X10 Community Forum
📱X10 WIFI => 🗯General Discussion => Topic started by: VinRin57 on February 16, 2018, 02:27:14 PM
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As many or all of you, I've waited about 2 years (some longer )for the Wi-Fi module. A long road of ups and downs, but it's here! And I`d think we all want Authinx to do well. They are now into batch 3. Anyone know how many sold? Probably private company with private figures, but just curious?
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The greatest WAF moment I ever got... was when my wife spoke to Alexa.... and Alexa controlled the lights for her. BTW.... it was Christmas music "on demand" that sold the wife on Alexa.
The other day.... I added the WM100 app to the wife's phone. She was really happy to see the entire house broke-down into rooms.... with all off and all on buttons. She now feels in complete control of the homes automation.... maybe for the 1st time,
I currently control my X10 through Alexa using a Homeseer device (thanks to fernracer). I think adding Alexa and Google control to X10 would be the best thing X10 could do for their bottom-line... and our security in having a strong source of X10 product.
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As many or all of you, I've waited about 2 years (some longer )for the Wi-Fi module. A long road of ups and downs, but it's here! And I`d think we all want Authinx to do well. They are now into batch 3. Anyone know how many sold? Probably private company with private figures, but just curious?
You can try to estimate visiting the google store and seeing how many downloaded apps(100 - 500)
I'm not sure if Apple has something simular for an install counter
Given many have placed this on at least two or three devices I'd cut those numbers in half.
The Owner of Authinx flew in the first two batches I know. I suspect these wouldn't have been very large maybe a hundred or two.
I'm not sure if this third shipment is the shipment sent by boat or another air shipment.
I suspect the number sold thus far to be about 200-500
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Yup, I saw the d/l numbers at the play store and thought along the same lines. No such count at Apple. Thinking that if they do well, there would be incentive to expand. Just my .02.
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But even if you posit a $50 gross profit per unit, $50*500=$25,000, that's not enough to keep Authinx's lights on for very long.
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We used to have similar discussions (chats) in the Home Automation Chat Room.
It all boils down to.... how many of us are there. Is the number of HA users in the hundreds? Are we numbered in the thousands? Or could the actual number of home automation users number in the tens-of-thousands? I would guess that traditionally... the answers are Yes, yes, and yes.
Many of the serious HA users... know who many of the others are. There are a few hundred serious automation enthusiasts. We are a niche market IMHO.
Thousands have incorporated HA products to solve a problem, or issue with security, or accessibility. These issues (again, IMHO) are usually associated with an architectural/electrical issue or a health/mobility issue.
Like so many other products... HA products have a tourist market. Lots (tens of thousands) of people visit... very few decide to move in and live here.
Right now... is a unique time in HA. With the advent of 3 giant corporations invested in AI HA technology... the HA tourists number in the MILLIONS. That is where the money is. Not us (niche) serious users. Not the (thousands) of people with a tiny set-up so Grandpa can turn on inside lights with a remote so he won't fall with his walker.
Who knows how many of the millions of Alexa and Google home users will want to add lights and electronics control to their music and calendar automation. I don't know. But the vast number of possible customers is unheard of in most markets.
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From a 1999 article by Dave Rye...
Today X10 has an installed base of over 100 million units
https://www.hometoys.com/content.php?url=/htinews/oct99/articles/rye/rye.htm (https://www.hometoys.com/content.php?url=/htinews/oct99/articles/rye/rye.htm)
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In today's paper I saw a big ad from Lennar home builders who have housing developments in many areas of the country. They are partnering with Amazon to include HA as part of the build with Amazon techs coming to the home to set things up and train the buyers. If this is adopted by more builders then perhaps we'll finally see HA go mainstream.
Read this for more: http://investors.lennar.com/news/2017/06-14-2017
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From a 1999 article by Dave Rye...
Nice piece. And like I said.... lots of automation tourists out there.
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In today's paper I saw a big ad from Lennar home builders who have housing developments in many areas of the country. They are partnering with Amazon to include HA as part of the build with Amazon techs coming to the home to set things up and train the buyers. If this is adopted by more builders then perhaps we'll finally see HA go mainstream.
When the cable company began advertising Home Automation I was convinced that was the beginning of "monthly fee home automation". I thought for sure the cable techs would make my install/setup look amateurish. But cable HA... didn't pan out.
I am still confident that things like Amazon AI Echo devices will attract huge numbers of people to HA. How many will be tourist and how many will make HA a lifestyle..... I don't know.
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I am still confident that things like Amazon AI Echo devices will attract huge numbers of people to HA. How many will be tourist and how many will make HA a lifestyle..... I don't know.
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I say overtime the majority will make it a lifestyle. I think it's going to really start blooming so X10 needs to get on with Alexa while the gettin's good.
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25000 registered users of this very site.
I would guess 90+% to be mostly inactive - but still a possible marketing venue for Authinx if they pull the email list.
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I am still confident that things like Amazon AI Echo devices will attract huge numbers of people to HA. How many will be tourist and how many will make HA a lifestyle..... I don't know.
I say overtime the majority will make it a lifestyle. I think it's going to really start blooming so X10 needs to get on with Alexa while the gettin's good.
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Agree. When you look at the proliferation of 'automation' devices from a myriad of manufacturers, X10 stands a great chance of becoming a go-to again if they get on the bandwagon. I think lots of folks are just now finding out about HA with the advent of the likes of Alexa, etc....and just look at all to IoT connected devices that are wowing people because they 'never heard of such technology'.
Those of us who have been using X10 or any PLC HA for that matter since the 70's are needing to learn new tricks as well, but we're well positioned to take advantage of the boost.
I for one, will be awhile before adopting a speaker that will listen to me argue with my wife and order flowers for me....but lots of people thing it's the next best thing to sliced bread.
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.... I for one, will be awhile before adopting a speaker that will listen to me argue with my wife and order flowers for me....
