X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => SDK => Third Party Add-Ons & Software => Topic started by: Tuicemen on December 16, 2016, 04:45:46 PM
-
Why did I create this?
The Owner of Authinx asked if I wanted to play with controlling x10 via Alexa. Based on some sites he had found it sounded like it was doable, however most end users would not attempt it as it involved scripts.
As well the write up was using out dated software for the cm17 (a serial port interface which newer PCs lack).
He wanted to see if I could come up with something for the community. I stated I would give it a go but it was difficult to get an Amazon echo, dot or tap in Canada , though not impossible if the price was right.
A day later I was informed a dot was on its way to me. :)%
I spent a few days looking into creating a x10 skill for Alexa and looking at HA-Bridge.
Developing an Alexa skill sounded like a lot of hoops to jump through, but maybe I was overthinking things ::) :'
Open sourced HA-Bridge was already out there
In any case Alex10 was the out come.
What will it do?
This communicates with the HA-Bridge as well as handles the x10 signal transmission.
Alex10 will work with the CM19, CM11, CM15 or any x10 controller that will work with AHP or the SDK.
Currently via the HA-Bridge, it will allow Alexa:
1: to activate x10 lights On/Off/Dim using RF or PLC
2: to activate x10 appliances On/Off using RF or PLC
3: turn all x10 lights on/off
4: turn all x10 units off
It displays the last 50 configured x10 commands sent either triggered by Alexa or a X10 remote.
It writes needed scripts in the HA-bridge for On/off or dim execution of x10 devices.
It is small and will run on a mini PC, though Windows is required.
(http://tuicemen.com/Alex10/alex10.png) setup is simple (http://tuicemen.com/images/Alex10-Config.png)
What limitations are there?
1: Your imagination. ;)
2: What Ha-Bridge can receive from Alexa and pass to Alex10.
3: Alexa's HA control options.
4: You need a PC and it running 25/7 or at least when you expect to use Alexa.
5: Java 8.11 is required for HA-bridge
How difficult is it to setup HA-Bridge?
1: Start Alex10
2: In the port# text box enter a port
3: In the IP text box enter the PCs IP address
4: Click Change Address then Start HA- Bridge Now (if this is your initial setup close and restart Alex10).
5: Add devices in Alex10 they now get auto added to HA-Bridge
6: Setup Alexa if not already done and tell Alexa to discover devices (your Done!)
Note: using all the Startup options will increase speed if checked.
Remember the Port And IP as that will be the address for the HA-Bridge if you need to open it
(http://tuicemen.com/images/HA_bridge.png)
How difficult is it to Setup Alexa?
Probably the easiest part of the whole setup!
With the browser open to the localhost (ha-Bridge) click the MyEcho tab and follow the directions in the new window that opens.
Once Alexa is setup find and open smart home click find devices or simply say "Alexa find devices"
If all goes well all your configured devices will appear.
Where can you get Alex10?
Find Alex10 here! (http://tuicemen.com/alex10)
There is also a section on my forum dedicated to Alex10 (http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php#c13) ;)
>!
-
Looks promising. But what is this "HA-Bridge" which you reference.
-
Looks promising. But what is this "HA-Bridge" which you reference.
HA-Bridge (https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/blob/master/README.md) is what Alex10 uses to interface with Amazon's Alexa.
It is a free open source software create by BWS systems (http://bwssystems.com) with Java, HA-Bridge was built to help put the Internet of Things together. ;)
It will handle many protocols though other APIs may be required for those to work.
-
I caught my wife demonstrating Alexa the other day turning on the Christmas tree as well as other things! rofl
Do you think maybe she's hooked? ::) :'
I notice I can say "Alexa, activate something" and she'll fire the on command for something so It is possible to trip all kinds of things with the right script. :)%
Sometimes saying "turn on" just isn't natural sounding.
Also tried the "Alexa, thank you" to which she replied "your welcome"
>!
-
I caught my wife demonstrating Alexa the other day turning on the Christmas tree as well as other things! rofl
Do you think maybe she's hooked? ::) :'
Yep! And I know that hooked. Once machines start doing what you tell them.... there is no turning back.
You might want to try (just plain old) something ON (not say turn). That works with Siri (and BVC).
-
You might want to try (just plain old) something ON (not say turn). That works with Siri (and BVC).
Yep, that does work too! I was thinking more for running something like a program or macro, saying On or Off didn't feel right.
>!
-
Alexa is a good singer too. Ask her to sing we wish you a Merry Christmas, or jingle bells, or happy birthday. :)%
-
..... I was thinking more for running something like a program or macro, saying On or Off didn't feel right.
I just checked. Siri doesn't like "activate", "run", or "engage".
-
Well Alexa won't respond to engage or run either but at least there is something to use in place of "ON" if needed.
I just tested Alexa with PcCompanion and the HA-Bridge with great success so Alexa is here to stay at my place.
As I expected, Alex10 didn't need to be created. ;)
However creating Alex10 made me more aware of how I can get things here all connected together. :)%
Alex10 was created more for those that were turned away a the thought of having to create scripts.
>!
-
OK, I "think" I have HA Bridge installed. I love software designed by hard edged programmers but they should never write a user-friendly installation manual. THAT WAS PAINFUL!
Anyway, I typed localhost:80 and I got home genie as I had installed that. I am now uninstalling homegenie and will install Alex10. Fingers crossed.
BTW, I get a Windows warning when executing the Alex10 setup.
-
You'll need to back up the bridge Installing Alex10 writes a copy of the bridge as the two need to be in the same folder.
Did it that way for ease of install.
The windows warning is a Administrator thing I believe but run a virus checker on it in any case.
usually on exe files you download you need to go into it's properties and unblock it so it installs correctly
-
Well I think I've got this just about idiot proof. rofl
Alex10 auto adds the scripts to HA-Bridge and will even do it if Ha-bridge is running.
However HA-bridge won't see them until reinitialized or restarted. ::) :'
I've also added the ability to change the port number for HA-Bridge in Alex10 for those with port 80 issues preventing HA-Bridge from an initial start.
Most issues reported so far have been with HA-Bridge and or user inputting wrong values.
Alex10 itself is/was solid, with these new adds may reveal some new issues. B:(
I was about to upload the new beta when I realized everyone doesn't have the same IP as me B:( B:(
I'll get that worked out an hopefully post a update later tonight.
>!
-
New version 1.04.0.5 is now on the server, for those with links they are still the same.
>!
-
I believe I have all the kinks worked out and have a RC build (Ver. 1.05) posted on the server.
I updated the OP with new screen shots and info.
For those testing, the download links are still the same.
>!
-
Just some clarification as some assume Alex10 needs a Wi-Fi connected PC.
Alex10 doesn't require a Wi-Fi connection a Ethernet connection will work.
However Amazon's Alexa products require a Wi-Fi connection and this is required to initially setup your Alexa device.
>!
-
I'd like to keep this as simple to use as possible.
Can this be made any simpler?
OK, I "think" I have HA Bridge installed. I love software designed by hard edged programmers but they should never write a user-friendly installation manual. THAT WAS PAINFUL!
I think that you should clarify the HA-Bridge install was not with Alex10 and probably not on Windows.
Or was just the setup of scripts (with out Alex10) painful?
Setting up HA-Bridge (prior to Alex10) to trigger X10 commands with scripts was a pain.
-
The drama is with HA-Bridge. A number of conflicts with home genie have caused so much aggravation that I uninstalled everything including Java. What a disaster! I'm now back to homeseer and at some point will switch to Google Home instead of Alexa. Then maybe IFTTT.
FWIW, Alex-10 was a breeze to install, it's all the junk that leads up to it that irks me.
-
FWIW, Alex-10 was a breeze to install, it's all the junk that leads up to it that irks me.
That's what I'm trying to discover (All the Junk).
My install of the HA Bridge was seamless but then I never had another server running on this PC.
However I have enabled others after the Bridge was installed.
-
From what I gather the fact that the HA-Bridge loads to port 80 by default is what causes most of the issues.
There are a lot of things that want to use port 80 and not just servers, these can make setting up the HA-bridge a pain.
Unless you knew what is running for sure on port 80 one would have a lot ofJunk
to got threw.
With that in mind I'm improving the initial setup.
Alex10 will auto write a habridge.config file when you enter the Alex10 setup page.
It will use the address of the PC you have alex10 installed on and the default port of 80.
Both these values will appear in the HA-Bridge Address settings.
You will be able to change both these values, in Alex10, editing the text boxes and pressing the change button.
When you start HA-bridge it will read the configuration file and use those settings.
if you plan to view the HA-Bridge web page you just need to type the correct IP and port values as the url .
However you never need to view the HA-Bridge now unless you wish to add scripts which Alex10 doesn't create. :)%
You also can change the HA-Bridge IP or port at any time afterwards as well however you'll need to stop the bridge and restart it before it uses the new settings.
I thought about adding the option to run this as a service however that would cause issues when/if you wished to add more x10 devices latter.
Instead I added the option to load on windows boot so if you already have it setup with a shortcut in the start up folder you may wish to remove it and choose that option as it will load quicker.
These options will be in the next release which should be out by the end of the weekend unless someone has another suggestion to make setup simpler. Adding that may push back the next release. ::) :'
-
Ok new version is now available with a even simpler setup which I updated in the OP.
I also updated a screen shot of the setup page.
The start on boot option should work for all users of your PC but that I haven't tested as I only have one user for the PC.
However it is faster then adding a shortcut to the start up folder. ;)
>!
Any suggestions for improvements are welcome.
-
Ok new version is now available
You should add links with these posts.
-
I have supplied links to those wishing to help test and supply feed back!
Active testers that supply feed back are so hard to find.
I usually only get one of two users that actually provide any type of feed back.
Since this is a X10 Project I've decided to keep posting here in hopes of showing something active was being done and to help keep interest up.
>!
I did send you links and if you have lost them (and still interested) you can find them again on my forum. ;)
-
I get daily PMs and emails requesting links from users that have never posted.
I'm looking for feed back to help improve this. If you've never posted what would make me think you'll supply feed back?
I have in the past sent links to users requesting via email or a PM that have never posted and I never received any feed back from them. :( B:(
For this reason I will no longer supply beta software links to someone who has never posted here or on my forum.
For those that wish to help test things in the future start posting and I'll consider you otherwise wait for the release.
As to when this release will be ::) :'
I'm hoping this week but with no positive or negative feed back who knows ???
Sorry to be so negative sounding, I'm just frustrated from the lack of input.
I guess it is my own fault, putting out updates to frequently. :-[
-
I have supplied links to those wishing to help test and supply feed back!
Here is some feedback for the group:
Tuicemen was extremely helpful with my getting X10 working with Alexa. Part of my problem was missing the plural "strings" in the links. But then I was unable to get either ActiveHome Pro or the AHP SDK to recognize either a CM11A or XTB-232 connected to a laptop running Win7 Pro 64-bit through a USB adapter. It must be the X10 driver because Home Control Assistant (HCA) works fine with any combination of the hardware.
I did eventually get it working by switching to a CM15A, rebooting, and starting AHP in the administrator mode. After that Alexa recognized the commands and responded correctly. The only flaw I see is the significant delay in the process. Some people have complained about the half second delay in processing normal X10 commands. Well working through Alexa it is more like 5 seconds. Much of that is Alexa processing the command while the lights are circling around the Dot.
Overall, it's kind of neat adding verbal control of X10 devices not already covered in the Ocelot's schedule.
Jeff
-
tuiemen can you please send me the link to the alex10 program thanks in advance? i am willing to give feedback have lots of x10 stuff i would definitly let you know how its working for me.
-
Part of my problem was missing the plural "strings" in the links.
you were one of the early testers when most of the info needed to be manually entered.
Thanks to your emails it inspired me to make Alex10 do all the input required.
With the newer versions one no longer needs to open a web browser to check on the HA-Bridge or add X10 devices.
I did eventually get it working by switching to a CM15A, rebooting, and starting AHP in the administrator mode. After that Alexa recognized the commands and responded correctly. The only flaw I see is the significant delay in the process. Some people have complained about the half second delay in processing normal X10 commands. Well working through Alexa it is more like 5 seconds. Much of that is Alexa processing the command while the lights are circling around the Dot.
The delay is something that may bother some here are some of the causes
1: the factor this is using cloud based Voice recognition. Your internet speed will affect things infact no connection means no control. :'(
2: If the PC running Alex10 is also using Wi-Fi will also affect speed of the process (thought I suspect it isn't much) a Ethernet connection is better ;)
3:If Alex10 isn't running this will cause some delay as well, as it would need to open to process the commands.
This is why the option to load hidden was added, running that way does speed things up.
Links to this have been available on my forum since Dec 23rd for actively posting members to test.
There are a number of free Apps on my forum (not all X10 related) in the members only section.
I have submitted a build to Authinx for a release approval so I expect a release date shortly.
For this reason I'm not sending out links at this time. Sorry :-[
However the links to this (the Authinx build) are available on my forum in the members only section ;)
>!
-
when i try to login to your site it keeps saying that it is Your account is still awaiting admin approval can you please help me out thanks?
-
You need to be manually approved check your email junk folder as I believe I did send you an email.
-
Authinx has asked that a dedicated web page be created for this.
I guess that means a public release could be soon! :)%
>!
-
i cant get this to work:
i have pc fired up alex10 runs fine right after install no problems on windows vista..
the ha bridge is running fine.
have modules set in the configuration using alex10.
can discover with alexa.
alex10 shows the commands are being sent but no responce from the lights.
am i missing something?
what do i use rf or plc im am using a cm11a to control ws12a,lm465,rtm75,ws467 switches?
when i use activehome and pc commander all switches work fine but they wont work if i use alexa to control them.
