X10 Community Forum

💬General Category => Announcements => Topic started by: Tuicemen on January 28, 2014, 08:36:35 PM

Title: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on January 28, 2014, 08:36:35 PM
Many have PMed and or emailed me with info requests and progress questions.
Since I don't work for Authinx I can only report what info is supplied to me.
I'll use this thread to supply update info as I hear about it.
First off on a lot of users minds is software downloads and registrations.
This is still a priority however the old servers which X10 had and Authinx managed to get before the doors closed for good are very old and were not (if ever) updated.
Parts for these are proving difficult to find and tools to retrieve info from them just as difficult to find.
They are looking at having a fully downloadable AHP install however it sounds like the code for AHP is also on these old servers B:(
The server that these forums were on was probably the newest and that hadn't been updated in a long time (2005 or before?). ::) :'

New/old module production:
Since everything comes out of China and the whole country shuts down for their New Years it looks like it will be March before we begin to see or hear anything.

Protocol for CM15:
I've asked about this and this is being looked at.
A request has been made to the manufacture.

When the forum shut down many seen it as the first sign of the impending doom.
Some scrambled to save what ever data they could from the servers that were still up.
Some even found back doors to the servers enabling data retrieval.
I'd love to hear from anyone that was able to archive any info.
This may not be needed but it may also help get things back up quicker.
 >!
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on February 26, 2014, 11:53:19 AM
New Update:
There has been some progress on the AHP software access.
Quote
X10 software were backed up to two main netapp servers that are now will not boot up and are considered unrecoverable. All the information was split in a network of servers and the old servers physical security settings and other factors are keeping us from accessing the information. Once everything was unhooked the problem started!
They working on possibly recovering the source code and then they will see what they can do.
Other options are also being explored.

As for the CM15 protocol.
Contacting the manufacture was of no use, since they are not the original manufactures of this they don't have that info to share.
Possibly once/if the code for AHP is extracted some insight to the protocol maybe found.
A link was given for the CM15A protocol which they found doing a web search. Glancing threw it I see it isn't complete and there is no author mentioned
I'll post it here anyways as some may find it useful.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: JeffVolp on February 26, 2014, 12:40:33 PM
Quote
X10 software were backed up to two main netapp servers that are now will not boot up and are considered unrecoverable.

I had a system go down a few years ago that would not boot.  I was able to recover virtually everything on that drive by connecting it to a working PC and using the Kernel Windows Data Recovery tool that I purchased on the web.  I think it was about $50, and considering the info that was recovered, it was certainly worth it.

The only downside was that all files were date stamped with the recovery date, so searching for files based on when they were created didn't work anymore.  The fix was to restore most of the files from the last backup, leaving only a small portion that were still stamped with the recovery date.

Jeff
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on February 26, 2014, 01:09:41 PM
Thanks Jeff,
I passed this on.
I think at this point they are willing to try anything.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: dhouston on February 26, 2014, 01:43:57 PM
As for the CM15 protocol.
Contacting the manufacture was of no use, since they are not the original manufactures of this they don't have that info to share.
Possibly once/if the code for AHP is extracted some insight to the protocol maybe found.
A link was given for the CM15A protocol which they found doing a web search. Glancing threw it I see it isn't complete and there is no author mentioned
I'll post it here anyways as some may find it useful.
That's worrisome. If they do not have the sourcecode that is being programmed into the Cypress microcontroller, they are likely to encounter problems down the road.

Several Linux afficianados reverse engineered bits and pieces of the protocol (including the PDF they found) but I've never seen a complete explanation. I suspect the mochad documentation is the most complete but haven't really delved into it.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on February 26, 2014, 02:57:47 PM
That's worrisome. If they do not have the sourcecode that is being programmed into the Cypress microcontroller, they are likely to encounter problems down the road.
So true, it may mean the end of life for a CM15a.
I wonder if the European version would use the same source.
There maybe more then one reason for them to contact Marmitek. ??? ::) :'
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Brian H on February 26, 2014, 03:15:38 PM
It is possible there was more than one firmware version in the CM15A
If the Suffix letter on the controller chips part number indicated a change.
My real old 04J41 has a P10792E
04J44 P10792F
05C10 P10792M In a socket. Like they where still trying things.
05D18,08B09 P10792M
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: dhouston on February 26, 2014, 03:40:27 PM
My first one was socketed and a later one was not but I could find no correlation between date codes vs. socketed/unsocketed when I asked for input on comp.home.automation. I had designed a small PIC-based daughterboard with a serial interface that plugged into the socket and replaced the Cypress controller but decided to abandon the idea once they were shipping without the socket as I did not want the support burden of those who damaged the PCB when desoldering the chip.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: dhouston on February 26, 2014, 03:41:51 PM
There maybe more then one reason for them to contact Marmitek. ??? ::) :'

I was thinking that, too. If Marmitek can provide the protocol we can likely sort out any differences between their CM15Pro and the CM15A.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on March 06, 2014, 01:11:13 PM
There has been some break through in the AHP server issues and some things have been recovered. :)%
However registration issues still remain as it looks like that maybe on another server. :(
More info should be available soon.