Stop arguing with the wife (she's always right anyway) and you won't need to order flowers. :)
I am an old man and shocked that so many here are concerned about Amazon listening in to them... when we all know it's Google that does that.. rofl
Every aspect of peoples lives are spied on... every phone call deconstructed into metadata. I posted a picture of my long-deceased father on facebook... and their face recognition software identified him. There isn't enough people in the world to spy on all the people in the world. The spying is being performed by machines... software algorithms... that rate and compare. The ultimate desire of government is to control the population. The goal of business is to monetize the knowledge. And just Like a nosey neighbor that knows my business and willingly shares any gossip that can be gleamed.....
it does me no real harm. I'll save my fears and concerns for things that deserve fear and concern.
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I'll save my fears and concerns for things that deserve fear and concern.
The Zombie Apocalypse is nigh rofl
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A little off topic, but I will get to the point. I have an Acurite Weather System. A few months ago, they sent an email offering a new smart hub, “Acurite Access” for $39. Significantly less than retail. I bit (bought). Last week, Acurite sent another email saying the current (old) smart hub will be at EOL in August 2018. I guess, this is a bamboozle bargain. There are people who recently purchased their product and now are being told that they need to buy yet another hub. Not happy. In my case the (old) smart hub was purchased about 7 years ago. Not so unhappy.
So, I have watched the release of the X10 WIFI module with some reservation. About 10 years ago, I bought a few pieces of Insteon kit, thinking that was the way to go. I got the WIFI unit to work with an iPhone. In hind sight, I could have done more with it, but let’s see $50 for a $35 X10 wall switch. Hand controller that looked like a 70’s cell phone. I decided to cut my losses and dumped the small lot. Here I am today, a “Smarthome” with an IQ of 80. I have XPS3 switches in every wall plate, and most of the portable lights are plugged into appliance modules. With AHP running, lights can be easily scheduled. Moreover, with IR sensors, lights can be controlled by activity. However, to me this is not intelligence, it is just robotics.
What is home intelligence? Lately, I cannot even consider the question. The last few months have been primarily dedicated to making X10 more robust. Chasing noise and signal suckers. Buying a Raspberry Pi and testing replacements for AHP, so I can move on. Adding Phillips Hue in a couple of rooms may not add intelligence but could greatly enhance ambiance. Adding smart thermostats would be a good step. How can a X10 WIFI module help realize these objectives? I like the X10 WIFI module, I just don’t see it helping me raise the intelligence of my home. Almost all the new HA programs have mobile access and a lot more.
To the point, I spent the money on a smart hub for my weather system. I still need to consider what products will add intelligence. A X10 WIFI hub is not in that picture for me.
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Currently the WM100 and app aren't much more then a fancy remote.
This is not what Authinx wants this module to be. :)% Luckily this has an upgradable firmware so many enhancements can be added without a major hardware redesign.
This Hub is in its early stages of growth and I've seen two firmware updates thus far and I suspect will see several more before the end of the year.
All shipments are the same hardware design and from the same production run I'm told.
Although the WM100 doesn't add much as far as intelligence currently, I expect that to change once Authinx sees where Users expect this to go.
>!
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A little off topic, but I will get to the point. ....So, I have watched the release of the X10 WIFI module with some reservation............. Here I am today, a “Smarthome” with an IQ of 80. ........ lights can be easily scheduled.... lights can be controlled by activity. However, to me this is not intelligence, it is just robotics.
What is home intelligence? ......
What a great post tflemer. I love these deep, thoughtful posts! If you notice my tag lines (bottom of my post... in blue), you'll see I agree there is much more ahead for HA. You may be slightly visionary in your views of what HA can and should do... and that's GREAT. Right now I think what brings most people to HA is a desire for "control". Like yourself... I think... my desire is to free myself of control over the repetitive mundane functions around the home. And to find new ways for my automation products/services to improve my lifestyle for me.
We should have an IQ test for our automation setups. I wonder... how smart my home might be? Thanks for posting!!!
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What is home intelligence? I still need to consider what products will add intelligence. A X10 WIFI hub is not in that picture for me.
Playing with home automation since early '80s, my definition is a home that "makes decisions". In other words; use of conditionals and other inputs to make decisions.
e.g. Motion sensor picks up movement at your front porch and the HA system "asks questions" and makes decisions.
1. Is it daylight or dark? Dark= turn on porch light.
2. Are occupants home or away? Occupants home=ring chime. Occupants away=set high security flag and check back yard motion sensor for trigger.
3. If dark, and occupants are home, are occupants up or in bed? If occupants are up, turn on front door entry light. If occupants in bed=turn on porch speaker and read warning text to porch speaker.
etc.
So it requires a computer or a stand alone controller that can use conditionals. You are right, the WM100 can not do that at this stage of the game. The CM15A with AHP can, or small stand alone HA units like the Hometroller from Homeseer can.
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Currently the WM100 and app aren't much more then a fancy remote.
This is not what Authinx wants this module to be. :)% Luckily this has an upgradable firmware so many enhancements can be added without a major hardware redesign.
This Hub is in its early stages of growth and I've seen two firmware updates thus far and I suspect will see several more before the end of the year.
All shipments are the same hardware design and from the same production run I'm told.
Although the WM100 doesn't add much as far as intelligence currently, I expect that to change once Authinx sees where Users expect this to go.
>!
With the 20-30Vpp PLC, the WM100 already addresses the biggest problem with all earlier X10 PLC transmitters. And, the rather brainy hardware (i.e. ESP8266 plus an ST MCU with 8KB of external flash) has enormous potential. Here's hoping they make good use of all that potential.
For example, the ESP8266 can do everything it does now plus, simultaneously, acting as a hub for a few other WiFi modules.