-
You would use PLC as the cm11 doesn't support RF.
Since Alexa can discover the devices and Alex10 displays the devices as being turned on you have it working .
The issue is either the cm11 connection or you have selected RF.
How is the Cm11 connected to the PC?
With a serial to USB or direct to a serial port?
JeffVolp also had issues with this and a cm11 but since he switched to a Cm15 and got it working the issue was not pursued.
If the issue remains after switching to PLC post to my forum in the beta section so we can debug this.
>!
-
Ok, at this point I"m pretty frustrated, hope I can get some help. A few days ago I installed the main app and the update from the 5th. Kept getting HA-bridge errors. I saw there was an update so I uninstalled both parts and reinstalled again using the update from the 9th. No errors now, and it is running.
I set up one item in the list on house cade A3. Marked it as dimmable. it shows up on the list in the app. However if I go to localhost I get nothing. I left it at it's original setting, and also tried changing it to 82 as I may have other things using that port. Still nothing.
My setup : Windows 10
AHP installed in it's own folder as noted in posts about using it.
A large number of house codes and addresses in use.
CM11 attached to the usb post on the computer.
-
If the bridge is running it won't see new adds until you reinitialize it or restart it.
Since you Also are using a cm11 please post in my forum Beta section as it is looking like there is a cm11 issue.
-
Authinx has asked that a dedicated web page be created for this.
I guess that means a public release could be soon! :)%
>!
Are you talking about the X10 WiFi module? Really??
And here I just upgraded to Homeseer 3.0 for Alexa support. My wife always said I was good at jumping the gun. rofl
-
Authinx has asked that a dedicated web page be created for this.
I guess that means a public release could be soon! :)%
>!
Are you talking about the X10 WiFi module? Really??
And here I just upgraded to Homeseer 3.0 for Alexa support. My wife always said I was good at jumping the gun. rofl
Not the Wi-Fi module! Alex10, I'm afraid to ask about it (the Wi-Fi module) but will in my next email.
>!
-
I didn't get much sleep last night as I kept going over code in my head thinking what could be causing a issue with so many CM11s :( ::) ???
As it turns out not all were CM11s and the issues are/were not Alex10 ones but more network and browser issues.
Network issues can be hard to nail down as every ones setup is different in that area.
What may be the cause for one person may not be the cause in the next instance.
I'm hoping working with users we can put together a bit of a trouble shooting tutorial.
Alex10 will show as Online if it doesn't get back an error code when attempting to view the HA-Bridge web page.
That doesn't mean you'll be able to view the web page in all browsers.
You need to have Alexa discover devices the outcome will help point to the issue. ;)
If the HA-Bridge is running and Alexa can detect devices then the HA-Bridge is working correctly.
If Alexa can't find any devices after setting them up in Alex10 and restarting the bridge there is a network issue.
-
Not the Wi-Fi module! Alex10, I'm afraid to ask about it (the Wi-Fi module) but will in my next email.
>!
I am, le bummed out, excessively. B:(
-
Well at least your wife can't say you jumped the gun! rofl
Some good news though Authinx has stated they'll attempt to get the Wi-Fi modules protocol so I can add it to this prior to the Wi-Fi modules release. :)%
However they didn't expect to get it till after the Chinese New Year :( So I wouldn't expect the module before that. :(
Auhtinx has also give the green light for a public release of Alex10 :)%
I created the webpage they requested and am currently hosting it.
Anyone wishing this should be comfortable playing with a PC as there can be a bit of a challenge with initial install and your network.
So for those of you that were waiting and watching, it is here.......!
I'll also up date the OP with the link so check out Alex10 (http://tuicemen.com/alex10) >!
-
have it working with the cm11 with alexa i had to make sure it was on plc and also i had to close any program using the cm11 reset everything and boom it works now.
-
Well at least your wife can't say you jumped the gun! rofl
Some good news though Authinx has stated they'll attempt to get the Wi-Fi modules protocol so I can add it to this prior to the Wi-Fi modules release. :)%
:)%
So will Alex10 couple AHP to Alexa ?
-
Authinx has stated they'll attempt to get the Wi-Fi modules protocol so I can add it to this prior to the Wi-Fi modules release
Shouldn't Authinx be telling China what the WiFi protocol is, not the other way around? It seems they've given up control of their own product.
-
So will Alex10 couple AHP to Alexa ?
Indirectly yes!
All light, appliance modules, and non security macros in AHP can be triggered via Alexa if you enter the devices into Alex10.
Alexa sends the commands to the HA-Bridge which triggers a script to tell Alex10 to send a X10 PLC or RF signal.
I haven't tested RF sends to see if they would trigger a RF specific macro but PLC sends do trigger macros.
This even works for Macros that trigger windows commands. ;)
-
Shouldn't Authinx be telling China what the WiFi protocol is, not the other way around? It seems they've given up control of their own product.
I don't think they had much control to begin with other then say what was garbage. ??? ::) :'
-
Will Alex10 work with these new TVs?
http://wallstreetpit.com/112652-amazon-fire-tv-built-into-tvs-amzn/?google_editors_picks=true (http://wallstreetpit.com/112652-amazon-fire-tv-built-into-tvs-amzn/?google_editors_picks=true)
-
Shouldn't Authinx be telling China what the WiFi protocol is, not the other way around? It seems they've given up control of their own product.
No. I don't think anyone at Authinx has a clue as to what to ask for. Until mere weeks ago... as I understood it... Authinx (and many here at the forums) were insisting that cloud-based technology was.... possessed by evil spirts or something like that. What was thought of as a proper interface was nothing more than a CM15A.... with working software.
Authinx apparently doesn't have the in-house talent for research and development work.
What Authinx needs to do is gather together a paper bag full of cash. Then shop the various hub makers that have "skills" (amazon) and apps for both android and apple phone... already available. Then bribe the hub makers with the bag of cash to include the X10 RF protocol. Once X10 is "still in the automation game"... Authinx could then pursue an interface/hub and cloud configuration.... or not.
Meanwhile.... X10 users (and WW2 veterans) aren't getting any younger.
-
The X10 IR protocol is fairly easy to add to any hub that can learn IR. The RF protocol is another matter and I've just been told by Broadlink that they use 315MHz in their RM2 Pro hub because that's what most remotes use so a bag of cash may not help where brains are lacking.
-
Will Alex10 work with these new TVs?
http://wallstreetpit.com/112652-amazon-fire-tv-built-into-tvs-amzn/?google_editors_picks=true (http://wallstreetpit.com/112652-amazon-fire-tv-built-into-tvs-amzn/?google_editors_picks=true)
Since these are said to have Alexa built in them they would I assume also work like Current Alexa enabled products.
So I would assume ::) Alex10 would work with them as it does with say a Dot now.
-
I just got a new Amazon Fire Stick and it has a subset of Alexa. You have to press the "mic" button, then say what you want on Amazon TV. Search for shows, watch a movie, play X type of music, etc. You can't ask it general questions, turn lights on, etc. It can't run timers or set alarms either.
I "assume" Alexa built into a TV would be the same way.
-
I just got a new Amazon Fire Stick and it has a subset of Alexa. You have to press the "mic" button, then say what you want on Amazon TV. Search for shows, watch a movie, play X type of music, etc. You can't ask it general questions, turn lights on, etc. It can't run timers or set alarms either.
I "assume" Alexa built into a TV would be the same way.
I was under the impression the fire stick would allow general questions :-[ but then I don't own one.
I guess we'll have to wait and see then!Shouldn't Authinx be telling China what the WiFi protocol is, not the other way around? It seems they've given up control of their own product.
When I mentioned the Protocol it was the WI-FI protocol not the X10 protocol as that will remain the same.
Since there has been very little in news about this new module I'm unsure if it will receive PLC or RF if it does then there would be no need for the Wi-Fi protocol.
The unit could be using UDP or TCP or... ::) the Post/Get is usually in the software and Authinx seems to allow programmers a lot of leeway. And since they have gone threw a few of these with that project it looks like they allow too much. ::) :'
-
Until mere weeks ago... as I understood it... Authinx (and many here at the forums) were insisting that cloud-based technology was.... possessed by evil spirts or something like that. What was thought of as a proper interface was nothing more than a CM15A.... with working software.
I don't think that's true (evil spirts) what we were pointing out was the down falls or weakness. What many were and still are worried about is ones loss of a internet connection, be it ones own router, their IPS, or the company offering the cloud service.
Authinx wasn't planning on steering away from cloud based technology they realized it has flaws.
Their linked in cameras (thought still buggy) are an example of what they want.
I believe most users want this too. If I don't have access to the cloud I want my device to still work.
I read a post on an echo site the other day where someone asked What is everyone doing when their internet goes down?
How do they turn off/on their lights?
rofl
Is that what it will be like in a few years? No light switches, no remotes, or kids not knowing how to use them? rofl
But we're getting off topic here! ;)
-
I read a post on an echo site the other day where someone asked What is everyone doing when their internet goes down?
How do they turn off/on their lights?
rofl
Is that what it will be like in a few years? No light switches, no remotes, or kids not knowing how to use them? rofl
But we're getting off topic here! ;)
Remember that 911 call a few years ago from a woman in Orlando who was locked in her car because the battery had died?
Hello 911... How do I make coffee? Alexa is ignoring me....
Jeff
-
Remember that 911 call a few years ago from a woman in Orlando who was locked in her car because the battery had died?
Hello 911... How do I make coffee? Alexa is ignoring me....
Jeff
rofl
-
I don't think that's true (evil spirts) what we were pointing out was the down falls or weakness. What many were and still are worried about is ones loss of a internet connection, be it ones own router, their IPS, or the company offering the cloud service.
We apparently were posting on completely different forums. I could smell the fear of new technology... where I was posting!
The FACT is.... the lack of imagination is what kills most products and corporations. The world rotates around expansion or contraction. We grow... or we die. There in NO standing still. Once X10 became all about sneaky little cameras and turning lights on an off... growth stagnated.
Home Automation... by it's very nature... is cutting edge technology. And.... It's a moving target. I don't think HA is a young man's/woman's hobby... but it certainly isn't yesterdays tech.... slightly updated. And HA is far from lights on timers now-a-days.
Yes... as I've pointed out (several times) before. My electric power is totally dependent on Internet/cloud technology. So yes... without the Internet... I am down to firing up my generator and lighting candles. So what difference could it possibly make if my Alexa control automation is also down?!?!?!? My world is no longer paper-based.... and hasn't been for DECADES.
If we can't free our minds of the restrictions of what "once was".... we reduce ourselves to old men who turn lights on and off using remotes. And that... isn't Home Automation anymore.
-
I've setup a Section on my forum for Alex10 (http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php#c13) with subsections.
This way it may be easier to find what your looking for to do with Alex10
>!
-
I was trying to get Alexa to turn on lights at certain hour every day. So tried getting Alexa to set up tiimer. I couldn't get it.
I tried few phrases but it always got stopped with "for how long".
My aim is to get Alexa run AHP macros without running AHP. Any ideas?
HA-bridge can be set for all on/off? how is this set?
-
I was trying to get Alexa to turn on lights at certain hour every day. So tried getting Alexa to set up tiimer. I couldn't get it.
I tried few phrases but it always got stopped with "for how long".
My aim is to get Alexa run AHP macros without running AHP. Any ideas?
HA-bridge can be set for all on/off? how is this set?
Alexa can't create X10 timers or complex Macros
Alex10 can't do it either.
You can create groups in the alexa app.
Running macros that are stored in the interface is easy to do without AHP running.
All you have to do is send the x10 trigger of the macro if the macro is stored in the Cm15 it will fire.
Alex10 can do a all/on all/off command the how to is in the readme located in the Alex10 folder
>!
-
anyone know does the alex10 software work with c17a firecracker?
-
anyone know does the alex10 software work with c17a firecracker?
I doubt it.
As Alex10 requires AHP or the AHP SDK be installed.
I don't think AHP can't do anything with a CM17A.
http://tuicemen.com/alex10/
-
anyone know does the alex10 software work with c17a firecracker?
To be honest I never tested the cm17 as most newer PCs don't have a serial port any more. Thus the reason for it not being listed on the web page.
I do remember testing with the SDK a number of years back with some success.
So it is possible that it would work.
Since it is just a transmitter Alex10 wouldn't see and report signals from remotes to your devices.
if you do try it let us know the out come.
>!
-
IPS:
Just to follow up on macros to work with Alexa
The HA-bridge does allow the use of many different scripting languages your not just limited to Batch files that Alex10 creates.
Several years ago I posted about a free scripting program to Expand your macros functionality (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=12650.msg70227#msg70227)
The cool thing about this little tool is it does all the writing for you and will even create an executable so you can share your scripts with others that may not have AHK installed.
I've since got away from using it but will most likely revisit it for creating some complex macros for Alexa.
>!
-
Canot get the HA controll panel to come up say local host page can not be found. The Alex ten program seems to be working fine but alex can not find device could you give some help to touble shoot.
Windows ten machine
static IP
port 80 used by a camera
chaneged port to 2401
What setting do I need to open port in my router
Thank
Joe
-
Since you change the port # you need to type localhost:2401 for the HA-Bridge to display in your Edge browser Don't use IE.
If Alexa can't see your devices the issue, 9 out of 10 times is a firewall rule and usually related to java. When you installed Java if you only allowed it to have private access that is the issue.
As I stated before I have setup a section for Alex10 on my forum this includes help with the HA-Bridge.
http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php?board=95.0
-
When you installed Java if you only allowed it to have private access that is the issue.