New XPS3 sample has made it threw production apparently with modifications I suggested to stiffen up the sloppy feel. :)%
I'm Not sure If I'll get to test this one but the sample I tested before was much quieter then the previous versions.

New Air Sight Cameras to be available soon. :)%
A limited supply is to arrive shortly and I'll start a new thread special for this.
However it looks like the forum users are to be the first to get notice and if your on the mailing list you should also get notice.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: babybearjs on April 17, 2014, 01:17:30 AM
I hope they get the CM15 software back out... my unit is in storage because of the change... I'm using my old IBM CM11 interface and it is working OK, but rough...
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: HA Dave on June 18, 2014, 12:12:31 AM
Like most everyone else.... I continue to wait for the new X10 products and software. I know... it can take much longer than might seem reasonable... from a users perspective.

But I keep trying to remain Patiently interested. 
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on June 18, 2014, 07:32:19 AM
Like most everyone else.... I continue to wait for the new X10 products and software. I know... it can take much longer than might seem reasonable... from a users perspective.

But I keep trying to remain Patiently interested. 

The fact that the products are built in China then shipped here for approval doesn't help speed things up.
The servers they got from X10 WTI were in terrible shape even software like AHP were created with obsolete versions of C++ .
This makes bringing everything up to modern standards a very difficult and lengthy process. :-[
I too await patiently for new products and software updates.

The new Airsight I got does perform well and the quality is very good so I expect the same of any other new products they introduce.

Also one bit of info others may find interesting, the new owner personally takes interest in and looks at improvement suggestions.
This doesn't mean they will be implemented but they do get passed on to the manufacture to see if implementation is possible.
He also has looked at reintroducing some old discontinued products improving on the functionality.
 >!


Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Noam on June 18, 2014, 09:23:33 AM
The servers they got from X10 WTI were in terrible shape even software like AHP were created with obsolete versions of C++ .
This makes bringing everything up to modern standards a very difficult and lengthy process. :-[
I too await patiently for new products and software updates.
Did the servers they got (and I know that some were not recoverable) include the source code (full or partial) for any (hopefully the more recent) versions of AHP?

It sounds like they are focusing on their new controller, and less on revamping the existing CM15A. If they don't have the time/resources to figure out the AHP code they got, perhaps releasing it to the user base would allow for others to take the time to work through it, and maybe produce something we can all use?

Armed with the SDK (with its limited set of functions), the user base was able to produce some pretty awesome software, but even those have their limitations (no way to download timers/macros to the CM15A's memory being a huge one). If the source code (even an older version) is made available, perhaps those missing functions can be worked out, and we can finally see some true third-party AHP replacements.

Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on June 18, 2014, 04:03:59 PM
Authinx was able to recover some (may be all ::) :' ) of the AHP the code. It was on several different servers so until it can be compiled they're not sure of what they have.
This was apparently written in Visual studio 2002 C++ and will not update to newer versions of Visual Studio.
They have a person trying to compile the code and remove the registration stuff but compiling is proving to be difficult.
They don't have Visual studio 2002 so they are attempting to remotely log on to a server which has it installed.
This is very time consuming to say the least.

I have seen some of the code but not had time to really look at it in detail.
I also don't have visual studio 2002 so I'm not sure all the code is there.
If I was able to compile it would help confirm all code has been found.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Noam on June 18, 2014, 05:20:59 PM
Thanks for the update.
Have you seen this: http://sourceforge.net/projects/vspc/ (http://sourceforge.net/projects/vspc/) ?
I didn't look at it closely (or try to install it), but it claims to be able to convert VS 2002 projects to newer versions.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on June 18, 2014, 06:58:30 PM
Thanks for the update.
Have you seen this: http://sourceforge.net/projects/vspc/ (http://sourceforge.net/projects/vspc/) ?
I didn't look at it closely (or try to install it), but it claims to be able to convert VS 2002 projects to newer versions.
I hadn't see this though I haven't spent much time looking into things.
I'll pass this info on to the developer working on the code.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: dla114 on December 17, 2014, 03:23:04 PM
Thanks for the updates.  I've been using Active Home Pro for years and have kept it alive by dual booting when I updated to Windows 7 (keeping XP alive primarily for X10).  Will be interested when I can either move it to Windows 7 or update to a new program and Interface device.
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on December 17, 2014, 04:52:55 PM
You can now move it to a new windows Machine/new hard drive.
See
AHP Lifejacket (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28994.0)
I continue to simplify this and it may become a universal registration app with approval.
For additional info see: http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=806.0
 >!
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on January 06, 2015, 09:14:25 AM
While in contact with Authinx and discussing the release of AHP Lifejacket with the needed registration info the owner shared some  additional info.
He had been on a trip to China and had extensive talks with the manufacturing side.

He expressed to them that they are not the old company and the quality that was once acceptable for X10WTI isn't going to cut it for them.
2015 will see better Quality devices many if not all are getting new inner components.
I expressed that these should also receive a new model number so end user know which version they have.
The owner express his concern with users x10 signal reliability issues and this will be addressed with some new products as well.
The newly improved RF repeater was just the beginning.