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A little off topic, but I will get to the point. I have an Acurite Weather System. A few months ago, they sent an email offering a new smart hub, “Acurite Access” for $39. Significantly less than retail. I bit (bought). Last week, Acurite sent another email saying the current (old) smart hub will be at EOL in August 2018. I guess, this is a bamboozle bargain. There are people who recently purchased their product and now are being told that they need to buy yet another hub. Not happy. In my case the (old) smart hub was purchased about 7 years ago. Not so unhappy.
So, I have watched the release of the X10 WIFI module with some reservation. About 10 years ago, I bought a few pieces of Insteon kit, thinking that was the way to go. I got the WIFI unit to work with an iPhone. In hind sight, I could have done more with it, but let’s see $50 for a $35 X10 wall switch. Hand controller that looked like a 70’s cell phone. I decided to cut my losses and dumped the small lot. Here I am today, a “Smarthome” with an IQ of 80. I have XPS3 switches in every wall plate, and most of the portable lights are plugged into appliance modules. With AHP running, lights can be easily scheduled. Moreover, with IR sensors, lights can be controlled by activity. However, to me this is not intelligence, it is just robotics.
What is home intelligence? Lately, I cannot even consider the question. The last few months have been primarily dedicated to making X10 more robust. Chasing noise and signal suckers. Buying a Raspberry Pi and testing replacements for AHP, so I can move on. Adding Phillips Hue in a couple of rooms may not add intelligence but could greatly enhance ambiance. Adding smart thermostats would be a good step. How can a X10 WIFI module help realize these objectives? I like the X10 WIFI module, I just don’t see it helping me raise the intelligence of my home. Almost all the new HA programs have mobile access and a lot more.
To the point, I spent the money on a smart hub for my weather system. I still need to consider what products will add intelligence. A X10 WIFI hub is not in that picture for me.
All very relevant points.
The hardware(in this case x10) just does what it's told by the software. AHP really is on its last legs and I completely understand users reluctance to give it up after investing a lot of time and energy into it.
The intelligence with HA comes from the software. I looked into Domoticz recently as an example and had it up and running my complete x10 setup on a Raspberry Pi3 in no time. Believe me, this software looks very promising indeed. It's completely Open Source so no big outlays here. Here's the link to the forum for anyone interested https://www.domoticz.com/forum/index.php?sid=309f855192ab21fe09636d543fd43bd0
So much "smart" technology has come and gone in the last five years and so much more will follow the same route. Forty three years later and we still have x10 doing what it does best, on/off, brighten/dim.
The Raspberry Pi and other single board computers are the ultimate hubs. Units you can customise for your own use and have x10 do whatever you like without depending on third party servers. It's what's known in the industry as an "embedded solution".
A bit of time, energy and patience is all that is required here. Once you master it your x10 setup won't know what hit it. it's AHP on steroids and more.
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The Raspberry Pi and other single board computers are the ultimate hubs. Units you can customise for your own use and have x10 do whatever you like without depending on third party servers. It's what's known in the industry as an "embedded solution".
A bit of time, energy and patience is all that is required here. Once you master it your x10 setup won't know what hit it. it's AHP on steroids and more.
In one of my first posts after the WM100 arrived I suggested Authinx should become a Raspberry Pi distributor and release a Pi preprogrammed with a Windows 10 IoT Core application to interact with the WM100. I still think that's a good idea.
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The Raspberry Pi and other single board computers are the ultimate hubs. Units you can customise for your own use and have x10 do whatever you like without depending on third party servers. It's what's known in the industry as an "embedded solution".
A bit of time, energy and patience is all that is required here. Once you master it your x10 setup won't know what hit it. it's AHP on steroids and more.
In one of my first posts after the WM100 arrived I suggested Authinx should become a Raspberry Pi distributor and release a Pi preprogrammed with a Windows 10 IoT Core application to interact with the WM100. I still think that's a good idea.
A little risky tying into a particular manufacturer bearing in mind the rate of development these days. This beast is the new kid on the block and will comfortable run a 64bit operating system. The specs are mind blowing for its size. This or a laptop......a no brainer answer really https://www.pine64.org/?page_id=7147
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...... AHP really is on its last legs and I completely understand users reluctance to give it up after investing a lot of time and energy into it.
rofl What can we say..... we're old and set in our ways. :)% Some guys here have built awesome setups using a CM15A and X10 software (and HA PC's running 24/7). The loss of X10 servers was devastating for many of us. Now the idea of completely rebuilding isn't something most would look forward to.
....Forty three years later and we still have x10 doing what it does best, on/off, brighten/dim.
Heck... I rarely even use "dim" functions with lighting. But.... lighting has become much less of what we use/need HA to do.
The Raspberry Pi and other single board computers are the ultimate hubs. Units you can customise for your own use and have x10 do whatever you like without depending on third party servers. It's what's known in the industry as an "embedded solution".
I've been looking at running Homegenie on my new Raspberry Pi 3. I am still new to Pi, Raspbian, Linux, and/or Python.... and I am still horribly inept. Thank you for the link. I saved it and will browse through the posts. I failed at getting HG to run for me (so far). I'll see what I can do with Domoticz. Does it also use a CM15A as an X10 interface?
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I agree. The CM15 is at the end.
I dim my front barn lights to 67% at night. They come up to 100% with motion. This is based on a conditional macro. Also, the path to the bathroom lights up to 75% after midnight upon motion.
We need a Hub that can read other sensors. Humidity, temperature, time, water levels. This hub should have a Web interface, not an app. Logic should be stored in the hub, not the cloud. The Web interface should work via the Internet AND the intranet. We need an IR interface.
I'm seriously thinking a plug computer and XTB 523 with Dallas 2-wire is the solution.
Why have an app when a Web page will do the same, if the only purpose of the app is programming?
Voice control is important, so is audible feedback, whether it be spoken or a chime or sound.
PIR motion sensors are great, but the X10 variety have lagged behind. DS modules are great, but I think the numbers top out at 32. Every closet door in my house has one. The CM15 used to turn on the closet lights.