Since Java is responsible for some 85% of security problems, private access is probably not much of an issue for hackers. ::)
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-064A (https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-064A)
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Evolution-of-Java-Security-Vulnerabilities-from-1996-to-2013-339735.shtml (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Evolution-of-Java-Security-Vulnerabilities-from-1996-to-2013-339735.shtml)
So Jeff Bezos (one of the world's 8 richest people) is trusting future Amazon profits to Larry Ellison (another of the world's 8 richest & #1 a**hole in the universe). What could possibly go wrong?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/world/eight-richest-wealth-oxfam.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/world/eight-richest-wealth-oxfam.html)
-
Yesterday morning Alexa was responding and controlling light. However in the evening it started saying," light not responding, check to see if power is connected". I could control lights with HA-bridge, All devices were listed on Alexa. From past experience, I knew that Java had to be completely reinstalled with firewall off, de register Alexa and re register Alexa. So now this morning Alexa is still controlling lights.
This is the second/ third time it has happened. No clue to the cause. Nothing was added or removed from PC Running Alex10 and Alexa. Any ideas?
I use X10 commander on my iPhone and ipad also use AHP smartphone, to control lights. But then to see the results., I have to turn camera app.
This morning decided to put Alexa near camera with two way audio. Now I can hear Alexa 's response and see the results at the same time. So now I can talk to Alexa from anywhere. :)%
If Alexa could run AHP macros then I could turn Xp pro PC off and remove some apps, like x10 commander and AHP smartphone off my iPhone.
Am sure some of you must have tried to do what I want to, so please do share your experiences and success stories. I also like to control All lights with one command. I have read about it but am not sure how am going to add all lights under one entry on Alex 10. Please do guide me. Thanks.
-
The fact that your losing Alexa control (communication with the bridge) makes me think maybe you have your PC going to sleep (hibernate mode)
You might check the HA-Bridge site to see if this issue has been reported.
This morning decided to put Alexa near camera with two way audio. Now I can hear Alexa 's response and see the results at the same time. So now I can talk to Alexa from anywhere.
Awesome! Nice thinking outside the box! ;)
If Alexa could run AHP macros then I could turn Xp pro PC off and remove some apps, like x10 commander and AHP smartphone off my iPhone.
It can trigger AHP macros if they reside in the cm15 or AHP is on the PC that Alex10 is on.
Alexa fires of several of my AHP macros and even PCC user commands using the HA-Bridge and Alex10.
I can control my IP cameras with Alexa.
I get told when a door or window is opened. (this is PCC talking threw the Dot , triggered from a AHP macro)
I turn all my lights off with a single "Alexa All lights off" command.
I can turn macro flags on/off
I can run my good night (AHP) macro
Since sending security commands isn't possible I can't trigger any security macros. However I have to admit I haven't played with that aspect very much.
Since Alex10 only creates On/Off/Dim scripts and HA-Bridge can only send those, your macros must be triggered from one of those in order for Alexa to trigger them
I've not tested running the HA-Bridge from the internet but it should be possible with setting up port forwarding in your router.
You'd have to experiment with browsers . My old Android browser doesn't display HA-Bridge options just like Windows IE.
-
I have read about it but am not sure how am going to add all lights under one entry on Alex 10. Please do guide me. Thanks.
I posted in my forum a walk through thread with pics:
http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php?topic=1061.msg6306#msg6306
You can reply in that thread as to where your getting stuck and hopefully I can clear up any confusion ;)
-
It can trigger AHP macros if they reside in the cm15 or AHP is on the PC that Alex10 is on.
Alexa fires of several of my AHP macros and even PCC user commands using the HA-Bridge and Alex10.
Most of macros are on cm15 and will try those latter today. But how about the ones that need PC?
Door and window sensors are on PC and I use them to inform me if any is opened. Before I used to get and email from AHP but now no email. Can you suggest how I can restart getting email warning?
-
Alexa can trigger AHP macros that require a PC.
For these to work AHP must be installed on the PC that has Alex10 and the HA-Bridge. Or AHP must be running on anther PC with a interface so it can see the trigger signals.
Door and window sensors are on PC and I use them to inform me if any is opened. Before I used to get and email from AHP but now no email. Can you suggest how I can restart getting email warning?
That is a question for the Onalert Plugin
Ask it there http://forums.x10.com/index.php?board=95.0
or look at this thread: http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=23376.0
-
"Alexa can trigger AHP macros that require a PC.
For these to work AHP must be installed on the PC that has Alex10 and the HA-Bridge. Or AHP must be running on anther PC with a interface so it can see the trigger signals".
I have two PCs running with two separate CM15As. One os is XP pro and AHP pro. Second one has windows 10 home Alex10 and no Ahp.
what sort of interface is needed between two PCs?
-
If each PC has a CM15 then you should be OK, However you need to be aware of the issues running 2 Cm15As
I know there are a few threads dedicated to this but you'll need to do a search.
I believe you would set the one running Alex10 to send RF so all your batch files would need to be edited if you have them setup to send PLC.
I'm unaware of how you have both configured now, usually with 2 Cm15As one is set to certain house codes different then the other. ??? ::) :'
-
Both CM15A are set to different HC. one to"A" and other to "L".
All macros, in my setup, are triggered by a dummy switch. This morning, added the switches to Alex 10. tried first with RF and then PLC. It worked one/twice from the bridge but not all lights. For instance:
All Kitchen HC = L2 controls 5 lights. only one would come on and none would turn off.
Same results with Alexa. Gave up after spending few hours. Back to original setup.
Had AHP PC with CM15A set to "L" running and I could see,while using HA-Bridge or Alexa, that the divices/macros being turned on/off but most of the time lights did not come on/off.
Am tired now so will do some more testing after few days break.
-
Using 2 cm15a in a setup will require a bit more work. :(
-
yesterday, after posting, decided to turn off Alex 10, HA-bridge and Alexa. reboot PC. That was a big mistake that now I know.
And also something to think about.
This morning started Alex 10, bridge and Alexa. All devices were listed on bridge but offline on Alexa.
Reinitialized bridge, asked Alexa to rediscover devices a few times. No Luck. So had to Start the process all over again as described in earlier posts. So now am back in business.
What mistake I made can actually also happen when power is lost or PC is rebooted by some update. So the question is HOW CAN THIS LOSS BE PREVENTED? Here are my thoughts:
1. PC must restart on its own and load up all APPS, including HA-bridge and Alexa, without any body entering any password or code.
2. Jave must restart and pass through firewall.
3. devices must not go offline. Otherwise Alexa has to be unregistered and re registered. Extra work if PC is wire connected and no wi fi.
That is only way, i think, Alexa can be useful with AHP. unless of course if some thing not installed on my PC that is cause of all this.
-
I can't duplicate the issue your having. ???
Though I'm the only user on this PC and I'm set to auto sign in.
Do you have Alex10 Auto starting? If so are you using a shortcut in the start up folder or selecting auto start from alex10 or both?
If you don't have Alex10 auto starting, how are you starting the bridge after a power outage?
What Java are you restarting? This is a service and should be set to auto start.
-
This is what happens when power is restored. I just did that to give accurate account.
PC starts. I have to enter PIN. Loads Alex 10 and bridge. Also loads team Viewer, which I close before opening bridge. Opened bridge. No devices listed. Opened Alexa. All devices listed but offline.
Closed Alexa, Alex 10 and bridge. Restarted Alex 10 and Bridge. No devices listed on bridge. Re initialized bridge few times still no device.
Alex 10 is not listed in startup. its settings are what you suggested with installation. I have not changed port. It is still 80. I open bridge by its IP:80. PC has a fixed IP. Java 8.2 is installed and it is allowed through windows firewall on "all". There are four files of Java that are listed in firewall and they all have "ALL" access. I uninstall and reinstall Jave other wise bridge lists no devices. I did turned off windows defender before restarting Alex 10 as admin.
Now I'll go back and redo all, including unregistered and re-registering ALexa to get it working again. We have to find solution to this. If you like I can give you remote access to this PC to do it yourself.
Thanks for your help and understanding.
-
Ok I believe team viewer may be what is your issue. Disable it from auto starting.
Entering a pin shouldn't cause the issue.
If team viewer Auto loads and alex10 auto loads there is no way you can close team viewer before the HA-Bridge auto starts with Alex10
In your start up folder what is in it? All I have is AHP
-
That is correct. And Alexa can be set up on any PC or smart device as long you know account and password to open on device running Alex 10.
Am back in business. Rebooted PC, closed Team Viewer, unabled windows defender, reinstalled Java 8.2. Restarted Alex 10 as Admin.
opened bridge with it IP:80. All devices were listed. Opened Alexa. Devices were listed but offline. Re-discovered devices. all are listed WITHOUT OFFLINE tag. Restarted firewall, closed browser(Alex 10 still running in background). minimized Alexa. So all is well and running. Bye till next episode. merci à tous, à la procaine, Au revoir,
-
I'm still at a loss as to why you need to do so many steps ??? but glad it's back working
>!
It may be that Alexa is starting prior to your PC after a power outage that would explain her not seeing devices immediately after a PC power up. However I believe she continually attempts to locate off line modules as I have turned on another PC with devices loaded and she sees them off line prior to the PC booting but then after a while sees them online.
-
In my startup folder: only Alex 10. Java updater was there but disabled. So now I enabled it. I'll try to disable teamviewer. probably same folder where HA-Bridge is. will see.
-
if you have all start up options selected in Alex10 then An Alex10 shortcut shouldn't be in the start up folder! This would cause your PC to attempt to load both Alex10 and the HA-Bridge twice.
-
if you have all start up options selected in Alex10 then An Alex10 shortcut shouldn't be in the start up folder! This would cause your PC to attempt to load both Alex10 and the HA-Bridge twice.
You are right. Alex 10 was also listed in startup folder. I removed it and now it is ok. don't have to worry about Interviewer either.
Here is some thing else i discovered: Alexa started working but for some strange reason, X10 Commander and ActivePhonePro apps stopped working. In Fact even AHP PC could not control devices. V572RF32 light was going crazy but phase coupler was calm. Could not find any thing wrong with AHP PC and CM15 or Alexa PC and CM15, Both CM15 were set to different code.
Decided to unplug Alexa CM15. Alexa stopped but other both apps started working. Solution although OK but not acceptable. So decided to re-plug CM15 but changed the polarity. And that solved all the problems. So am happily back in business. I think all this was caused because yesterday some where along I had unplugged CM15 and plugged it back without paying any heed to how it was plugged into extension cable as both legs on CM15 are same size. Now that this is behind, and if you like, can be help to do beta testing again.
-
Glad you figured it out! I would never have thought of the polarity thing. #:)
Just one more thing to beware of when running a multi Cm15a configuration. :o
-
@IPS
Wow! I've had lots of issues with my X10 system and I wonder how much reverse polarity might have had to do with it. I wasn't plugged in upside down but I recently checked a number of outlets and I have load and neutral reversed somewhere along the line. It raised havoc with my wifi router and my home theater receiver. I have an electrician coming over to hunt it down.
Although I would think that polarity shouldn't have anything to do with it, since X10 puts polarized plugs on a number of modules but not the CM15A.
-
Not sure why X10WTI changed things.
The original CM15A did have a polarized AC input plug.
I have two of them. Date Codes: 04J44 and 04J41 CM15A with that type of AC input plug. Though their firmware was more buggy than an ant farm.
The X10 power line signal in a reversed wired outlet. Would put the signal on the Neutral where it was not expected and may not be received properly by other modules.
Neutral also connected to the safety ground in the breaker box. That may also shunt it to ground.
-
The X10 power line signal in a reversed wired outlet. Would put the signal on the Neutral where it was not expected and may not be received properly by other modules.
No, in a 2-wire system, the signal is injected between the two wires. The polarity does not matter. (Thevenin Equivalent)
Jeff
-
Jeff, Thank you for clearing up my error.
-
A new version (1.5.0.8 ) of Alex10 is now on the server.
This fixed the issue some were experiencing with Alex10 and the bridge not seeing devices when starting with Windows starts.
New Version (http://tuicemen.com/downloads/freestuff/alex10-setup.exe)
-
Hi, this new version just keeps crashing "program not responding".
Takes forever for the config screen to come up then it crashed to "not responding".
The previos version just a few days a ago worked on my system but the Echo could not find the HA bridge.
The Ha bridge turned the lights off and on, no problem.
Now with this version I can't get that far to even add any modules.
Please help.
-
I really need more info.
"program not responding". tells me nothing
It sounds like the HA bridge may have been running when a install was done corrupting your settings.
Go to the zip up the alex10\data folder and all its contents then email me the zip file.
You can also rename the data folder dataold then make a new data folder and try restarting.
That would start you back to square one.
There are some helpful threads on my forum you may wish to check out.
The fact that Alexa couldn't see the HA-Bridge is a network thing and usually has to do with java not being granted full access.
-
I noticed today BWS Systems released a new version (4.0.3) of the HA-Bridge.
I have downloaded it to test with Alex10 but will included not it in a build until I have a chance to play with it.
So far it works fine with Alex10 however the manual add for devices layout has changed a lot.
I haven't figured out how to add a script with the new interface as yet. :-[
If any one wished to play with the new bridge and Alex10 download it Here (https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/releases/download/v4.0.3/ha-bridge-4.0.3.jar) rename it ha-bridge.jar.
If your bridge is running open a browser and stop the bridge the open the Alex10 folder name the ha-bridge.jar file there to ha-bridge(old).jar and copy the new file to the Alex10 folder.
then click on the new bridge .jar file to start your bridge again.
>!
