X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: LMCFashions on July 18, 2012, 10:19:56 AM
-
B:( I really hope someone out there can PLEASE help me. My husband and I just bought a home. The previous owner was a HUGE fan of x10 products and went hog wild with all of his own custom wiring and gadgets throughout our home. Unfortunately, he passed away and when his wife decided to sell she made it quite clear that she had NO idea how to work any of his "gadgets". I'm quite tech savvy so I wasn't too concerned about it. Here is my dilemma though; He automated the entire 16 zoned sprinkler system with timers and I SUSPECT that part of the setup was unknowingly taken along with his computer by his wife. On the wall in the basement is a Calnoria Controls, LLC V-Switch-PLC Base Controller as well as an extension controller. I believe these have been discontinued. (https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/576059_10150945076993947_944319294_n.jpg) Plugged into that was an x-10 Pro Two-way power line interface (model PSC05). The only other thing I have is 3 pin Appliance Module (Model PAM02).
1. Am I correct in thinking that the missing piece would be the FireCracker Computer Interface Plug? If not what do I need to plug into my computer for the communication?
2. If I buy one can I just plug it in and pretty much pick up where it was left off or will I have to reprogram the whole system myself?
3. I downloaded the ActiveHome software and played around with it for a bit and oddly enough it says, "Connected (CM15A) Active house code:A. Is this normal or does it mean that somewhere, SOMETHING is properly communicating with something else? I've ripped this house apart and can't find any other pieces. In the meantime our grass and gardens are dying because we can't use this elaborate system. :( ???
-
1. The CM17A serial port Firecracker sends RF commands and the CM19A USB Firecracker sends and receives RF commands.
You would need a transceiver to translate the RF commands and place them on the power lines. TM751 or RR501 would work.
AHP worked best with the CM15A that is now discontinued. AHP will work with the CM19A.
The CM15A could do power line and RF sending and receiving.
AHP needs a registration number so you would have to by the AHP kit that included the CM19A TM751 and AHP registration number.
After you get the hardware. You would probably have to try different House Codes until you find the House Code the interface is using.
I don't have an idea how much intelligence is in the controllers you have. You for now maybe able to just get a remote transceiver and manually send X10 power line commands to at least turn the water On and Off.
You may want to broaden your search by also asking in the Cocoontech Forums as they have members that use all brands of interfaces and controllers. They may even recognize your interface. If no one here recognizes them.
http://cocoontech.com/forums/
-
There is also a supply of the old CM11A controller still available. You can find them on eBay for $30.
While it has its share of quirks, it could get you going quickly.
Jeff
-
Thank you both for your most helpful replies!! I have spent the past 7 days running up and down the basement stairs, every morning, every 30 minutes, for almost 8 hours, manually switching each of the 16 zones on and off, since you obviously can't run them all at once. If I purchase this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/X10-CM11A-2-Way-Computer-Interface-with-Cable-and-Software-disc-v-1-3-/180928252676?pt=Home_Automation_Modules&hash=item2a202a0b04 will I then have everything I need to get this irrigation system up and running on its own timers? Can anyone tell from the picture if the CD included in this auction is the actual ActiveHome program or a generic drivers CD? Again, THANKS SO MUCH!
-
The CM11A uses a serial port on the computer. Though I believe some have used a USB to serial adapter if the computer didn't have a serial port.
The older Active Home Program was supplied on a CD and even if the EBay one had a genetic program. AH is free to download from the X10 software area.
The CM11A can have some timers downloaded to it and then run off line or if they are complex a 24/7 running computer could be used.
If you don't want to wait for the EBay auction to end. The X10 shop has the CM11A available for buying now.
http://www.thex10shop.com/product/x10-genuine-cm11a-activehome-serial-computer-interface
-
If you don't want to wait for the EBay auction to end.
The eBay listings are BuyItNow with free shipping for $30. There are a few cheaper ones up for auction.
Jeff
-
Before buying anything you need to learn more about the Calnoria units. You and those who have responded seem to assume the PSC05 was sending X10 signals to the unit. It is also possible the PLC means Programmable Logic Controller (rather than (Power Line Control) and it was controlling the PSC05 which, in turn controlled things like the
lamp appliance module.