Washing machines talk to hubs. Dryers do. Dishwashers do. Sometimes they all talk to Alexa, which can respond accordingly. We need a hub for that. Got a water leak in the basement? I want to know on my phone, but I want the main valve to close and the water heater to shut off till I get home. Smoke alarm goes off? I want pics from where in the house it tripped. I want the other alarms going off. I want my porch lights to flash to signal the FD.
I'm a homebuilder. I'm a remodeller. I'm a firefighter. I live in a rural area. I'm a farmer and gone 20 out of 24 hours a day during the spring and fall. I need to know what's going on at my castle when I'm not there, and I need an intelligent servant to take charge and inform me.
I don't need another remote control. I need automation. (See below)
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I agree. The CM15 is at the end.
I had Tuicemen send me the AHP code last week. There's a massive amount of files. It looks like an HD dump.
I can't / haven't even been able to sort through it yet, but every test from the simplest interface is there. There's code from other projects like remote control codes.
I thought "if I can only find the parts that communicate to the CM, including upload functions, I'll just rebuild the interface." I can't even find it (yet). It's a mess. I'm not going to lie. It's a mess.
Given the age of the cypress processor, it's not worth the trouble, but others have looked at the same pile and I think they came to this conclusion 4 years ago. There are certain DLLs that were used for unrelated things. Instead of making this modular, they just kept adding to it, duplicating efforts and dragging junk from other projects along.
My thoughts then turned to writing AHP for the Willie 100, but then found out it uses Amazon's cloud service. There are problems with that that I won't delve into. I could live with the WM100 and an add-on WM/RF, if they will talk to each other.
The problem is we just don't need bulky computers eating up 500 watts of power 24/7 anymore. I also don't need 100 5 watt hubs and/or Pi's doing the same.
I also don't need an app on my phone running all the time. That drains my battery. I need a hub that pushes notifications or sends sms alerts.
I need a new level of automation that goes beyond turning things off or on. Voice boxes are cool and can do much, and I can live with the Echo and a light switching hub, but I need more.
When you think about it, my home router is a hub. We already have light bulbs that work directly with the WiFi, no hub required, which has me thinking, "Do I really need a middle man to talk to my lights?"
If that hub were to support logic and cross platform technology, I could live with feeding it 5 or 10 watts every hour.
Right now, I'm doing alot of soul searching.
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P.S. I can see replacing every switchplate in my house with a cheap tablet. Have it emulate a KeyPadLink. I loved those things when they supported X10. Have it pageable. The home page could be lights in the room. Swipe right for environmentals. Swipe left for security. Swipe again to see camera feeds. Swipe again for other rooms in the house.
I used to think LCARS was cool, but now realize the HAL/SAL 9000 series was more of what I need. The video screens scrolled themselves. The 9000s listened and watched.
Gentlemen, we have the technology. We can build it better, stronger, faster.
The time was 10 years ago, but WTI was more concerned with rebranding tablets and partying. Authinx picked up what was left, and quite understandably had a stumbling block or two, which again, I won't delve into.
Hopefully Willie 100 is one small step for control which will lead to one giant leap for automation.
If we can open this up and make it more usefull, maybe we can go from jogging to sprinting.
Godspeed X10.
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...However, to me this is not intelligence, it is just robotics.....
What is home intelligence? Lately, I cannot even consider the question.
We want Domotics, not more robtics.
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................. I need a new level of automation that goes beyond turning things off or on. Voice boxes are cool and can do much, and I can live with the Echo and a light switching hub, but I need more.
Right now, I'm doing alot of soul searching.......
...... Gentlemen, we have the technology. We can build it better, stronger, faster.
I apologize for butchering your posts to extract only the points I want to address.
But on those points (that I extracted) I believe we are of a like mind. By biting the bullet and shutting down my HA PC ... I've forced myself to address a re-do.... what I am calling a re-imagining of my HA setup. Shutting down the running laptop virtually murdered Kate (the Kate 16 bit computer voice). It was tough... we don't talk anymore... not even a text. My talking home was my favorite part of my setup.
It is actually an old management tool. When you build a business to it's apex... captured from the market all you can.... sometimes you have to destroy your processes and methods and start over. But destruction without a rebuilding plan.... has been emotionally difficult.
I am seriously looking at a single Raspberry Pi running some sort of HA software. I could create and entire back-up with back-ups for the parts and pieces as well. A working setup could function for years. And don't undermine the Pi's they're plenty powerful enough.
But what about the "New Ideas" for home automation. How about todo lists that can modify themselves based on weather, or season, or BOTH.
I've only recently (last few months) began turning to music through Amazon instead of background "noise" from a TV. I am thinking of establishing playlists.
And maybe more reminders that could help guide me towards a healthier and fuller lifestyle (think of the compass function in day planners).
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When I lost my ability to run 3 cm15s at once, I regressed my automation to rudimentary timers and remotes. I gave up at one point. I bought "New" xp machines, but my dot net was incompatible with life jacket, so gave up again. Can't get dot net 4 for xp.
I got AHP running on 10, but couldn't revert the HD Vol ID without it breaking AHP again. I leaned heavily on the DS10/12s as taught to me by a guy that installed one on his recliner.
I had hoped the WM would replace the CM, and we could migrate our AHX files to it. There's a hardware mismatch that puts that out of the question.
I like PI, but not sure I want to jump into it for the sake of automation. I may jump on PI and Linux and stop funding the 1st National Bank of Gates, but rely on accounting software and other things that only work on windows.
I've spent too much time blowing the rust off my programming skills this winter, and was on a roll till a look at the inner workings let the wind out of my sails.
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There's too much profit taking between Jobs and Gates and the Open Source Underground. I can even port my android apps to my brothers apple phones without paying Jobs a subscription fee to do so.
I believe your software should be a selling point for your hardware, and think the fruit might be getting a little stale.