He also shared some info about the WI-FI module which I'll share in that thread (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28628.msg160256#msg160256).
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tony Olson on January 06, 2015, 10:47:57 AM
So when can I reinstall the AHP software (CM151A) and not worry if its an old or new machine install and put in the appropriate registration etc?

Thanks...
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on January 06, 2015, 12:14:24 PM
If you mean use the x10 server and it comes back registered to you then that is unlikely to ever happen.
The new company has no records (personal info) of registered users.
The AHP code is all over the place (different PC/servers)
They are still looking at resurrecting AHP and building a version that doesn't require registration.
They may also create a server that will return a universal registration for AHP and the plugins, like AHP Lifejacket does.
However I would have thought this would have been done this already.

It should be noted that although I don't recommend AHP Lifejacket be used on older PCs, it will work on them.
However it won't work on anything older then XP SP3 as net framework 4 is required.
I have build in a way to revert the Drive ID back as to not affect other programs and still have AHP remain registered.
Also no special computer skills are needed unless you have additional plugins you wish to register.
Any questions on AHP Lifejacket should be asked Here:
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28994.msg162407#msg162407
or on my forum here:
http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=806.msg4757#msg4757
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tony Olson on January 06, 2015, 01:36:19 PM
Thanks Tuiceman...

I'll look into AHP Lifejacket. I want my Macros back  :D

I just saw my status became Full Member  :' It only took me from 2004 or so  >!

Tony
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on July 28, 2015, 02:14:18 PM
Authinx has some new modules set to be released as well as some improvements to older modules.
 A recent chat with the owner revealed some good news.

A new HD outdoor camera is in the works
Authinx is considering making a second version of the wi-fi module even thought the first version is still as of now not on the market.(more on this in that thread) (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28628.msg163952#msg163952)
A PLC repeater similar to the RF repeater is very close to being released .
All new inventory modules will include AGc for improved PLC, this includes the PLC repeater and Wi-Fi module.
They are working on solving noise issues with a module that is different then a filter. (module name/# escapes me)
They are absorbing  the cost of most of the enhancements if less then a dollar, though some things may see a dollar or two price increase.
All new modules and rebuild of modules are build to a higher quality standard, Now that the manufacture understands that the meaning of better is different to Authinx then X10 WTI. >!

Many specific modules were talked about but no word on servers, AHP or the CM15A however I'll see if anything is happening on that front in future communications.

Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: Tuicemen on October 01, 2015, 11:52:17 AM
Latest email with the owner revealed:
 The plan is to move towards the quieter relays and more improved internals on the pro line modules as well as AGC.
If costs come down the lower line will get improvements like AGC as well.
The PAT01 is being reworked (PAT03) with the main difference being this will get a signal booster
They wish to rebuild the AHP software however since they plan this to be a freebie cost seems to be a factor here.
They are looking for a developer they can work with

What this means:
Having tested some newer modules with both AGS and quieter relays verses older modules there is a big reliability difference.
1: My WAF has jumped considerably with these so yours most likely will as well.
2: Modules work better in noisy environments
3: The loud clicking relay that we all hate but have grown to ignore will be gone
These if similar to the XPS4 are so quiet you need to be right next to them to hear the switching.
4: I wouldn't expect to see AHP or all the plugins to work the way they did with X10 WTI as running a server for free software would be silly.

Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: dave w on October 02, 2015, 05:23:13 PM
My unsolicited inputs:
1. X10 and X10 Pro no longer makes sense. Too many unfamiliar people, interested in, but unfamiliar with home automation  (the ones that X10 should try and attack to expand market) don't understand the differentiation. Sears no longer has the "Good, Better, Best" quality divisions (actually no-one does to my knowledge) . If X10 wants to compete with the likes of Insteon or Z-Wave, they should go for "Best" across the board.

2. Also to compete, they should consider resurrecting "two-way" modules so control systems always know any module status.

3. Look at making AHP an open software for unrestricted development. Market and profit off the hardware and open source the software.
FWIW
Title: Re: Authinx (x10) progress.
Post by: toasterking on October 02, 2015, 06:05:40 PM
Since we're giving unsolicited opinions, I'll note that I especially agree with Dave W on his #2.  And while you're sticking transmitters in those modules, we'd like wall switches that send their current X10 ON/OFF/dim level state when locally toggled like Smarthome's used to, please.  (Well, not exactly like those; please use the Extended Dim spec and not the deprecated/abandoned Preset Dim.)  Also, if the 2-way lamp/appliance modules could send their ON state when local control is activated, that'd be peachy.  And maybe a switch to disable local control when it causes false triggers.

And this may not be a popular request, but once things have stabilized a bit, the product I'd personally like to see more than anything is an improved Universal Module.  My wish list for that:
I know I'm asking for a lot, but really, just implement any one item from the list and I'll be ecstatic!

Also, the PowerFlash is okay, but I don't use them because they don't follow the line access sequence for collision avoidance or detection.  Add that and I'll use 'em everywhere.