Is there a DB9 connector on either of the Calnoria units? Or there may possibly be another telephone style connector that is used for a serial input for programming the unit. Perhaps there's a schematic under one of the covers. We really need to learn much. much more about their capabilities before deciding on a course of action.
-
http://s1149.photobucket.com/albums/o583/LMCFashions/?action=view¤t=photo.jpg (http://s1149.photobucket.com/albums/o583/LMCFashions/?action=view¤t=photo.jpg)(http://<a href="http://s1149.photobucket.com/albums/o583/LMCFashions/?action-view&current=photo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o583/LMCFashions/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>) The PLC is the programmable Logic Controller and the PSC05 was plugged directly into the base controller. The base and extension controllers are permanently affixed to the walls in the basement and each zone is labeled, ie A1 Front Corner A2 Side Front etc...for each of the zones. My ultimate goal to is get exactly what I need to communicate with those V-Switch PLC controllers so I can set up my own automation. If I can use the existing Powerline interface, great! Otherwise, I just need to know what I should purchase to get me started. Thanks!! :)
-
You might also try posting to Google Groups comp.home.automation the former usenet group. While it is near death,there are a few old timers who still monitor/post there.
I could find nothing on Calnoria Controls LLC except a couple of references in business directories indicating they are or were located in Modesto, California. I suspect they are defunct and unless we can find documentation, you may have to replace the entire system.
-
Your photo is inadequate - we need better lighting and a closeup of the connections along the bottom of the lower unit. Are any of the connectors labeled?
I suspect this was programmed by downloading to it from a laptop or PC and it then ran standalone, controlling the sprinkler units and PSC05 with no further input. Without documentation and the computer software we are shooting in the dark but I question whether any X10 controller will control either the Calnoria units or the sprinkler valves they control.
Where are you located? Perhaps, one of the experts here lives in your area and could take a look at your gear.
-
http://www.screenshots.com/calnoriacontrols.com/ (http://www.screenshots.com/calnoriacontrols.com/) This was all I found on them. How frustrating. :'(
-
I am in Little Egg Harbor NJ. The gentleman that did this whole set-up was a retired supervisor from PSEG (a local electric & gas company) Everyone that has come to our home, from the cable company to the inspectors and the security alarm installers have said the man must have been brilliant. Everything is as per code...just done quite uniquely.
-
http://www.screenshots.com/calnoriacontrols.com/ (http://www.screenshots.com/calnoriacontrols.com/) This was all I found on them. How frustrating. :'(
Ahh! While it's not much it does help quite a lot. I was wrong to assume the control logic was within these units. They probably can be controlled by something that can control the PSC05. What's still missing is what controlled the PSC05.
It's not likely it was controlled by a PC. More likely, something like a LynX-10 or Ocelot controlled it.
Where does the PSC05 plug in to power?
-
The PSC05 was plugged one end into the AC outlet and the other end was plugged into the module that is coming off of that green board on the bottom of the Base Controller. If you go back to the original screenshot (the one with inadequate lighting) you can see part of the powerline cord from the PSC05 near the bottom left.
-
Calnoria LLC "principal" is listed as "Charles Tracy" 209-527-5173, still in Modesto. You might give him a call to see if he still has some manuals available.
-
The PSC05 was plugged one end into the AC outlet and the other end was plugged into the module that is coming off of that green board on the bottom of the Base Controller. If you go back to the original screenshot (the one with inadequate lighting) you can see part of the powerline cord from the PSC05 near the bottom left.
That's what I thought but the picture wasn't clear so I wasn't sure.
OK! I think we can make some educated guesses about how it works and about how you might get control of it.
The other responders appear to have been correct in assuming you merely need to find a way to send X10 signals to the powerline. The PSC05 will receive/decode them and the Calnoria unit then turns on/off the appropriate sprinkler valve.
I'm hesitant to suggest anything that requires X10 software running on a PC. I consider X10's approach to software to be worse than amateurish and I see no need to have a PC run 24/7 to control things like this.