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When I lost my ability to run 3 cm15s at once, I regressed my automation to rudimentary timers and remotes. I gave up at one point. I bought "New" xp machines, but my dot net was incompatible with life jacket, so gave up again. Can't get dot net 4 for xp.
I had hoped the WM would replace the CM, and we could migrate our AHX files to it. There's a hardware mismatch that puts that out of the question.
I've spent too much time blowing the rust off my programming skills this winter, and was on a roll till a look at the inner workings let the wind out of my sails.
All accomplishments worth the effort are proceeded by failure(s).
I think what made the CM15A the enormous success it was for Home Automation users... wasn't what it was designed to do. But what made the CM15A and AHP great.... was what users figured out how to do... with what abilities it had. I think most users here can figure out creative ways to make lights behave as we desire. I know we can mix and match this stuff of different brands and protocols and make it play well together... I am doing so as are others.
We just need to be more creative. Maybe the world doesn't need automated chairs. But sometimes failures work just fine... and still aren't what we're looking for. But successes will come.
From 2009 https://youtu.be/TBk0O__WT2o (https://youtu.be/TBk0O__WT2o)
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I was never a fan of X10's software so don't know how much ran on the Cypress MCU and how much ran on a PC. That said, the WM100 hardware has a lot of potential but it likely will take a long time before Authinx can fully exploit it. So, patience is in order.
The ESP8266 module can act in STA (i.e. Client) & AP (i.e. Access Point) modes simultaneously so it might act as a mini WiFi hub for 4 or 5 HA related devices/modules. It has 38kHz NEC IR built-in which might be exploited to do both X10 RF and IR. It also has 2MB of flash memory that might prove useful. The 32-bit Espressif ESP-WROOM-02 Module, 18-pins, 64 KB boot ROM, 64 KB instruction RAM, 96 KB data RAM and 2MB of Flash is mostly idle.
The MCU, a 32-bit ARM STM32F103RCT6, 64-pins, 256KB Flash, 48KB of RAM plus an external 8KB flash memory chip is, similarly, underutilized. It is roughly equivalent to a first generation Raspberry Pi or an Arduino Mega 2560 in processing power.
Stay tuned!
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I was never a fan of X10's software so don't know how much ran on the Cypress MCU and how much ran on a PC. That said, the WM100 hardware has a lot of potential but it likely will take a long time before Authinx can fully exploit it. So, patience is in order.
The ESP8266 module can act in STA (i.e. Client) & AP (i.e. Access Point) modes simultaneously so it might act as a mini WiFi hub for 4 or 5 HA related devices/modules. It has 38kHz NEC IR built-in which might be exploited to do both X10 RF and IR. It also has 4MB of flash memory that might prove useful. The 32-bit Espressif ESP-WROOM-02 Module, 18-pins, 64 KB boot ROM, 64 KB instruction RAM, 96 KB data RAM and 2MB of Flash is mostly idle.
The MCU, a 32-bit ARM STM32F103RCT6, 64-pins, 256KB Flash, 48KB of RAM plus an external 8KB flash memory chip is, similarly, underutilized. It is roughly equivalent to a first generation Raspberry Pi or an Arduino Mega 2560 in processing power.
Stay tuned!
I agree the potential of this device is enormous.
Like all x10 transceivers none were anything special on initial release (by todays standards)
I'd like to see Authinx add at least 1 option for power users which would prove the power of this device.
Right now everything it does is for beginners (newbies). ::) :'
There is the potential for this to send commands to other Hubs/servers or possibly eliminate some.
As much as I'd like to see the protocol release I don't think we'll see that any time soon. :(
The manufacture just isn't finished creating it, a web upgradable rom means the protocol can be expanded for every X10WIFI App update if needed.
>!
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....... it likely will take a long time before Authinx can fully exploit it. So, patience is in order.
Patience. Not a plentiful resource now-a-days. I checked Amazon... patience seems to mostly be used as the titles of books. One book [Healing Anger: The Power Of Patience From A Buddhist Perspective] is by The Dalai Lama.
But, of course, I agree. New product development is never fast and this is all new to Authinx.
I agree the potential of this device is enormous.
....... I'd like to see Authinx add at least 1 option for power users which would prove the power of this device.
Right now everything it does is for beginners (newbies). ::) :'.....
Without attracting the newbies.... where will the future power users come from? I applaud Authinx efforts to bring in new blood (AKA customers). What would be the "1 option for power users" that you'd like to see added?
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I'm not stating that what the WM100 and App does right now is a bad thing. ;)
For newbies to HA this is a step farther then several other HA hubs go.
What would be the "1 option for power users" that you'd like to see added?
There are several power user options I can think of, some have already been requested in the wish list section.
Many of us power users just want what the CM15 & AHP supplied, but this can do so much more.
Authinx needs to add some automation to the WM100 not just timers.
Give users a hint as to the potential power of the WM100. ::) :'
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..... Many of us power users just want what the CM15 & AHP supplied, but this can do so much more.
Authinx needs to add some automation to the WM100 not just timers.
Give users a hint as to the potential power of the WM100. ::) :'
Maybe... adding access/control to X10's SC1200 Security Console, door/window and motion sensors could be a easy add-on that could satisfy BOTH new and power users?!?!
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Maybe... adding access/control to X10's SC1200 Security Console, door/window and motion sensors could be a easy add-on that could satisfy BOTH new and power users?!?!
That would be a nice add. ;) :)
However I doubt that could be done via a firmware update at least with any decent range.
dhouston would may be have a better idea as to the ease of that being done.
I would suspect an antenna add would be required.
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Authinx needs to add some automation to the WM100 not just timers.
How about the ability to monitor real-world variables like temperature with an external module? That can be used to control HVAC systems and irrigation like I do with the Ocelot.