-
Ok after lots of tries and a few messages to the GitHub I got the manual add figured out. :)%
they didn't make this any easier B:(
1: you still enter the device name
2: then at the Device Type (Informational) drop down you select Program/script
3: then in the On Items row click on the Target Item and drag it to the right so you can type in the command and type it in
4: in the same root go to far right and click on add
5: do the same if you need a dim and off command in their specific rows (be sure to click for that row)
6: go to the top of the page and click Add Bridge Device
-
HA-Bridge was updated again, and again changed the manual add screen B:(
Luckily it wasn't to difficult to figure out this time around.
You still enter info the same as in 4.03 there are just more options.
Still with out Alex10 to do the script adds and auto config many would be lost with this. :(
The bridge version now sits at 4.1.0 the next version of Alex10 will include this unless it gets updated again prior to that! ??? ::) :'
-
A new version (1.5.0.9) is now on the server which includes the new (4.1.0) HA-Bridge.
Note:
Alex10 doesn't need to be uninstalled prior to updating!
However you need to be sure the HA-Bridge has been stopped (not running)!
-
I just down loaded the latest build. Added a device to Alex10. Opened the bridge and get a error. Can't get devices. Error 404.
Re-initialization of bridge never end.Red circle stays. I even turned Windows defender off and checked to make sure Java was allowed on all networks.
any suggestions?
-
A 404 error means site not found.
Be sure the address & port number match what your putting in your web browser.
Also try re downloading the installer and re install, although rare it is possible the installer got corrupt.
installer size should be: 7,191 kb
Also try a Windows reboot.
Look in the alex10 folder right click on the ha-bridge.jar file and in the general tab at the bottom if there is a security: this file came...
then select unblock and click OK.
-
Once you have HABridge working you can add Iphone control of x10 with this:
https://github.com/audiofreak9/HA-Bridge_Control.
But I haven't tried it yet with the latest release of HABridge.
-
Nice find alzy
It should be noted that the HA-Bridge should not be exposed to the internet as there is no security coded for it yet!
The Author BWS systems is working on some sort of security but until then since this allows scripts I'd advise against that.
Currently you can also access the bridge on your phone or other device using Chrome from inside your home network.
Since it is possible to run another server on the same or different PC with more security it is possible to send commands to the bridge from it.
I've held off adding such support to X10relayer or Ultralight hoping HA-Bridge would soon get the security required added to it.
-
HABridge Control requires login via a username and password before you can access the bridge. Doesn't this give the needed safeguards?
-
HA-Bridge doesn't require a login where are you seeing that?
-
The HAControl software does require a log in. So before you can use it to access the bridge you must login. it is not a part of the bridge itself.
-
Ok so it is another server. Guess I should have read up more! B:(
It does require a Linux box according to the readme.
-
Actually I run it under windows. Linux is not a requirement. You do need PHP and a windows compatible server. Apache will work. I use Abyss. Which is also free, commercial grade and easy to configure. I currently use x10 Commander, HA-Bridge, and HA-Bridge_Control to both have Alexa control and Iphone control of my x10 devices. Don't need AHP running and all the software is free. But I am very interested in migrating to Alex10 soon assuming this setup would be compatible with it.
-
Alex10 isn't a server so there would be no compatibility issues that I can see. You could still use x10commander with Alex10 but doubt it would be needed since you can control the bridge now with your phone.
-
Yes that is what I was thinking. Right now the only piece of x10 commander I use is the x10 commander server which takes a url from HA-Bridge and issues the x10 command to the x10 interface controller. The Iphone app piece I do not use since I use HA Bridge_Control for web access to the bridge. So I should be able to delete x10 commander and use Alex10 to produce the scripts that the bridge uses to issue x10 commands to the x10 interface. Do I have that right?
-
Yep Alex10 will auto create the x10 scripts for you in the HA-Bridge as well as add the X10 device name which you use with Alexa.
Since you already have the HA-Bridge setup and running you'll want to make a backup as Alex10 writes a HA-Bridge to it's directory and be sure you stop it before installing.
I wouldn't want you to lose any current settings.
-
Also try re downloading the installer and re install, although rare it is possible the installer got corrupt.
installer size should be: 7,191 kb
Also try a Windows reboot.
I had to uninstall,Java and Alex 10. Reinstalled Java and new version of Alex 10. Made sure that Jave had access through firewall. Now all is ok. Latter will install on AHP pc.
-
Hi alzy
It is some thing I am looking for. I want to turnoff AHP PC but can't cause X10 Commander, from iPhone, needs it running. Would appreciate if you could give more details of your setup.
Thanks.
-
Hi IPS,
Sorry but my implementation requires a PC to be on also!
-
This morning decided to put Alexa near camera with two way audio. Now I can hear Alexa 's response and see the results at the same time. So now I can talk to Alexa from anywhere. :)%
This has had me thinking about adding some type of voice IP camera interface to Alex10.
This way you could not only view and control devices in the HA-Bridge but also tell Alexa to move the camera to X position, take a picture......
Now if I only had a X10 indoor Airsight to experiment with ??? ::) :' I'd love to add the option to Alex10. :)
-
With recent changes to the HA-Bridge code I was a bit concerned that future releases of the HA-Bridge could cause Alex10 to stop working. For this reason I recoded Alex10 so the HA-Bridge does all the actual configuration writes. ALex10 still tells it the info but doesn't actually write anything to the Bridge's device.db file.
Version 1.5.1.0 seen the first major change with a change to the main UI screen and some added Bridge features.
Since many are still hesitant with setup, no mater how easy it is portrayed. I set out to create a simple setup wizard.
Today I released version 1.5.1.2 with this wizard code included.
There are some other enhancements of which you can read about on my forum.
It is strongly advised that if your still using version 1.5.0.9 or lower that you do this update.
The bridge no longer needs to be stopped to do any adds or removal of devices :)%
-
After installing and running StartBridge I get confirmation is running (used Setup Wizard) Then I go to add some devices and I get "the bridge needs to be running to add devices now please start bridge"
Can you help? since first said it was running and then asks me to run it? I hit StarBridge again but it keeps asking to start it.
Thanks!
-
Ok just restart Alex10 and run the wizard again.
For what ever reason the settings are getting missed a restart of Alex10 should load the settings.
-
A couple of weeks ago my CM15A died suddenly and I couldn't revive it. Fortunately I had a spare that I inherited and got my +10 year old X10 system back up and running. Coincidentally, at about the same time, I purchased an Alexa and one smart plug. The one drawback to migrating to these smart devices is that I have about 25 X10 switches, modules etc., and the thought of abandoning my investment in X10 (which still works pretty darn well) and re-investing a significant amount in upgrades was not very appealing to me.
Then I came across your work on Alex10, and all I can say is WOW! You made the installation process very easy, and the setup is not difficult at all for anyone who is familiar with AHP. I'm having a blast experimenting and controlling lights with voice control, and even my wife thinks it "pretty cool!"
You have breathed new life and renewed usefulness into X10, and I just wanted to say Thank You for the work on this and for making it available to all of us aging geeks!
#:)
>!
-
Thanks Geewiz,
The complement means a lot! >! I put a lot of work into this trying to make it as easy as possible for the end user to setup.
The HA-Bridge is a bit tricky to get setup on its own, and the whole idea of this was to breath some new life into users x10 setups.
-
Thanks Geewiz,
The complement means a lot! >! I put a lot of work into this trying to make it as easy as possible for the end user to setup.
The HA-Bridge is a bit tricky to get setup on its own, and the whole idea of this was to breath some new life into users x10 setups.
You deserve a much more credit than you get. You're doing good work.
-
Thanks Dave! >!
-
Alex10 got a bit of a face lift making it easier to see what devices are actually on or at least the state that the bridge thinks their in.
I simplified the UI display but still allowed to bring up the old one which displayed much more info from the Bridge (you just had to scroll across to read it all)
Also Alex10 can now better dim/brighten devices. You just say Alexa (device name) (value)% you can use the word Dim.
Although the HA-Bridge states you can use the word brighten, I've yet to have any luck using it.
Alex10 also now writes the script directly to the bridge not a path to the batch file which it still writes but only as a back up.
Future updates may see this removed as Batch files are no longer required.
Not using a batch file has sped up execution time some (at least in my tests).
I find the UI display of Bridge info is slow to update status but that may just be my heavily used PC. ::) :'
Version 1.5.2.6 is now on the server! (http://tuicemen.com/downloads/freestuff/alex10-setup.exe)
It is recommended that users update from inside Alex10 as it will make a backup of the previous installer in case you need or want to roll back for some reason.
Updated OP with new screen shot of Alexa UI
>!
-
The HA-Bridge was updated to (4.2.1) recently fixing many issues and adding several new options.
A new Alex10 build (1.5.3.0) was release which now includes this new bridge and code required for adding devices to it.
Alex10 1.5.3.0 will work with some older Bridge releases but older Alex10 versions will not work with the newer bridge (at lease not the adding of devices)
It is suggested that everyone upgrade to this new version of Alex10 and the bridge.
If you have a older version of Alex10 then1.5.2.9 you'll need to get the full installer (http://tuicemen.com/downloads/freestuff/alex10-setup.exe) as the update from Alex10 will not install the new bridge.
Note: You may need to redo the inbound firewall rules for Java with the new bridge install
See my forum for more info on what's new with Alex10. ;)
-
A new version of HA-Bridge (4.3.0) has been released with some extra enhancements I'd asked for.
This should help users with Soft start devices & dimming once I get code added to Alex10 to take advantage of it. :)%
Alex10 should be able to better calculate correct dim/brighten sends as the Soft start will come back on to the last dim level prior to switching off, the older x10 lamp modules don't.
Also in my correspondence with BWS systems, It was pointed out how the bridge and Alexa talk to each other.
With this info I started a thread on my forum to help with Improving Alex10/Alexa reliability (http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=1134.msg6861#new) other users can post tips to help expand on this. ;)
>!
-
The HA-Bridge got a major security enhancement added and a new build was released today.
Since I was helping Alfa/Beta test this I was able to add code to Alex10 to take advantage of these enhancements and have a new Alex10 build ready prior to the new Bridges release.
Alex10 version 1.5.3.4 is now available and includes the new bridge.
The new security mode requires user name and passwords to access the bridge when in secure mode.
Adding a username and password to the bridge will auto place it in secure mode this can be done from Alex10 or the bridge.
You need to use Alex10's advanced features to do this from Alex10 and if you haven't entered a name and password into Alex10 then even Alex10 can't access the bridge devices.
The new secure mode of the bridge means you can now feel comfortable allowing it to connect to the web knowing your settings are safe requiring user authorization.
This will require you to set port forwarding in your modem if you wish to access from the web.
Note: Your password should be strong (a mix of upper and lowercase letters and numbers is best) and not to short, Alex10 requires 8 digits minimum.
>!
-
The HA-Bridge got a major security enhancement .........
The new secure mode of the bridge means you can now feel comfortable allowing it to connect to the web knowing your settings are safe ........ Note: Your password should be strong (a mix of upper and lowercase letters and numbers is best) and not to short....
If you really want to go super-secure (and there are those that do) use a special character (https://www.howtogeek.com/210824/how-to-quickly-type-special-characters-on-any-computer-smartphone-or-tablet/) or TWO in a password.
Since phones and PC's normally "remember" those things for you... the complex passwords really won't add a lot of hassle. Be sure to use different passwords.... on/for EVERYTHING that requires a password.
-
Just place a small update to Alex10 on the server.
Current users should get a notification in the program it includes the latest HA-Bridge version.
-
I am new to the form. I am not sure if this is the place to post this issue, but i'm at my wits end.
I had this most wonderful Alex10 program running very nicely on my Windows 7 laptop with every x10 device responding the Alexa commands, but the laptop died. I bought a new laptop with Windows 10 and an SSD so the hard drive wouldn't burn out if left on. However, I cannot get the program to locate the bridge. Nor can I activate the Jar file independently. Localhost in the Chrome browser yields "Site Cannot be reached. Local host refused to connect.
I tried almost everything. I reloaded Java, hen Alex10 from the same place as I obtained the original, used a static IP, added a java inbound rule and then even disabled my firewall. But Alex10 remains offline.
Would really appreciate some help as I miss my X10 home automation dearly.
-
I'm happy to read you found Alex10 so wonderful but sad to read your Win7 machine died.
Open your Windows Edge browser and type in the 127.0.0.1 (localhost) to be sure HA-Bridge truly isn't running, if it is stop it from the HA-bridge web interface.
Next open Alex10 and in the IP textbox Type in the IP address of your PC then click the close button.
Open your firewall inbound rules and delete all Java rules
Then restart Alex10,a pop up should appear asking for Java permissions click yes to allow.
-
I got on a roll writing new rules to allow Java inbound because there weren't any Java rules and finally got to the bridge through localhost. I am obviously losing sleep over this (it's now 1:44 AM) because trying to get this running again requires a re-entry of 20 devices after each failure. I can get the habridge to open from the command prompt and then run Alex10, but otherwise Alex10 does not get online.
I now stopped the bridge, reinstalled Alex10, clicked setup and it takes a change ip address, but shows it is having difficulty finding the bridge and shows the bridge as offline and will not add a device. Closing and reopening has no effect.
I can open the bridge from the DOS command line and add devices to Alex10 but when I do that it appears I am bypassing some required configuration process to which Alex10 reports a configuration file problem and Alexa then can't discover the devices, even though I can turn lights on and off directly from the bridge (localhost - in the chrome browser).
It's almost 3AM so I saved and backed up the bridge file and I'm going to bed. I'm frustrated but still hopeful that you can help me get Alexa to recognize the bridge and Alex10 to save the configuration.
Happy Thanksgiving! And, thank you very very much for your help.
