in 3.271.
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After installing 3.271, with Smart Macros and OnAlert plugins, did some testing with just the CM19A hooked up. It works!! Able to both receive and transmit via RF (I could never transmit with 3.236).
I noticed that in a macro, using the "device on" results in log entries showing both PLC and RF commands transmitted. Using "RF command" only sends the RF command (as it should). I guess Smart Macros isn't quite smart enough to know you can't send a PLC command if you only have an RF device attached. :D
Just a little FYI for those who are curious.
ITguy
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Thank you very much for that information. >!
Now we know how they can sell a CM19A and have it controlled by AHP if it is the latest 3.271.
Also added a helpful for you.
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After installing 3.271, with Smart Macros and OnAlert plugins, did some testing with just the CM19A hooked up. It works!! Able to both receive and transmit via RF (I could never transmit with 3.236).
The CM19A works with AHP only if you 3.271. Very Helpful information ITguy... Thank-You!
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ITguy,
Yes, thank you for helping to solve both puzzles! #:)
>! (and a "Helpful")
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You need the plug-ins with 3.271 to use the CM19A with it. I have 3.271 by itself and it's the plain AHP.
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You need the plug-ins with 3.271 to use the CM19A with it. I have 3.271 by itself and it's the plain AHP.
Dan,
Are you sure about that? I just did a complete uninstall of AHP (including deleting the AHP folder in Program Files), then reinstalled without installing any of the plugins (not even Smart Macros). I'm still able to receive and transmit using the CM19A!
ITguy
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What does it show up in 3.271 with no plug-ins?
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What does it show up in 3.271 with no plug-ins?
Sorry, I don't understand the question.
Just taking a guess, when I click the "About" link in Help, it shows just AHP 3.271 as registered - none of the plugins show as registered.
Or, if I click Plugins, it shows plugins that are available to purchase, but if I click on any of them, it just shows the Information button which takes you to the website page for that plugin.
Was either of those what you were asking?
ITguy
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Yeah, I went for it as well but I'm not sure why???? A couple years ago I bought the Active Home software when it sold for $49.99 - haven't used it yet, too busy to set up. Now I'm ready. Does this new package replace the old? Do I need the other software enhancements? I hope to both automate and secure our summer place.
Question - I have an ADT installed and monitored system in my home in Florida and I'd like to add an outdoor light that flashes when the alarm is tripped. The company wants almost $200 -- can I add it for less?
Thanks.
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No the new $9.99 package uses the CM19A USB RF Sender Receiver and is not a replacement for the original AHP kits.
The original AHP package deals with the CM15A is still being sold.
The new package requires the computer to be on 24/7 as it can not store things like timers and simple macros.
When you got your AHP Kit was it before the added plugins was part of the deal?
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Hi Brian --
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, when I got Active Home it was just the original software.
Should I purchase the X-10 software upgrades. My immediate goal is to control lighting and a couple appliances. Later I may use it for security to replace or supplement my current security service and/or monitor the house & grounds.
E
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Go to http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/ and look for ahp_updt_204.exe. Save that and install it. (Do not use the e-mail link you got when you first bought it. Once it is installed, get the CM15A installed. Reboot your computer. One rebooted, open AHP and make sure AHP can see it. Once you've done that, set up AHP with your modules any timers you need, etc. Once AHP is running properly, use the flashing "update available" on the right side of the screen to update to version 3.228, the last good version of AHP.
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If you are using the CM19A. 3.228 will not be supported properly. 3.228 will work with a CM15A.