Jeff
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Monitoring real world variables I think would be possible with a web request. The ability for the WM100 to be able to do Http GET, PUT, POST.... actions would be huge. :)
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I've been looking at running Homegenie on my new Raspberry Pi 3. I am still new to Pi, Raspbian, Linux, and/or Python.... and I am still horribly inept. Thank you for the link. I saved it and will browse through the posts. I failed at getting HG to run for me (so far). I'll see what I can do with Domoticz. Does it also use a CM15A as an X10 interface?
After many years of screw ups, I like to create recipes for setting up hardware and programs ( ...and still screw up). Sometimes a Capitol s for a lower case S can make all the difference. For RPi and Homegenie, my recipe has almost turned into a cookbook. Not sure this will help others or set the framework for installing other HA programs, but take a look. If it helps, great, otherwise deleting is just electrons.
I will throw in whatever help I can. There is a forum for HomeGenie https://homegenie.club I notice some of the member names here are also on the Homegenie forum. Many of them have more knowledge that I do. Members on the .club forum have created install recipes as well.
OVERVIEW
1. Document steps as you go through the process
2. Create a working SD Card image for Raspberry PI
3. Clone image to local computer as a starter base.
4. Install program(s) such as HomeGenie
5. Backup HomeGenie configuration
6. Clone SD Card image with HomeGenie
RPi 3B Raspian SETUP
Using a Windows 10 machine. There are two programs needed for setup and communications with your RPi.
Etcher – This program will transfer the image file to a micro SD card.
https://etcher.io/
PuTTY – this is a popular terminal program to access an RPi via SSH.
https://www.putty.org/
CLONING BACKUPS
Win32 Disk Imager - for backups and clones later in the process
https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/
Instructions to use:
https://pimylifeup.com/backup-raspberry-pi/
CREATE IMAGE
Go to https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/
Download the Raspian Stretch image to a local machine (Win10 is OK). Normal placement is in \downloads.
Note Etcher will read the .zip file directly. No need to extract.
Insert SD card into USB adapter and then in to USB port on local machine. Note: new cards will show as a drive letter in Windows Explorer.
(Used cards will cause a format popup. Do not format. The best practice is to use <Windows Administrative Tools><Computer Management><Disk Management> to delete partitions and create one new volume.)
Start Etcher to transfer the Raspian image onto a MicroSD card
From Etcher menu select image .zip file to load.
Etcher shows the drive that will be written to. So far Etcher sees the correct drive. However, an added thumb drive may confuse it. So, pay attention.
Click on start. Burning takes about 20 minutes on my laptop.
The RPi must be powered down.
Remove the SD card from the adapter and insert in the RPi board. Note: the printed side of the SD card should be visible from the solder side of the pc board.
Apply power to the RPi. I have a monitor connected to the RPi and can see the boot process. Also, a USB wireless keyboard and mouse are added to compete setup.
CHANGE PASSWORDS
Changing passwords in Raspian is a good security practice. There are two default users: pi and root
From the on-screen menu open a terminal session (on top menu bar). Enter the following
sudo passwd pi <enter>
Enter new UNIX password: NEWPASSWORD <enter>
Retype new UNIX password: NEWPASSWORD <enter>
Passwd: password updated successfully
Now again for root
sudo passwd root <enter>
Enter new UNIX password: NEWPASSWORD <enter>
Retype new UNIX password: NEWPASSWORD <enter>
Passwd: password updated successfully
CHANGE HOSTNAME, INTERFACES, and LOCALIZATION
I like to change the Hostname and set up the basics here.
From the main menu go to [preferences][Raspberry Pi Configuration]
On the System tab enter the new Hostname (RPi-HGvxx)
Unclick Logon as Pi user (good security practice)
Click to the Interfaces tab
Click enable SSH.
This allows text terminal access from another computer using PuTTY. I use this to install additional programs like Homegenie.
Click on Localization
Click on each of the buttons and make needed changes to localize the RPi board.
Click OK, The RPi will ask if reboot now?
Click OK to reboot
SETTING FIXED IP ADDRESS
I like fixed IP addresses where servers are involved. I currently have my internet router set to allow 64 DHCP addresses. With the proliferation of smart devices, I may need to expand this. With fixed IP addresses I don’t need to log into the router and look up a device IP address. Routers, VOIP, and infrastructure devices (UPSs, PDUs, and Server IO boards take up a few IP addresses. There is still plenty in a 255 subnet.
On the main menu bar, right click on the network icon. You should see a menu option for Wireless and Wired Network Settings. Click on this.
On the popup select [eth0]
Unclick Automatically configure empty options
For now, click on disable IPv6
Enter IPv4 address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Enter Router xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (this is the gateway)
Enter DNS Server xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (this can be the gateway or an external DNS)
Enter DNS Search xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Click Apply
Note on WIFI – I have as a practice used DHCP addresses for WIFI. Because devices that use WIFI tend to be mobil and may access multiple networks. However, in the case of RPi a fixed address can be used for WIFI in a set location.
Reboot the RPi, either from the main menu on the local screen or from a terminal session enter:
Sudo reboot now
UPDATING Raspian Stretch.
Note: as a simple explanation, Linux is a collection of packages, libraries, and lots of code. Often a new or revision of a package will use the most recent libraries. If your copy of Raspian is not current, package installers will get fussy. So, update and upgrade before installing new packages.
In a terminal session on the local machine or through SSH (PuTTY)
Login as pi
Enter the following. At points you will be asked to answer y.n. Y<enter>
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
Now Raspian is running on the most recent releases.
ADDING RASPIAN PACKAGES
Adding a file manager-I like Midnight Commander as a quick and dirty way to move around Linux in a terminal session. Old school. It can copy files to/from a thumb drive. Edit files on the fly.
Go to main menu select [Preferences][Add/Remove Software]
In the search box enter mc<enter>
Select Midnight Commander
Click on Apply
RPi will ask for your password and then install.