-
You shouldn't need to manually create java rules.
Windows will do that if there are not any on first running a java application and Only two get made for the bridge.
You may also wish to look at your antivirus program as it may be stopping the bridge from loading correctly.
-
I could not get past the firewall otherwise. Uninstalled my antivirus to avoid any issues (one less variable). I also installed _java_options: -Xmx512M to avoid any java memory issues.
I was able to get Alexa to recognize the devices without Alex10, but they did not work because they appeared on Echo as Phillips Hue devices that are not recognizable. Now the Bridge (in the browser) shows error messages [object object]
I have one real Phillips Hue device on Echo, so I'm going to uninstall it.
What do you suggest to recover from these setbacks?
-
Oh yes. It's also loading some of the devices as Lux Lights.
-
The bridge reports the lights to Alexa as lux lights so Your getting somewhere.
The fact that the bridge is throwing errors means they are configured wrong.
You may wish to check my forum Alex10 section specifically the alex10 help and bridge setup help subsection.
http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?board=95.0
-
I didn't see the specific parameters. I am using Exec and json wherever it asks for them. I do not know what verb to use (e.g. get, put, etc.)
-
That's why Alex10 doesn't see the code.
Alex10 is expecting a windows command not jason
Code for the A 1 on target item would be c:/alex10/alex10.exe SENDPLC_A1_On
Code for dim/brighten would be c:/alex10/alex10.exe sendplc_A1_dim ${intensity.percent}
Code for off would be c:/alex10/alex10.exe SENDPLC_A1_Off
you should be able to determine all other codes from that if you wish to manually enter them in the bridge.
>!
-
Thank you. I will give that a try and leave blank the field where json was entered.
-
It's even worse now. Alex10 no longer indicates "oline", Echo no longer recognizes any of the devices and the bridge buttons to test on or off stop working after the first one is clicked, yielding multiple [object object] error window pop-ups. It is doubtful that I have entered anything correctly except for the commands you sent me.
I am new to forums and do not know how to forward/attach files. May I email you a screen print of a bridge device screen and one device's edit/copy device screens so you can see specifically where I have gone wrong? If so, to what email address?
I cannot emphasize how much I value your continued help on this.
-
Perhaps the Device Api test could help identify some issues:
[{"id":"12","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:0C-0C","name":"PUMP","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"Encapsulated","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I7_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I7_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"13","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:0D-0D","name":"YARD","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I8_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I8_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"14","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:0E-0E","name":"AIR PURIFIER","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I9_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I9_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"15","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:0F-0F","name":"KITCHEN FAN","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I5_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I5_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"1","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:01-01","name":"FAN","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I10_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I10_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"2","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:02-02","name":"LANTERN","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I12_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I12_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"3","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:03-03","name":"DESK","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I12_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I12_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"4","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:04-04","name":"DRESSER","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I12_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I12_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"5","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:05-05","name":"HALL","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I3_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I3_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"6","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:06-06","name":"NIGHT TABLE","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I11_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I11_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"7","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:07-07","name":"FLOODS","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I1_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I1_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"8","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:08-08","name":"FRONT PORCH","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I2_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I2_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"9","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:09-09","name":"COUNTERS","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I4_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I4_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true},{"id":"10","uniqueid":"00:17:88:5E:D3:0A-0A","name":"KITCHEN TABLE","mapType":"cmdDevice","deviceType":"exec","targetDevice":"ENCAPSULATED","offUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I6_Off\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","onUrl":"[{\"item\":\"C:/Alex10/Alex10.exe SENDPLC_I6_On\",\"type\":\"cmdDevice\"}]","inactive":false,"noState":false,"offState":true}]
-
I re-entered the fields in the bridge and got it to work OK. But now Echo cannot discover the devices. If I cannot get this fixed by tomorrow afternoon (Black Friday) I will purchase about $800 of equipment to replace all of my X10 devices. I do not believe I will even be able to find a smart relay interface like the one X10 had.
It appears that one of the lines in command mode indicates it can't find my IP, stating: The upnp config address, 192.168.1.136:80, does not match any known IP's on this host.
I do not know if there is anything else you could determine from the Bridge output, but in case there is, here it is:
----------------------------------------------
C:\Users\blume\Desktop>rem C:\programdata\oracle\java\javapath_target_14504500\java.exe
C:\Users\blume\Desktop>rem must be added to inbound rules
C:\Users\blume\Desktop>rem batch
C:\Users\blume\Desktop>cd\
C:\>cd\alex10
C:\Alex10>java -jar ha-bridge.jar
Picked up _JAVA_OPTIONS: -Xmx512M
2017-11-24 02:10:13,558 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.HABridge - HA Bridge (v4.5.6) starting....
2017-11-24 02:10:13,568 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.BridgeSettings - reading from config file: data/habridge.config
2017-11-24 02:10:13,663 [main] WARN com.bwssystems.HABridge.BridgeSettings - The upnp config address, 192.168.1.136:80, does not match any known IP's on this host.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,138 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.HABridge - HA Bridge initializing....
2017-11-24 02:10:14,143 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.SystemControl - System control service started....
2017-11-24 02:10:14,153 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.util.UDPDatagramSender - Initializing UDP response Socket...
2017-11-24 02:10:14.153:INFO::Thread-0: Logging initialized @809ms
2017-11-24 02:10:14,158 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.util.UDPDatagramSender - UDP response Seocket initialized to: 50000
2017-11-24 02:10:14,158 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.harmony.HarmonyHome - Harmony Home created. No Harmony devices configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,158 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.NestBridge.NestHome - Nest Home created. No Nest configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,158 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.hue.HueHome - Hue passthru Home created. No Hue passtrhu systems configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,158 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.hal.HalHome - HAL Home created. No HAL devices configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,163 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.mqtt.MQTTHome - MQTT Home created. No MQTT Clients configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,163 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.hass.HassHome - HomeAssistant Home created. No HomeAssistants configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,163 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.exec.CommandHome - Command Home for system program execution created.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,193 [Thread-0] INFO spark.webserver.JettySparkServer - == Spark has ignited ...
2017-11-24 02:10:14,198 [Thread-0] INFO spark.webserver.JettySparkServer - >> Listening on 0.0.0.0:80
2017-11-24 02:10:14.198:INFO:oejs.Server:Thread-0: jetty-9.3.z-SNAPSHOT
2017-11-24 02:10:14.278:INFO:oejs.ServerConnector:Thread-0: Started ServerConnector@a843b9{HTTP/1.1,[http/1.1]}{0.0.0.0:80}
2017-11-24 02:10:14.278:INFO:oejs.Server:Thread-0: Started @935ms
2017-11-24 02:10:14,309 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.http.HTTPHome - Http Home created.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,310 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.tcp.TCPHome - TCP Home created.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,311 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.udp.UDPHome - UDP Home created.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,312 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.vera.VeraHome - Vera Home created. No Veras configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,313 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.domoticz.DomoticzHome - Domoticz Home created. No Domoticz devices configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,314 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.somfy.SomfyHome - Somfy Home created. No Somfys configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,315 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.plugins.lifx.LifxHome - LifxDevice Home created. No LifxDevices configured.
2017-11-24 02:10:14,318 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.devicemanagmeent.DeviceResource - HABridge device management service started....
2017-11-24 02:10:14,328 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.upnp.UpnpSettingsResource - Hue description service started....
2017-11-24 02:10:14,333 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.hue.HueMulator - Hue emulator service started....
2017-11-24 02:10:14,343 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.upnp.UpnpListener - UPNP Discovery Listener starting....
2017-11-24 02:10:14,408 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.upnp.UpnpListener - UPNP Discovery Listener running and ready....
2017-11-24 02:29:46,754 [qtp21745031-23] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.SystemControl - Link button pressed....
2017-11-24 02:30:16,757 [Timer-0] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.LinkButtonPressed - Link button time ended....
2017-11-24 02:40:56,630 [qtp21745031-21] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.SystemControl - Link button pressed....
2017-11-24 02:41:04,634 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.upnp.UpnpListener - UPNP Discovery Listener - ended, restart found
2017-11-24 02:41:04,634 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.HABridge - HA Bridge (v4.5.6) reinitialization requessted....
2017-11-24 02:41:04,638 [main] INFO spark.webserver.JettySparkServer - >>> Spark shutting down ...
2017-11-24 02:41:04.643:INFO:oejs.ServerConnector:main: Stopped ServerConnector@a843b9{HTTP/1.1,[http/1.1]}{0.0.0.0:80}
2017-11-24 02:41:04,643 [main] INFO spark.webserver.JettySparkServer - done
2017-11-24 02:41:09,645 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.BridgeSettings - reading from config file: data/habridge.config
2017-11-24 02:41:09,683 [main] WARN com.bwssystems.HABridge.BridgeSettings - The upnp config address, 192.168.1.136:80, does not match any known IP's on this host.
2017-11-24 02:41:09,683 [main] INFO com.bwssystems.HABridge.HABridge - HA Bridge initializing....
-
I removed the ":80" from the bridge IP address and Echo discovered all of my devices. :)% :)%
Thank you for your assistance.
-
:80 is the standard open port.
If you were including :80 in your IP address then specifying a port that would have been the reason your echo wasn't finding devices.
I've just released a new update of Alex10 (v1.5.3.7) which includes the latest HA-Bridge (v5.0.0).
The full Alex10 installer can be found here: http://tuicemen.com/downloads/alex10-setup.exe
For the list of improvements to Alex10 see: http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=1080.msg7352#msg7352
For a list of improvements to the HA-Bridge see: https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/releases/tag/v5.0.0
-
I've got the bridge working fine still and my X10 devices respond well. I have the bridge targets/commands all containing Alex10.exe, which I assume means that Alex10 must remain open. Since I manually entered those targets in the bridge, can I modify them to work without Alex10.exe? If not, when I end up having to reboot for some reason, do I then have to reload (execute) Alex10.exe?
-
Alex10 doesn't need to be running for the bridge to sent X10 even if you had added the devices with Alex10. However devicesrespond quicker.
-
Tuicemen, I want to thank you for the great software! I've been an X10 user for decades now and recently got an Amazon Echo, Dot and Ecobee4 thermostat and wondered how difficult it would be to add voice automation to all my various X10 devices and was excited to discover your Alex10 software. I just picked up a CM19A from eBay and received it today (I have an ActiveHome CM15A that I use for timers, but it isn't near my computer and is in a strategic location such that all my X10 devices that use timers will respond). I got everything going tonight. I noticed that my devices will work with either the PLC or RF setup. It seems that I would need to use the RF setup since the CM19A is USB to wireless, but maybe I simply don't understand what that setting is for. A couple of other things I noticed is that whenever I add a device, a popup tells me that the bridge is not running. But I just add the device and start the bridge each time and it works like a charm. Finally, I couldn't get Echo to recognize any of the devices --- until I saw in an earlier post saying that if you define a port on the bridge, Alexa won't communicate (Makes sense when you think about it). Sure enough, I took the port off the IP address and it picked up everything right away! I was so excited! Thanks again for all the hard work on this ...
-
Thanks again!
-
I designed Alex10 so it didn't have to be running all the time.
The primary purpose of Alex10 was to make adding devices to the bridge an easy setup as many were confused by the HA-Bridge scripts requirements. It didn't make sense to pass to the ahcmd.exe as it has limitations and is even slower though you certainly could use it. I've found many use the Alex10 UI, minimizing it to the system tray makes it easy to get to and keeps your X10 communication as fast as possible with Alexa.
@ geos56us the error your seeing when adding devices was a bug in Alex10. I believe the newest version has fixed that.
The option for RF or PLC is more for the Cm15 as it can send either, but by default sends PLC.
the SDK which Alex10 is built with is smart enough to know which X10 interface your using that's why the cm19 appears to work with either, though some report it works better selecting PLC ::) :'
-
Antivirus programs are starting to get very restrictive.
Some have started to delete any programs that activate scripts or just stop them from triggering them.
I've had to add exclusions to the Alex10 scripts folder as my Antivirus program was deleting any batch file Alex10 tried to run.
Today I rebooted and Alex10 displayed no devices B:( I opened the Bridge UI and there were no devices displayed there either. B:(
After several attempts to get my devices back (even loading a backup file failed) I realized my antivirus program was blocking everything in the Alex10 folder and sub folders (not just the scripts folder now).
I had to add the Alex10 folder to the exclusion list of my antivirus.
I've also notice some things AHP activates also no longer work so I suspect I'll need to add exclusions for them as well. B:(
If Alex10 was working and suddenly stops, it could be your Antivirus program blocking it!
>!
-
Wow , my first venture into the Alexa era has been a disaster. I suspect most of it is due to the anti virus stuff but before I went any further with my analysis of the problem, I went back to see if my AHP was still working and found that it had decided to let me down. When I tried to open it I got the message telling me that there was a problem with the X10NETS. I checked in the "services" and found that it was indeed stopped. I got is restarted and things seemed to work except that I noted that when I tried to exit AHP, it cautioned me that changes needed to be downloaded first. The problem is that I had not made any changes. I was reluctant to download anything to the CM15A as that part is still working. The X10NETS stops and will not restart automatically now when I restart the AHP. I removed all the ALEX10 stuff but the damage has been done.
My X10 stuff has been running for about twenty five years now and I guess this new toy was just too much for it.
I am going to have to step away from it and take another long look. I am using a registered version of AHP and has been run on XP, Win7, Win8 and now Win10.
Aside from my problems here, I can't say enough for the folks on here with the dedication that they display in keeping this system from dying on the vine. You certainly have my respect.
kentM
-
If AHP throws an error on starting about X10nets or anything else the issue is usually the C:\ProgramData\X10 Settings\x10active.xml file has gotten corrupt.