I wish I were closer to NJ but we can probably handle this via email and the postal service. I'm sure I have a surplus RR501 (or equivalent) RF transceiver that receives RF codes from a remote. I'm not sure I have a surplus remote but I'll dig through my surplus box to see. If not, they are not too expensive...
- http://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/hr12a.html
The combination will allow you to explore which of 16 housecodes it uses and then which of 16 unitcodes are assigned to individual zones. At that point, you can decide how you want to control it long range. How technical are you?
I'll loan you whatever I do have. It will take a couple of days for me to get it in the mail - I'm disabled so will have to use Priority Mail. We can move the discussion to Private Messages where we can exchange needed details.
-
I suggest a step-by-step approach to make sure we understand everything before deciding on a final resolution.
(http://davehouston.org/TEST-X10.png)
The drawing above shows my suggestion for a test setup using a handheld remote (HR12A) to send radio signals to the HC50RX which will resend the codes over the powerline to the PSC05 which then controls the Calnoria unit.
If we can control it this way, we can then decide how to automate it. If we cannot control it this way, we need documentation or someone local with enough X10 knowledge to figure it out.
-
That would be an easy way to test all sixteen unit codes for all sixteen house codes.
-
It would be very helpful to get documentation if still available. From the screenshots of the discontinued webpage...
Even more sophisticated operation can be realized by sequencers capable of taking advantage of our expanded control functions. The expanded function set adds status polling of valve and error states.
From other statements it's apparent that sequencer refers to X-10 controllers so it would be nice to know which sequencers are capable of taking advantage of our expanded control functions.
Obviously, the Calnoria units are capable of sending as well as receiving X10 PLC (PowerLine Control) so it would simplify things if we could get a list of the expanded control functions rather than have to discover them via trial and error. Since it uses a PSC05, the codes must be ones the PSC05 will report so they have to be valid X-10 codes. While you can send arbitrary codes, the PSC05 will only receive/report valid X-10. Perhaps, expanded function set is nothing more exotic than Status Request, Status On, Status Off.
The first step is to see if it still functions under X10 control and discover which HouseCode (A-P) it uses. (It then uses all 16 Unit Codes of that HC.) We need to get started ASAP. I need to get the HC50RX packaged/addressed and arrange a Priority Mail pickup before Wednesday when I'll be gone all day undergoing some medical tests prior to surgery scheduled for the following week.
A few years back I worked with ZBasic to incorporate low-level X-10 PLC send/receive in their command set. They operate in the background keyed to ZC with the user only needing to define input/output bit arrays and then populate or process the appropriate array. Their $10 ZX-328n can do this and the software to automate control of the Calnoria units will be quite simple. I can adapt existing code for the firmware as well as Windows, Linux or OSX software to interface with it.
-
Okay so after a few mishaps with a toilet leaking into the basement and flooding it out, a hinge on the gate to the vinyl fence breaking and sending it falling to the ground and my husband going into the hospital for kidney surgery this is where I am now.... :o
1. I purchased two transceiver modules (House code A which is all of the garden lights and house code C which is flood lights & sprinkler) and the PalmPad remote control (HR12A). I was then able to successfully walk around the house and figure out all of the codes to operate all of my exterior lights and motion sensors...and then I marked them with the proper house code on the remote!
2. When I went to the PLC with the remote and started pressing buttons on it (C3, C4 etc) I got a strange flashing pattern on the (x10) PSC05. I'd have to double check to be certain but I believe it was 3 quick flashes with each button I pressed on the remote. That was all though. The sprinkler itself never physically turned on nor did the red lights on the PLC. Is this good or bad? I THINK I'm getting close though! :)%
-
In this case, the flashes are good - they indicate the commands are on the powerline. At this point, it looks like the X10 side of things is good - we just need to find why the sprinkler valves are not responding.
Is there a way to set the housecode on the Calnoria unit? You might have to try all housecodes on the remote and transceiver to find where it is set. The Calnoria unit, remote & transceiver must all use the same housecode
Is there power to the Calnoria unit? In your picture, the green light is lit so it likely has power.
-
1. I purchased two transceiver modules (House code A which is all of the garden lights and house code C which is flood lights & sprinkler) and the PalmPad remote control (HR12A). I was then able to successfully walk around the house and figure out all of the codes to operate all of my exterior lights and motion sensors...and then I marked them with the proper house code on the remote!