On the main menu an option will appear [System Tools] hover on that and MC will show.
(MC can also be installed in a terminal session much faster with
sudo apt-get install mc
)
Adding XRDP-this little gem allow access to the RPi using Remote Desktop Connector in Windows <Windows Accessories><Remote Desktop Connector>. I just use the IP address to connect.
In a terminal remove realvnc (not a fan of VNC anyway)
sudo apt-get purge realvnc-vnc-server
Add
sudo apt-get install xrdp
At this point the RPi can be accessed in either GUI mode or TTY without a monitor or keyboard connected.
CLONING A BASE IMAGE
I like to save an image clone with passwords, IP addresses, et al. This way, I do not need to go back to the beginning and start all over if I screw up (which I do often).
With Windows Explorer create a folder to save your images. Do not put folders in One Drive as the images are 32GB. C:\MyImages is fine.
Start Win 32 Disk Imager <Image Writer> on the windows main menu.
Insert a SD Card.
(Used cards will cause a format popup. Do not format. The best practice is to use <Windows Administrative Tools><Computer Management><Disk Management> to delete partitions and create one new volume.)
Follow the instructions link for CLONING BACKUPS
Under the Image File box, click on the little folder to navigate to your MyImages folder. Create a meaningful image name, like RPi-Base 20180121 (YYYY,MM,DD).
Click open
Win 32 Disk Imager should have auto detected your SD Card at this point. You are ready to copy.
Click Read.
Cloning takes a while, so good time for a break with your favorite beverage.
HOMEGENIE SETUP
Insert a SD Card into your RPi with the base image. Power up.
You should be able to log into RPi with SSH to complete the following steps.
This a copy of the instructions from the HomeGenie web site. Currently there is a V1.1.15 that I cannot get to work. Use r526 as below. It works for me.
https://genielabs.github.io/HomeGenie/#/get_started
wget https://github.com/genielabs/HomeGenie/releases/download/v1.1-beta.526/homegenie-beta_1.1.r526_all.deb
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade (I added this)
sudo apt-get install gdebi-core
cd Downloads
sudo gdebi homegenie_1.1.15_all.deb
At a point you will be asked to answer y.n. Y<enter>
Homegenie should be up and running.
From a terminal, using top. HG will show as main.
HomeGenie will be installed in the /usr/local/bin/homegenie folder. Once installed, HomeGenie UI can be opened by entering the following URL in your web browser: http://<linux_box_address>/ (where <linux_box_address> is the name or ip of the host where homegenie is installed). -Gene
With the base configuration as above, HomeGenie will bind to port 80. I use the IP address in browser. It will change to this when connecting:
http://IPaddress/hg/html/index.html
For me, Windows Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox all work just fine with HG on an RPi. (I had a lot of browser trouble with HG on Windows.
USING HOMEGENIE
The Homegenie web site has documentation on set up and use. I will cover some of the things I do and a perspective to mentally translate from AHP to HG.
https://genielabs.github.io/HomeGenie/#/about
SETUP
Top left corner is Configuration, click on it. In the drop down click on Settings.
Click on the plus sign to disable UP&P and ZWave. (Not using now)
Click on the plus sign to Enable X10. For me both the CM15 and CM11 /w a USB to Serial convertor work. Use the drop down to select the type on PLC interface.
Click on the House Codes you need. (These will show up through out HG as you set up)
Optional – click on the plus sign for Weather Underground, click on options. Enter options locations, language, key. Note: there is an issue here with WG. It sends data as selected on WG in metric or imperial units for temperature only. All other metrics are only sent in metric form. Other weather services do the same, Dark Sky…. It would be nice if HG did the conversion in the widget but does not do this now.
I handle all IR sensors through TM751 and R501 modules, so I don’t use any of the HG set ups for sensors. The PLC comes through to the interface and acts on these as any other command.
MAINTENACE
There is a bunch of stuff here, I will cover three that are important to me for starting with HG.
Location - Set the location for latitude and longitude (in decimal format). This sets the variables @SolarTimes.Sunrise and @SolarTImes.Sunset These variables are case sensitive and remember the little DOT.
Log File – Downloading the log file is a pain. In Linux there must be as many ways as there are users to list the log file. I use MC in SSH as a quick and dirty way to look at it. MC will start in the Pi subfolder. Go up to the root directory. Keep clicking until you get to /usr/local/bin/homegenie/log. There you will see homegenie.log. F3 to open. <END> to see the last entries. F10 to exit. If I am troubleshooting, this method is much easier. Just leave SSH open with MC running. BTW – HG poops out a lot of stuff in the log file.
Configuration and Data – this creates a back up and restore of you set up. Like the runtime file in AHP. When you click on Backup, it will download a file to your /Downloads directory on the local PC. To restore, just click restore and select the backup file. HG will then restore all your hard work. Moreover, if your backup before adding new HG packages, you can revert to you original save point if you find that a HG package is not what you want.
Configure/Groups and Modules is like the left-hand bar in AHP. Add groups like AHP rooms. Now HG is not too fussy about groups and module names. However, the voice control is. Names like Jims big lts does not register well – Jims big lights will.
Scheduler – functionally Scheduler is the same as setting up timers in AHP. It takes some getting use to. Name format is important, no spaces, words can be separated by DOTS. When I create a new item, I use the Custom Cron Expression Event Type. Clicking through the steps in the lower left corner just works better for me this way. The variables @SolarTimes.Sunrise and @SolarTimes.Sunset are invaluable here. You can also do some math like @SolareTImes.Sunrise-60 to control something an hour before sunrise. Don’t be afraid – just delete.