To fix this simply delete it and restart AHP. I've had issues with this going back to XP usually after a Windows update.
Thankfully since moving to Win10 I haven't experienced this Yet! ::) :'
If you have AHP in the Folder C:\Program Files (x86)\ActiveHome Pro move the folder to C:\ActiveHome Pro as windows has extra security for programs run from inside C:\Program Files (x86)
It is possible your antivirus is stopping AHP from even loading that file as many see xml files as suspicious and stop other programs from even accessing them. Antivirus programs have started to get very restrictive and it seems each update introduces another restriction.
-
I've just released a new update of Alex10 (v1.5.4.0) the full setup includes the latest HA-Bridge (v5.1.0).
The full Alex10 installer can be found here: http://tuicemen.com/downloads/alex10-setup.exe
The update which doesn't include Ha-Bridge can be found here: http://tuicemen.com/downloads/alex10-Update.exe
For the list of improvements to Alex10 see: http://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?topic=1080.msg6908#msg6908
For a list of improvements to the HA-Bridge see: https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/releases/tag/v5.1.0
-
Alex10 V1.5.5 was placed on the server today.
This includes SmartCloud which can act as the main Alexa\Google Home interface or as a backup to for the HA-Bridge.
Options for SmartCloud start/stop can be found in the advanced setup.
-
A new version (1.5.5.2) is online now which also includes a new SmartCloud version. ;)
Details can be found on my forum.
-
Hello,
I’ve been running AHP on an XP machine for a number of years and having read about Alex10, want to use this and Alexa to give voice control.
I intend to use a dedicated Windows 7 (64 bit) machine for this, which has all the latest win. updates, followed by Java, AHP and then Alex10. But when Alex10 is started I receive an error window saying:
System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80040154): Retrieving the COM class factory for component with CLSID
{….} failed due to the following error: 80040154 Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG)). followed my more.
Click OK and the Alex10 GUI loads. I’ve added a device, which also appears in HA-B. But using Alex10 or HA-B to test the device is unsuccessful.
AHP has been installed in ‘C:|\Program files (x86)’
Alex10 is in ‘C:\Alex10’
I’d appreciate any help, as to my errors
Regards
-
Alex10 was built for Windows 10
I've not tested it with any older OS versions but I suspect your .netframework version may not be up to date.
Which PC interface are you using for X10?
The error you see is a standard error you need to click more so it shows more info that will be most helpful in tracking down the issue
-
I thought I’d read in a thread that it had been used in Win 7, 8 & 10, but that might have been written a while ago.
I’m using ActiveHome Professional v.3.267
According to ‘Programs & Features’ I’ve .NET Framework 4..6.1
The remainder of the error message, from the error window is…
at System.RuntimeTypeHandle.CreateInstance(RuntimeType type, Boolean
publicOnly, Boolean noCheck, Boolean& canBeCached,
RuntimeMethodHandleInternal& ctor, Boolean& bNeedSecurityCheck)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceSlow(Boolean publicOnly, Boolean
skipCheckThis, Boolean fillCache, StackCrawlMark& stackMark)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceDefaultCtor(Boolean publicOnly,
Boolean skipCheckThis, Boolean fillCache, StackCrawlMark& stackMark)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, Boolean nonPublic)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type)
at Alex10.Form1.Form1_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e)
If there’s any other info that might help, please let me know.
Unfortunately I run multiple VM’s and Win7 is the newest OS I can use. So that might be my downfall.
Regards
-
It looks like your Pc Interface isn't being seen can you control (turn on/off) devices with AHP?
-
Yes AHP is operating devices fine.
I’ve just installed .NET 4.7.1, but still the same error. I haven’t reinstalled Alex10.
-
I believe the issue may be the SDK what version of AHP are you running?
Since your in the UK it appears, I assume your running the Marmitec AHP 3.316?
If this is the case you will need to install the SDK.
-
After some fitful starts, I've now gotten AHP 3.318 installed and registered, as well as x10 Commander, on a clean install of Windows 10 release 1709 "Creators" edition (but that's another question.)
I'm now attempting to install Alex10. I had this running beautifully on my Windows 7 machine, but am now running into one thing after another attempting to get it working on Windows 10.
First off: Windows 10 Defender sees the Alex10 download as a trojan threat. After finally turning off all the Defender alerts and restrictions I was able to download the file.
Then I went to install and I got an alert that said "...did not complete because the file contains a virus or potentially unwanted software."
I did some tweaking on Defender and finally got Alex10 to install and now when I attempt to set the bridge address and port I get... "Unhandled exception has occurred in your application..."
My personal axiom: "Nothing is easy." is being validated.
I had Alex10 working beautifully on the old machine, but am at a loss. Your insight, and your patience with this old X10 fool, is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
-
Windows 10 is going crazy with warnings.... Why did I go down this rabbit hole?!!??
-
Just to throw some more curve balls out there...when I start Alex10, I get a pop-up sign in window for my Blue Iris NVR software which resides on this computer.
-
You are running a lot of server programs be sure non of the ports are the same.
Since your getting the BlueIrus pop up it looks like HA-Bridge may be trying to use the same port.
Windows 10 especially the 64 bit version has lots of security features which makes nothing easy. B:(
-
You are running a lot of server programs be sure non of the ports are the same......
Do you have any port suggestions Tuicemen? I know a lot of people default to port 80 (which if not web page based may not be optimum anyway). I know others select port 8080.
-
For port suggestions I always recommend a very high number the lower ports (below 9000) are commonly used.
I suggest this for any device that needs internet connection not just Alex10 using Ha-Bridge or SmartCloud.
Hackers can basicaly scan for all ports but this takes longer it is simpler for them to scan common ones to see if they are open.
Using custom port numbers can be a issue if you need to use those from a office but for your home this isn't a big deal.
-
Good ideas, which I'll come back to, but for now I have more fundamental problems with cm15a. I may wind up going back to the Windows 7 install, which was working fine. B:(
Thank you, as always! >!
-
Windows 10 64 bit is a real pain with all the security built in the 32 bit version isn't as securely hardened.
Drivers are another issue which is most likely your problem with the CM15 and this isn't limited to just Windows 10 64 bit. Users have faced that as far back as XP when doing a windows update and updating drivers as well.
-
I believe the issue may be the SDK what version of AHP are you running?
Since your in the UK it appears, I assume your running the Marmitec AHP 3.316?
If this is the case you will need to install the SDK.
Thank you, Tuiceman
I’m using ActiveHome Professional v.3.267 and correct I’m in the UK.
Installing the SDK has solved the Alex10 error and I’m able turn on & off a device using both Alex10 & the HA-Bridge.
But then AHP 3.267 no longer works, but installing UnRegistered does.
After copying over my working ‘MyHome.ahx’ file, my problem now is that within AHP (UnRegistered ), although all my modules are there they have on module symbol and are set to ‘Type of Module’=Lamps / ‘Module’=Lamp Module.
Is this correctable by editing the .AHX file or is there another way to change this without changing every module, as the Type of Modules have completely different descriptions to v3.316.
Having tried all this on a virgin Win7 PC, I’ve just installed this on my existing XP PC with the same results :-)
So my final question… As Alex10 & the HA-Bridge, can operate the 1 module I’ve set up, does this mean Alexa should work?
If so, the best of both worlds :-)
Best regards.
-
try the discover devices command from Alexa she should find the device you setup in Alex10 as long as the HA-Bridge is running.
Since you were running a rather old version of AHP it probable had an old x10nets which may have been the problem as it was updated. That screwed the old SDK and AHP which also required updating. the AHP european 3.316 version should work with the new X10nets and SDK as it was build after the updated X10nets.
I did attempt to bring the Euopean version up to 3.318 but was unsuccessful in my attempt :-[
-
I have yet to purchase an Alexa, as I wanted to ensure I could get this part working… And it does.
I’ve had a look at the .AHX file, after making one module change.
The previous parameter was [type="LM15EB"] and following the change [type="LM15A" cat="lamp"], so the addition of a [‘cat’]. The type’s I have are "LW10U", "TM13", "AM12", "LM15EB", "MS13E", "LM12", "AW10U" & "UM7206", so I just need to find the equivalent type & cat, for these 8.
Onward & upward :-)
-
Does changing the description help correct the display for that particular module?
I was under the assumption info was read for modules from the AHP_Marmitek files
-
OK it worked…
Using notepad I edited MyHome.ahx and replaced the following…
type="LW10U" type="WS12A" cat="oldlamp"
type="TM13" type="TM751" cat="appliance"
type="AM12" type="AM466" cat="appliance"
type="LM15EB" type="LM15A" cat="lamp"
type="MS13E" type="MS13A" cat="sensor"
type="LM12" type="LM465" cat="oldlamp"
type="AW10U" type="WS13A-A" cat="appliance"
type="UM7206" type="UM506" cat="other"
type="AM12W" type="AM466" cat="appliance"
Opened AHP and all modules are there and working.
Added a few more to Alex10 and that worked fine.
Now to buy an Alexa :-)
So thank you again!
-
:)% Awesome!
I'm sure others using the European device will find that most helpful!
>!
-
I've just been informed Support for the RM Broadlink will be added in the next release of the HA-Bridge :)%
I guess I best see how this next update will work with Alex10 and if I can add control for the device from Alex10. ::) :'
-
For those looking for the SmartThings setup tutorial it can be found here:
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=29997.msg171186#msg171186
-
Hi Tuicemen, my Alex10 was perfectly working yesterday, but now Alexa is saying its not responding. I tried turning on and off tru Alex10 and tru HA Bridge, everything is working. But if I tell Alexa to turn on any modules/ switches it is saying its not responding.
The only thing I did was update Alex10 and Java. Alex10 is on a laptop running windows 10 x64 and AHP pro
Oh by the way, do I have to start a new post with this? :-[
-
Each time you Update java you must redo the firewall permissions.
go to add remove programs and remove all old java updates then close alex10 then close the HA-Bridge. with both no longer running go to your fire wall inbound and remove all Java references. with those removed you can restart Alex10 and if it auto starts the bridge you'll get a windows popup asking for java permission click ok to allow private access.
>!
-
No Dice, I did all the instructions you told me. I even uninstall the new updated and go back to the older version of Java but still Alexa saying its not responding.
There was an updated of Alex10, I updated that too.
Shpuld I reinstall Alex10, maybe its the anti virus blocking Alex10. I did allow and made an exception in windows defender.
B:(
-
Defender will block Alex10 so you need to make an exception for it in defender.
I'm not sure if that needs to be redone on a new version of Alex10 but it is likely.
I added an exception for the Alex10 folder.
-
Alex10 is now completely broken, AV thinks its a trojan, it quarantined it, deleted it, I allowed it again, reinstalled, and now its throwing codes all over the place even with the firewall and av turned off.
-
What do you mean it is throwing codes all over the place?
You should not disable your firewall nor your antivirus instead make rules and exceptions.
-
I have the same problem and did exactly what foghorn 2 did. on This laptop, that am using to write this, I had to turn off Windows Defender completely. It not only will not allow Alex 10 to run, it also removed latest version of Alex 10 setup from the computer.
So Mr. T may be you could look into it and give some actual instructions to defend against window defender. It would be greatly appreciated. And how do I get the latest build of Alex 10? Am still not able to logon to your fourm.
-
The simplest solution to Windows defender is get another Antivirus Program.
Or if your confident Windows defender is working correctly don't use Alex10.
Or create an exception for the Alex10 folder in Defender this way it will ignore Alex10 when it scans.
interestingly I have a PC with just windows, AHP & Alex10 installed if I download alex10 defender stops it. if I disable defender download and install reboot and then scan defender says every thing is ok :o If I don't reboot it deletes Alex10.
I downloaded the top three of the top 10 antivirus programs and ran them, none report Alex10 as suspicious.
-
Time to ditch Alex 10, its full of bugs. I also noticed my x10 devices turning on and off "by themselves" when I was running it. Now that its completely broken, dont have that problem. I bet there is spyware. Also a link on the alex 10 website leads to a questionable site.
Also the response and the attitude by the creator is another reason to ditch this program.
-
Sorry you feel that way, with out detailed info I'm left guesssing at where to look.
which link leads to questionable site?
Alex10 works fine for me I wouldn't say that if it weren't true.
-
Time to ditch Alex 10......... I bet there is spyware. Also a link on the alex 10 website leads to a questionable site.
Also the response and the attitude by the creator is another reason to ditch this program.
I can almost hear your frustration in your post. We all experience a little of that here. Often times we are attempting the cutting edge of the current technology and with that.... comes trials and errors.
Let me assure you.... Tuicemen is a long standing leader in the Home Automation Community. He is no way produced a spyware product. His software offerings are a heartfelt gift to the Home Automation Community. Tuicemen contributes many, many hours of his own free time and efforts to promote and improve Home Automation.
-
I've taken the Alex10 site offline to look at the possibility of spyware.
-
I had the same issue on my win 7 x64 machine. All I had to do was exclude the Alex10 directory in Security Essentials. I use no other antivirus software. Apparently, whatever Microsoft sees in some coding sequence spills over into their other security products. Surely they must have a process for submitting a program to find out why they think it's an infection.
Hey Tom - any luck on your forum issues?
-
So quiet, alex 10 site still down, looks hike he discovered his link to his forum lead to a pop up and a questionable probably malware ridden site.
I also noticed the new alex10 release would put a system icon that would replicate itself and not go away after closing it, behaving much like malware/spyware.
-
Actually I didn't find a issue but have professionals looking the whole site over which takes a full day.
the Alexa page I took off line as a precaution.