2. When I went to the PLC with the remote and started pressing buttons on it (C3, C4 etc) I got a strange flashing pattern on the (x10) PSC05. I'd have to double check to be certain but I believe it was 3 quick flashes with each button I pressed on the remote. That was all though. The sprinkler itself never physically turned on nor did the red lights on the PLC. Is this good or bad? I THINK I'm getting close though! :)%
dhouston's lightning like response beat me, but, I am posting anyway as I think we are on the same scent.
In your July 18, 2012, 09:56:15 AM post, you said the sprinkler zones were labled A1, A2, A3, etc. To me, that indicates the Calnioria is programmed to respond to House Code A. If so, then sending it House Code C through the PSC05 will be ignored. It all has to match (Calnoria HC, AND HCs for the remote and the transceiver).
-
Is there a way to set the housecode on the Calnoria unit? You might have to try all housecodes on the remote and transceiver to find where it is set. The Calnoria unit, remote & transceiver must all use the same housecode
Is there power to the Calnoria unit? In your picture, the green light is lit so it likely has power.
I do not see anything at all that would allow me to set the housecode on the Calnoria however, I took the faceplate off of the electrical outlet that the Calnoria is plugged into and it is set on housecode A9. I mistyped on my July 18th post when I said the Calnoria unit was labeled with "A" codes. It is in fact labeled with "C" codes. I am wondering if this could be the problem and was contemplating on either switching that electrical outlet over to house code C or just plugging the Calnoria unit into another non x10 outlet altogether. (I haven't tried it yet because I was afraid of blowing something up!) I also wondered if he had it plugged into A9 because of some sort of Macro timer he was using? In other words the 2 way interface with the Palm remote was fine if he wanted to manually turn on different zones here and there but if he wanted to set it up on a timed schedule throughout the week he used the A code? There is definitely power to the Calnoria unit because we have been using it manually. I did try getting a hold of the that Calnoria owner via email but never heard back from him.
(http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o583/LMCFashions/C-CodesSprinkler.jpg) <-- Top of Calnoria Unit
-
I would try with the outlet set to C. I doubt this is the problem but it should not create a proble. Nor would just plugging it into another outlet.
But, if neither work, I think you need to try to call California to get documentation.
-
:)% I am happy to report, "I can now lay in bed at 4AM and water my lawn via remote control!!!" (Of course now we have a monsoon outside from the remnants of the hurricane!) Thank you everyone for all of your great advice and suggestions!! Even though the Calnoria box was marked C1, C2 etc (as shown in the above picture) I sat there with the remote and transceiver trying every house code until I saw a zone light go on on the Calnoria unit....who would have thought it would be house code L (for LAWN I bet!)?! Now that I have that working...next stop...a macro to set up timers so I don't have to sit here every day pushing buttons on the remote! ;)
>! #:)
-
Great! :)%
For macros, you will need something like the CM11A or CM15A. Both have been discontinued but dealers still have the CM11A. You will need a PC or laptop to download the macros after which it can run on its own (until a power failure).
- http://www.thex10shop.com/product/x10-genuine-cm11a-activehome-serial-computer-interface
If your PC has no serial ports...
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-SERIAL-RS232-DB9-9-PIN-ADAPTER-CABLE-PDA-Blue-/170765898799?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c270d42f
-
I did also purchase the Activehome Pro software and the RF Wireless Remote Receiver (Model MR26A). However, I'm starting to think that this MR26A is a piece of junk so I'm considering replacing it with the Firecracker Module. In the meantime though at least I know the house code for the irrigation system. My question is which "generic module" should I use to represent the Calnoria unit in AHP? They don't even have an option for that two way interface either. :-\
-
Active Home Pro?
It only works with a CM15A, CM19A with a TM751 or a CM11A. I don't believe a MR26 serial device will work with AHP.
The TW523 or X10Pro PSC05 will not be on the list as it can't be directly controlled. It only converts data to and from the Calnoria to power line signals.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/TW523
-
I don't think either the MR26A or Firecracker will prove useful.