-
Hi T, After a lot of troubleshooting why Alex10 is not responding even after reinstalling Alex10 and uninstalling Java. I even reinstall the old java version before the update. I was thinking maybe the java update has a glitch. I also deleted all the devices in the app to start fresh. Oh, I was using Echo Show when I was troubleshooting. After setting up everything, I started to search devices in the app. It did not find any, not a single one. Then I remembered earlier that week I unplugged my echo dot that I set up in the basement. I told myself let me power up the echo dot and try again. Yup, after one search in the app, it found 9 devices right away and everything worked. I did not touch or do anything before powering up the echo dot.
Remember last month on your forum (not here) I posted a question why echo show doesnt see Alex10 but echo dot can on the same network. I thought because the two different echo devices have two different accounts. I guess now I know, the culprit is echo show. I think even with two different accounts on the same network it will work.
With regards to Defender, at first it does quarantined Alex10. All I did was allow it and exclude Alex10.exe from being scanned. until now I dont have problems with the Defender. Everything worked, tomorrow Ill update the Java, there is a notification that there is an update. Ill let you know what happens.
-
I know there have been issues with the Echo Plus and HA-Bridge even the second gen echos had or are having issues with the bridge. I've read issues with the Show but don't remember that was with HA-Bridge or just Alexa in general.
HA-Bridge is in a update beta build right now so maybe that will get fixed.
-
tucimen:
this link at the bottom of the site : To see how others may be using this see The x10 forums: The x10 forums
on my kindle, the link leads me to page that says my kfiOS blah blah blah has 3 infections and click here to fix
on my pc, it goes to a similar site as well
the last link: xxxx://tuicemen.com/forum/index.php?board=95.0
the boars looks wonky with missing images, somethings seriously wrong!
-
The Whole site was scanned and apparently cleaned I removed downloads that users Defender AV reported as bad and uploaded a new file different name which on my windows running defender stated it was ok.
I'm in the process of attempting to migrate to a new plan.
Which I'm told will fix forum issues which right now I doubt.
I just hope I can save the data. All customization to the forum will be lost as I've updated the SMF version to the newest.
try http://tuicemen.net/Alex10/
-
Hi T, just did an update on java and the firewall. Everything works great.
-
Glad to hear. ;)
It is a pain having to redo the firewall rules which each Java Update but you should not be running outdated Java.
I suspect the next update for Alex10 will have a new HA-Bridge with Broadlink RM support. :)%
I doubt Alex10 will have it built in for easy configuring as right now it is a pain to setup. B:(
-
I'm currently helping to debug the next version of the HA-Bridge with the Broadlink RM Pro.
Currently it can see my Broadlink I just have not been able to successfully send a command. B:(
Alex10 & Alexa see the IR devices created for the Broadlink :)%
I'm not sure if this will work for X10 or other RF signals yet but I'm hopeful. ;)
-
I see that the Tucimen sire is completely changed with no links, we have submitted your site to the wayback machine. Will be monitored by all! Must have been malware after all.
-
Actually http://tuicemen.com is still up. The link to the forum points to a new host but same forum.
I'm hopeful to get everything ported over including the DNS but that will take time.
The link to the Alex10 section of the forum is:
http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php?action=collapse;c=13;sa=expand;f90f0188=5158442f99fbd9673ca29730fd212eed#c13
The issue was the old forum was hacked using a security vulnerability.
This allowed redirects to be added to parts of the site ::) :'
Luckily the forum data base was salvageable. However I had to port over to a new more secure hosting plan to repair things.
This has been a slow process as I have to do all this manually. B:(
>!
-
Tucimen, your comment:
"if your confident Windows defender is working correctly don't use Alex10."
Well it seems like Windows Defender was the best AV after all. The database linked your malwared site to potential downloads and flagged those on client pc's. Excellent AV indeed. I've deleted all copies of your software.No more worries. and im not seeing strange port scans and x10 devices turning off and on by themselves anymore.
-
foghorn2,
Thanks for bringing the malware issue up. it led me to having my site scanned and cleaned which wasn't cheap.
no issues were found (or so I was told) ::) :'
I also did independent online scans of both the old .com and new .net domains which also reported no malware or suspisous activity.
I also did a complete download of the site and did a malware scan offline with no threats detected.
Interestingly I do have a PC with a new windows 10 install and defender doesn't see Alex10 as a threat.
So I'm at a loss here. ::) :'
I'm open to any suggestions at this point.
At least you system seems to be now free of strange occurrences.
Out of curiosity did you scan your PC with any other Malware or antivirus tools?
-
Hi Tuicemen,
I've just purchased a Dot v2 and its now controlling my X10 perfectly.
Now its working, are there some con.fig. files that can be copied, as a form of backup. So I don't need to install the devices into another instance of Alex10/HA-Bridge.
Regards
-
I think I may have answered this myself...
Is it both the 'data' & 'scripts' folders ?
-
Yep if i remember The bridge will make a backup of things(not alex10 stuff) as well Alex10 will make backups from the advanced setup screne.
-
Here I go again…
This is just so good, that I’ve purchased another Echo Dot and it’s been added as a second device to my Amazon Alexa account. But when given a command Alexa replies with “ ‘device name’ isn’t responding”, the first Echo continues to work fine.
Have I got carried away with my Dots or have I missed something else?
Regards
-
Did you tell that dot to discover devices?
-
No, the 'Smart Home' 'Devices' appear to be at Amazon account level and all my 13 X10 devices are listed.
-
Each device has to discover your devices which they will eventualy on their own but untill they see them they cant be controled.telling each echo to discover devices forces them to see them.
-
Thanks again for your time.
Initially I only had one Echo switched on at a time. 1st Echo worked fine. Unplugged 1st and plugged in 2nd, which couldn’t find devices. Unplugged 2nd, plug in 1st, worked fine. Unplugged 1st, plugged in 2nd, click ‘Discover devices’, still couldn’t find devices. Plug in 1st and the 2nd works fine. Just unplugged 1st and 2nd couldn’t find devices. So it looks like the 1st needs to be connected.
Regards
-
The first should not need to be powered up for the second to see devices. B:(
However it is possible Amazon has changed something with recent updates ::) :'
-
Since Broadlink RM support was added to the HA-Bridge, Alex10 required a bit of rework to display status of these devices clearer.
A new version off Alex10 is now on the server which includes the new HA-Bridge and SmartCloud versions.
>!
-
Hello all i really need some help and am struggling with set up. When i press start bridge it gives me an error saying cant find
C:alex10/habridge.jar or something similar, can anyone advise and help please. thanks
-
Is the ha-bridge.jar file present?
Sometimes that error is thrown if the bridge is already running.
Open a browser to Http://127.0.0.1:80 to see if the bridge is already running.
-
Hi thanks, so yes the ha bridge file is there ive deleted it all and re added it. Did the same thing. I then started the smartcloud thats in the download files and now it goes to an unpacker when i press start bridge but quickly returns to the basic config screen. Im getting closer i know it :'(
-
Im going to give up soon !!!!! Its saying cant start ha bridge. Please be sure its not running (which its not) and the ha bridge file is in alex 10 folder. Which it is??? I really need some help here guys banging my head against wall. Have deleted it all reloaded it all a few times i can see the files in folders just wont play ball. Says alex 10 online and smartcloud online but ha bridge offline !!!
-
Do you have java 8 or better installed?
If so open the Alex10 folder and click on the Ha- bridge.jar file, that should start the bridge... open a browser to http://127.0.0.1 if you changed the port in Alex10 you might have to add that to the end of the URL.
The only way to tell if the bridge is running is to open the task manager and look for java it doesnt say habridge. Java programs dont identify them selfs like typical windows programs in taskmanager.
-
Hi yes installed java 8 after sdk as per the instructions.
If i click the ha bridge folder it opens up and there is lots of sub folders.
If i put that 127.0.0.1 in its just goes to a unknown page. Ive turned off all firewalls and it still does it.
I think earlier today the ha bridge file looked like a java logo but now it is a normal windows folder !!
-
It looks like your opening it not running it.
Right click an run as admin.
-
Hello im really really struggling here, ive followed the steps as per the install on alex 10 and it gets to the part were i press start ha-bridge and i know its because the folder (HA-BRIDGE.JAR) is a folder and not a java file but i got no idea why. i have java installed but for the life of me i cant get it to work. Is there anyone who can help me out here. ive tried n tried but i must be missing something. if i type 127.0.0.1 it wont load on webpage. please someone shed some light before i waste another 20 hours staring at this bloody laptop :-[
-
HA-Bridge.jar should not be a folder but a file and in the folder Alex10 (no sub folder)
-
So why is it a folder ???? If its not a folder i see it as a web page but thats no good either. How do i get it to be a java file ???
-
I'm not sure what you've done. HA-Bridge.jar is a java file as is all jar files.
You can try right clicking on it and then select open with "Java(TM) Platform SE binary"
HA-Bridge loads as a webpage as it is a server, there is no other interface.
Why is that no good?
-
If i try it with it as a webpage it says save or save as and then goes blank in file explorer.
I shall try again later and let you know thanks for help.
-
Jar file will not open using a browser you need to execute the jar file which starts the bridge server then open a browser to http://127.0.0.1
-
YESSSSSSSS.... ive got it working, finally thanks for help. So im running milight system and have the controller for wifi, Any advice on connecting it to the alex 10 and set up process??? i might have it working tonight ;D
-
Alex10 was designed basically for X10 so it will not help with a milight setup.
However you will be able to see and control your milights with Alex10 once configured in the bridge.
-
Sorry, this might have been answered somewhere but does IFTTT make sense? That's the path a my garage door app chose... just a thought...
-
Is the current version available for download? Old links not working.
-
Yes, server has changed.
You can download from here: Quick Link (http://tuicemen.net/downloads/FreeStuff/Alex10-setup.exe)
-
Hello
Am not sure if i should post this here or under a new topic. This is what happened few minutes ago.
I was reading the posts on this topic and decided to open 127.0.0.1:80 Nothing happened. changed it to my laptop IP address :80 nothing happened. Then opened th HA-bridge, using the laptop IP and port number used before deleting Alex10 et al. All the original X10 devices were listed. Then changed the port to 80 and clicked save. Circle just kept going so clicked on back aerro and then back and circle stopped. Clicked on "my echo" on the HA-Bridge browser. It opened Alexa. asked it to discover devices and all X10 devices were discovered. These devices,after some upgrade to Alexa had stopped working, so i had deleted them from alexa. and could not be discovered till now i.e till HA-Bridge port was changed to :80. Now the interesting things:
1. I had uninstalled Alex 10 and every thing connected with Alex 10 so bridge should not open. it not only opened it also had all the X10 devices listed.
2. There is no X10 or other interface like CM15A connected to this laptop. when it has the original port, I could manually control all the devices listed. How this is possible? May be some one can tell me. Because it makes CM15A not required at least for on/off functions.
3.With port changed to :80 devices from the bridge can not be turned ON/Off.
4. Asked Alexa to discover devices, a message popped up on my iphone that a new device has been discovered and can be controlled. so opened Alexa on iPhone. All X10 devices were listed. However clicking on the device gives the message," Device doesn't support requested value. Also it says waiting for Royal Philips Electronics Hub". Where does this hub comes from?
5. While I was typing the above last lines, i clicked on the device, on Alexa app on iPhone, a few times and the Light turned on and few more taps and went off and on again. And guess what even Alexa controls it. However most but not devices obey Alexa. not now may be later!
What is happening? Is it magic of Alex 10 or Alexa or What?
-
Royal Philips Electronics Hub" is effectively the Hue Emulator that Alexa identifies and binds to the HA Bridge. I've mentioned on a number of occasions that the Hue Emulator is effectively broken at the moment and many home automation programs are struggling to work with Alexa as a result. Port 80 assignment is one solution but it doesn't work for everyone and results are varied including the ones you have outlined.
The only sure way to have Alexa work reliably with your home automation is to use a solution that includes an officially registered Alexa Skill.
-
The only sure way to have Alexa work reliably with your home automation is to use a solution that includes an officially registered Alexa Skill.
And which skill is that? please send a link. I am using laptop and HA-bridge and not Pi.
Any idea why I was able to control devices from the bridge without having CM15A or any other interface connected to my laptop? It is a mystery to me. The only connection to laptop was battery charger plugged into wall outlet.
-
It has been a while since using Alex10 however of I remember right uninstalling Alex10 didn't uninstall HA-Bridge. I susspect you have a cm19 or cm15 or cm11 connected to some PC and HA-Bridge is talking to it. In reality Alex10 isnt required to control X10 with Alexa.
Originaly I just used the AHP SDK with HA-Bridge and wrote the scripts.
-
The only sure way to have Alexa work reliably with your home automation is to use a solution that includes an officially registered Alexa Skill.
And which skill is that? please send a link. I am using laptop and HA-bridge and not Pi.
Any idea why I was able to control devices from the bridge without having CM15A or any other interface connected to my laptop? It is a mystery to me. The only connection to laptop was battery charger plugged into wall outlet.
You’ll find all the relevant Alexa lighting skills and their associated hardware/software in the Skills section of the Amazon app. Just do a search there for your options
-
[t has been a while since using Alex10 however of I remember right uninstalling Alex10 didn't uninstall HA-Bridge. I susspect you have a cm19 or cm15 or cm11 connected to some PC and HA-Bridge is talking to it. In reality Alex10 isnt required to control X10 with Alexa.
Originaly I just used the AHP SDK with HA-Bridge and wrote the scripts
Mr. T
So you mean the bridge on laptop is talking to the AHP PC that has a CM 15 connected to it. I thought laptop must have some interface to talk to other devices.
-
Depending how the bridge is setup! it will talk to any device on your network if you had your setup on your laptop and some how the IP changed the bridge looks for that IP if that IP coresponds with a PC with a copy of programs that were on your laptop then Alexa would still have control.
-
>*<
hopefully you all are safe and healthy.
However my Alexa is not. I have done all that I know and all that I have read on the forum for the entire weekend has not helped Alexa to discover devices that are on the bridge. I can control all the X10 devices from the bridge and Alex 10 but Alexa does not see X10 devices. All other non X10 are listed and fully controlled by Alexa.
I have installed and reinstalled Alex 10, Java . Window defender is not blocking. Even the router is not blocking the port.
Now am very tired and will greatly greatly appreciate any help to get Alexa back on track.
Thanks. Stay safe and healthy.
-
Alex10 and the PiAlexaHub are good solutions for interfacing X10 to Alexa but there are occasional glitches that can cause a lot of frustration, as you well know. The solution I'm using is a Smartenit Harmony P2 with an Insteon PLM. At $60 for both it's an economical solution that not only gives you Alexa skill supported control of X10 but an app and a fairly sophisticated controller with email and text notifications. I've been using it for almost 2 years and it's rock solid. It's basically what X10's WM100 should have been and is half the price. It's virtually plug 'n Play so you can be up and running 30 minutes after you open the box. Everything is done through an Android/IOS app or web portal. In addition to X10, you can also use it to control Insteon and ZigBee devices.
https://smartenit.com/product/harmony-p2/
-
>*<
hopefully you all are safe and healthy.
However my Alexa is not. I have done all that I know and all that I have read on the forum for the entire weekend has not helped Alexa to discover devices that are on the bridge. I can control all the X10 devices from the bridge and Alex 10 but Alexa does not see X10 devices. All other non X10 are listed and fully controlled by Alexa.
I have installed and reinstalled Alex 10, Java . Window defender is not blocking. Even the router is not blocking the port.
Now am very tired and will greatly greatly appreciate any help to get Alexa back on track.
Thanks. Stay safe and healthy.
The HA Bridge has become a bit of a labour of love project. As soon as Amazon push an update it usually breaks. You can view the issue and a purported solution here until the next Amazon update. https://github.com/bwssytems/ha-bridge/issues/1243
If you rely heavily on Alexa ( I don’t), as suggested above buy yourself a cheap hub with a registered Alexa Skill and save yourself all the trouble unless you feel confident to follow the above fix.
-
Hi brobin
thanks for the suggestion. I have ordered the device. will let you guys know when i get it.
Getting fed up with HA-bridge. Too much wasted time.
Take care stay safe.
-
Best 60 bucks you'll ever spend for X10 control. Any questions or help needed just holler.
-
Hi brobin
thanks for the suggestion. I have ordered the device. will let you guys know when i get it.
Getting fed up with HA-bridge. Too much wasted time.
Take care stay safe.
The HA Bridge is for people who prefer to spend hours tinkering and look at it as a challenge. Not many here I reckon the challenge anymore. Life’s too short for that. It was certainly a solution while it worked without intervention. Not so these days and the posts on that topic prove this.
-
I love the challenge but after awhile a repeating problem just becomes a chore. There's also the expectation of others in the house (aka: wife) that things will work reliably and when they don't the fix becomes a "honeydew" item that requires immediate attention.
So off-the-shelf makes life easier which is what HA is all about.
-
I love the challenge but after awhile a repeating problem just becomes a chore. There's also the expectation of others in the house (aka: wife) that things will work reliably and when they don't the fix becomes a "honeydew" item that requires immediate attention.
So off-the-shelf makes life easier which is what HA is all about.
For practicality purposes a hub with the ready to go basic home automation features would be the solution. I suppose something that included the proverbial Alexa to keep the wife happy (not an issue here) is mandatory.
The trick when creating a bespoke solution yourself is to get the foundations properly in place. Hacking bits and pieces of other people’s work and not really understanding what lies beneath it is a recipe for failure. So much time is spent propping it up its a complete turn off for the end user.
There’s no one size fits all home automation system. Bearing in mind that this is the X10 forum, getting a working X10 solution is not a problem. It’s only when the focus drifts to other elements of home automation do you start to encounter problems. There’s such a vast array of hardware on the market these days it’s sometimes difficult to include support for everything on a bespoke DIY setup. This is where knowledge of what is going on under the bonnet is important.
It seems the desire these days is for a full blown Alexa hub with its own proprietary lighting, switching, sensors etc hardware. No doubt that’s in the pipeline but until it happens you’ll need a hub with a certified Amazon skill to ensure some form of ongoing reliability. Emulators just don’t cut it anymore unless you have the requisite programming skills to maintain them.
-
I am a big, long-time X10 fan. I also saw the potential greatness in voice control home automation back in 2006? I loved setting up and using BVC (Bill's Voice Commander) to control my X10.... back in the old days. Bill.... was way ahead of the times.
My set-up is in a state of constant growth, change, and evolution.... and has been since day one. My Home Automation is NOT a home component like a furnace or hot water heater. They work till they break... and THEN.. they get replaced. For me... Home Automation is a state of mind. My set-up ideas are somewhat internally generated ideas (although my best ideas are OTHER peoples) that I adapt my home to accept.
And now.... more and more... with the inclusion of my phone (and earbuds). I've been adapting my own lifestyle to be more inclusive of automation. I wonder.... if it isn't time to drop the word "HOME" from our automation setups.
X10 can be adapted to work with Alexa. If.... that is necessary and/or desired. But it is a little work. Maybe unnecessary work as X10 (and home automation) has many functions that work fine without an AI component. I run a menagerie of HA products along with Amazon's Alexa. For me... I've found the best way to is to determine what your needs and/or wants are and then select and exploit the product that best fits own ideas.
-
...
It seems the desire these days is for a full blown Alexa hub with its own proprietary lighting, switching, sensors etc hardware. No doubt that’s in the pipeline but until it happens you’ll need a hub with a certified Amazon skill to ensure some form of ongoing reliability. Emulators just don’t cut it anymore unless you have the requisite programming skills to maintain them.
T's Alex10 and PiX10Hub projects were terrific in getting Alexa to control X10 but time marches on and the constant changes that break existing systems make a supported Alexa Skill de rigueur today. Only a small number of people have the requisite interest and aptitude to
do any more than plug something in and be done with it. I have a friend who's a brilliant doctor and can put seriously injured people back together but can't solder two wires together or even deal with the setup menu on his printer. They moved into a new home a year ago and the thermostats are still flashing 12:00 rofl
-
Yes you have two groups these days, the “ plug'n'go ‘ and the “ solder’n’hope “. Personally I’ll build before I’d buy and that’s why X10 has always been so appealing. It basically fits into any setup. I really am amazed when I see people ripping out their setup in favour of the likes of Z Wave or similar knowing that with a little thought new life can be given to the old dog.
When it comes to the likes of Amazon Alexa of course it can be circumvented for local control only but you really have to understand the technology to achieve this and know that it is a constant game of catch-up, something that’s not appealing to the basic user. If you can buy a cheap hub with a registered Alexa skill that is the way to go. Leave all that catch-up activity to the supplier and not the end user. If on the other hand you fancy a challenge.......get the soldering iron out. rofl
-
Skills definitely are the way to go for Alexa and Google for sure. Amazon and Google maintain the skills so they always work.
You don't need to buy a Hub to get a Google or Alexa Skill for Smarthome Voice control anyone can make them.
Alex10 was basically created to make programing HA-Bridge (json file creation) an easy process. It really doesn't give you Alexa control HA-Bridge does.
However the creator of HA-Bridge needs to keep on top of things or it becomes inoperable. (Which it has for many)
I've recently been playing with a program that has a registered Google and Alexa Skill. Sadly when I first heard of this I was informed you needed to create batch files for this to work. THIS IS NOT THE CASE! This performs very much like HA-Bridge but it doesn't mimic a hue hub it has Skills.
Creating Batch files does expand this adding some logic but AHP as many home automations software already have this.
I no longer use AHP but not because it didn't work for me. I wanted a low power option that a PC couldn't provide.
I've read several articles of the newer PI 4 (4gig model) running Windows 11 very well. So I wonder if AHP could be ran on it ::) :'
If so I probably would move back to AHP (at least for a short time) and update Alex10 to write a json file for TRIGGERcmd to allow voice control of X10.
It should be noted TRIGGERcmd already can work with AHP and give you both Alexa and Google voice control of X10. (it has been able to do this for years with no additional software)
-
I had come to believe that my X10 setup could be relegated to my Home Theater (it's original intent) and still remain as a part of my Home Automation. Keeping my X10 (via Homeseerer) running with Alexa voice control or other Pi software... required some time and effort.
But the other day my wife... who has become accustomed and comfortable with Alexa controlled automation. Asked that I setup the theater to be voice controlled.
So now the question has become... do I re-enter the effort to voice control X10? Replace X10 (maybe with Amazon brand devices)? Or fudge a solution somewhere in between (Like Alexa IR, X10 control). Being a fan of Rube Goldberg... will likely influence my decision.
-
If you already have Homeseerer controlling X10 adding the devices in your home theater should be a simple task.
I currently run the TRIGGERcmd software from my PI with HomeGenie but it could be run from any OS.
I believe Alex10 could also handle the Alexa or Google calls from it as is.
I may check this out if I can find a computer with AHP still installed on it. ::) :'
It is to bad I had been informed TRIGGERcmd needed both batch files and an other thirdparty software or I may have looked at it sooner. :(
-
I had come to believe that my X10 setup could be relegated to my Home Theater (it's original intent) and still remain as a part of my Home Automation. Keeping my X10 (via Homeseerer) running with Alexa voice control or other Pi software... required some time and effort.
But the other day my wife... who has become accustomed and comfortable with Alexa controlled automation. Asked that I setup the theater to be voice controlled.
So now the question has become... do I re-enter the effort to voice control X10? Replace X10 (maybe with Amazon brand devices)? Or fudge a solution somewhere in between (Like Alexa IR, X10 control). Being a fan of Rube Goldberg... will likely influence my decision.
Don't know if you have already thought of this option, but I just added the Samrtenit Harmony P2 with X10 PLM and can control all of my X10 devices by voice through Alexa. It was a quite simple setup (basically connect to wifi, discover devices in Smartenit and Alexa and you're done)
I'm a very simple user, just for lighting, but I imagine home theater X10 devices would be just as easy
-
Don't know if you have already thought of this option, but I just added the Samrtenit Harmony P2 with X10 PLM and can control all of my X10 devices by voice through Alexa. It was a quite simple setup (basically connect to wifi, discover devices in Smartenit and Alexa and you're done)
Thanks! I am reviewing that option now. Also thinking of an IR device (I had tried that once in the past). So MANY great option now-a-days.
-
Also thinking of an IR device (I had tried that once in the past). So MANY great option now-a-days.
I used the Broadlink RM for both RF and IR device control in the past. I still use it today but just to power on/off my large dumb TV via Alexa. I can't remember the last time I used the DVD player or stereo ::) :'
-
I used the Broadlink RM for both RF and IR device control in the past. I still use it today but just to power on/off my large dumb TV via Alexa. I can't remember the last time I used the DVD player or stereo ::) :'
Yes... I had used a battery power IR device at one time. I don't recall the brand name. But It's app/skill stopped working and it became useless. Broadlink may be more than enough.
I still have a BlueRay player as part of my theater equipment. But we only stream now-a-days. During the pandemic we even streamed movies that were playing in the public theaters at the same time.
Theaters.... have short lifespans... in terms of current technology. The only "original parts" of my theater are some of the speakers. I've been thinking about my next upgrade.... which could be more cosmetic than technological. I am thinking of moving the equipment rack and all the components out of the room as well as my DVD-BlueRay collection. And maybe adding a fireplace of some sort.
But I still have a few more little projects for this years Home Automation Season. Along the same line and my leak detection setup.... I am thinking of water pump email alert, and freezer temperature monitoring. Meanwhile... I just replaced my WiFi router with one that should be able to handle my foreseeable future needs.
-
I was looking at updating my wifi to wifi 6 but I now see wifi 7 is getting some attention. Tec is moving so fast, it is out dated before you get it home.😖
-
I was looking at updating my wifi to wifi 6 but I now see wifi 7 is getting some attention. Tec is moving so fast, it is out dated before you get it home.😖
So true..... but it's been that way for a long, long time. I was buying parts (at computer shows) and assembling my PC's pre-Win95.
I often ride my bike past the Wright Bros Original home (they lived nearby). They were the Bicycle makers who invented the airplane ~ 1903. Years later (66).... people walked on the moon. Things keep changing.
I plan on replacing my projector and screen (in my theater) with a paper thin 130" roll-out OLED. I just have to wait.... until it's invented.
I look forward to many of the changes we're SUPPOSED to see.... like flying cars. Or robots that do more than zig zag around vacuuming or clipping the lawn.
-
Talk about change.....
I had updated my laptop to Windows 11........ and it became so slow. And so many updates.
I decided to make the switch to an Apple (ipad pro 12.9). I really like it. But I can't seem to get myself logged on here (on the old laptop now). It's been FUN. Big time, huge part of my life fun. Thank you all.
-
I am using Alex10 ver. 1.5.4.0 with bridge version 3.5.1 on port 80 on Win10 PC and all has been going well until today. My echo dots respond to my verbal commands and Alex10 receives them as shown on its interface but the devices do not respond. I can control the devices directly from the HABridge web page via the test buttons for the devices. It looks like Alex10 isn't communicating with the bridge. Any idea what the problem is? BTW, I have the Alexa win10 app on my desktop pc and it controls the devices ok.