I'll let others handle AHP questions as I've always written my own software and am unfamiliar with current versions. I would guess that you can treat the sprinkler valves as if they were appliance modules - one for each address. It won't have a clue about the PSC05 two-way interface but that should not be an issue as it merely receives codes from the powerline and passes them to the Calnoria unit.
-
Active Home Pro?
It only works with a CM15A, CM19A with a TM751 or a CM11A. I don't believe a MR26 serial device will work with AHP.
I was told by the tech at AHP, prior to purchasing the software that it was fully compatible, however after that credit card payment posted and I called back for support I was told that it was not one of their better modules and there was a lot of issues with interference and signal problems. I have found that it works when it wants to...but that isn't very often. :o
-
Well compatible with an MR26 was never published anywhere I have seen.
There is NO MR26 choice for controllers only a CM11A serial device. The CM15A and CM19A USB devices are found automatically.
-
I did also purchase the Activehome Pro software and the RF Wireless Remote Receiver (Model MR26A). However, I'm starting to think that this MR26A is a piece of junk so I'm considering replacing it with the Firecracker Module.
$0.02
Considering your investment in money and time, you might consider looking for a used CM15A on Ebay. There are two listed today. Even the CM11A is available, however AHP was originally written for the CM15A which has more features than the CM11A (it doesn't need a 24/7 computer, plus has 2-way RF in addition to the 2-way PLC which is all the CM11A has) . If you decide to persue further automation throughout house, budget for a "repeater/coupler" which amplifies the PLC signal and couples the boosted signal to both power phases in your home. Having one saves many headaches regarding "noise", "coupling", and "signal sucker" problems. The XTBIIR is the best unit. http://jvde.us//xtb/XTB-IIR_description.htm . The XPCR from X10 Pro is the least expensive ("you get what you pay for" is operative in this recommendation).
-
Another, simpler option would be to use two MT13A mini-timers...
- http://www.thex10shop.com/product/0/X10-X-10-Powerhouse-Brand-MT13A-Mini-Timer-with-Dimming_985688.html
-
The more I research this whole home automation thing the more I'm liking it! If I'm not mistaken my MR26A is pretty much the same as the CM19A? One is USB and the other is serial port.
-
Another, simpler option would be to use two MT13A mini-timers...
- http://www.thex10shop.com/product/0/X10-X-10-Powerhouse-Brand-MT13A-Mini-Timer-with-Dimming_985688.html
I can use this mini timer to set up the irrigation system on a timer instead of using a macro in the AHP software?
-
I can use this mini timer to set up the irrigation system on a timer instead of using a macro in the AHP software?
Yes. Since it only handles 1-8 unit codes, you will need two for all of the Calnoria zones. And you'll need to reset half of the zones to a different housecode so you can use unit codes 1-8 again. This may require phoning the inventor to learn how or you mig find there are switches and/or jumpers in the Calnoria cabinets - I doubt it requires anything external for ths . Once you've set the timers it's automatic. No PC, CM11A/CM15A or AHP needed.
One drawback is you'll need to disconnect the timers during winter months. At least, I don't think there's a way to suspend timed events. I have an older, less capable MT12A but have no "hands on" with the newer version. Brian or others may know it better.
-
Thanks! I think this may be a great angle to take! I noticed it's out of stock on that link you provided. I'm a huge fan of Amazon so I'm going to check there and hopefully they will have something. Disconnecting it wont be a problem since we have to winterize the system anyway. The one thing I noticed today was that the remote worked fine yesterday when I was sitting in the basement turning the zones on and off. This morning however, no such luck when I'm on the main floor of the house. I'm thinking I might need a range extender? As far as those couplers go, I BELIEVE we might already have them. I will take a picture later today and upload them just to confirm. They are in my attic and rather strange looking!
-
You posted while I was editing my previous post so you should reread it and try to find how to change house/unit codes on the Calnoria units.
The transceiver does not necessarily need to be in the basement. Try it in other, closer outlets. If it does need more range, I'll have a fix for that in 4-6 weeks. See...
- http://davehouston.org/ImproveTM751.htm
I don't think Amazon has it but there are other X10 dealers...
- http://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/mt10a.html
- http://www.x10-store.com/x10-mt13a.html