Programs – This is like Macros in AHP. Although HG does not enforce this, I use the no spaces, DOT format here for names. I don’t use the auto recorder. Point and click triggers and program in the editor works for me. I will digress here a little. For IR Sensors I create a room in Groups and then add modules for each sensor. Just leave as a switch, does not matter. All this does is associate a name with the house/unit codes. In the Program pane you can set up modules to turn on/off/dim. I must have hyper active electrons here that make a lot of noise, so I add a Pause (0) in between each step to give the PLC transmission a little extra quite time. Since, in my case all IR sensors come through PLC, I trigger from the module set up in the sensor room. Time window can be added as well using either set times or @SolarTimes.
WRAP-UP
Remember to backup your hard work in HG.
Also, making a clone of the SD Card is worthwhile. These take 32GB each, so disk space can get gobbled up fast.
Use sudo apt-get update and upgrade before installing new Raspian packages.
Currently, I am only using HomeGenie for X10 control. By comparison to AHP, it is like walking through a door to a whole new world. I just don’t know what the processing limitations on an RPi are for all these new features. HG has some inter HG communication feature that I want to check out, that will allow multiple RPis to run segments of the overall HA process.
Of the many HA programs out, HomeGenie is probably most like AHP. Some of the HA programs start with a blank screen staring at you (no eye balls). Also, HG is one of the few that has X10 natively. Most of the other require either Heyu or Mochad.
I like the Android version of HG. It is only a couple of bucks on Google Play. The app allows selective viewing of modules. It works. Unfortunately, there is not an iPhone app (yet)
HomeGenie was overall developed by one person who has more or less walked away. There were other people involved directly and indirectly. I just don’t know how much. There are some YouTube videos with a woman’s voice and Brit accent, that unless Gene used a computer voice control is not him. There is a gap, like AHP. Gene left. Two guys have been carrying HG for the last year or so. Recently a few more people with skills have jumps on board, so maybe there is a future.
In my mind, nobody has a lock on HA, so these programs can coexist and grow. Amazon is certainly filling out the space rapidly. One question is how much dependence on cloud computing do we want to have? My answer is, no matter how much Amazon does, human entropy will always have a group that want to go another direction. Nice to have some options.
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How about the ability to monitor real-world variables like temperature with an external module? That can be used to control HVAC systems and irrigation like I do with the Ocelot.
This should be possible. There are already ESP8266-enabled sensors. For example...
https://wiki.wemos.cc/products:d1_mini_shields:sht30_shield (https://wiki.wemos.cc/products:d1_mini_shields:sht30_shield)
To see ESP8266 capabilities...
https://www.espressif.com/en/media_overview/news/latest-version-kolbans-book-esp8266 (https://www.espressif.com/en/media_overview/news/latest-version-kolbans-book-esp8266)
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Maybe... adding access/control to X10's SC1200 Security Console, door/window and motion sensors could be a easy add-on that could satisfy BOTH new and power users?!?!
That would be a nice add. ;) :)
However I doubt that could be done via a firmware update at least with any decent range.
dhouston would may be have a better idea as to the ease of that being done.
I would suspect an antenna add would be required.
At minimum, an RF antenna and receiver would be needed. The ST MCU might be a better choice for preprocessing RF input. It's impossible to say more without a schematic.
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Very impressive write-up! Should be helpful for anyone looking at Homegenie.
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How about the ability to monitor real-world variables like temperature with an external module? That can be used to control HVAC systems and irrigation like I do with the Ocelot.
How about this solar powered Temperature, Barometric Pressure & Humidity station?
https://github.com/TheAustrian/Wemos-D1-Mini-BME280-Weather-Station (https://github.com/TheAustrian/Wemos-D1-Mini-BME280-Weather-Station)
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Maybe... adding access/control to X10's SC1200 Security Console, door/window and motion sensors could be a easy add-on that could satisfy BOTH new and power users?!?!
That would be a nice add. ;) :)
However I doubt that could be done via a firmware update at least with any decent range.
dhouston would may be have a better idea as to the ease of that being done.
I would suspect an antenna add would be required.
It occurs to me that this also can be solved simply without any hardware modification to the WM100. An ESP8266 (e.g. WeMos D1 mini) paired with an RF receiver can interface with security sensors as well as PalmPads, etc. relaying the data to the WM100 via WiFi.
The same concept can be used to interface nearly anything with the WM100.
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The simplest way to get the folks on board with HomeGenie or anything new HA wise on the Raspberry Pi is to create a preconfigured image that can just be dropped onto an SD card, popped into the Raspberry Pi and powered up.
tflemers write up is quite comprehensive but could scare off the uninitiated Linux wise. This image could include a basic x10 setup which could then be easily reconfigured to suit each individuals needs with a little help from others. In others words a plug and go solution until the user finds their way around the environment.
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The simplest way to get the folks on board with HomeGenie or anything new HA wise on the Raspberry Pi is to create a preconfigured image that can just be dropped onto an SD card, popped into the Raspberry Pi and powered up.
tflemers write up is quite comprehensive but could scare off the uninitiated Linux wise. This image could include a basic x10 setup which could then be easily reconfigured to suit each individuals needs with a little help from others. In others words a plug and go solution until the user finds their way around the environment.
:)% Exactly!
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.........................The intelligence with HA comes from the software. I looked into Domoticz recently as an example and had it up and running my complete x10 setup on a Raspberry Pi3 in no time. Believe me, this software looks very promising indeed. It's completely Open Source so no big outlays here. Here's the link to the forum for anyone interested https://www.domoticz.com/forum/index.php?sid=309f855192ab21fe09636d543fd43bd0
You got my attention!
So I loaded NOOBS on a spare 16gig memory card... booted it up, and set preferences, rebooted and loaded domoticz. I've tried accessing the setup though the Pi's browser, and though my laptops browser (it has putty installed). No luck. I've looked for LAN setting... still can't find whatever it is I am missing.
I am including the full address including :8080 (I don't know why it doesn't reflect that)
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.........................The intelligence with HA comes from the software. I looked into Domoticz recently as an example and had it up and running my complete x10 setup on a Raspberry Pi3 in no time. Believe me, this software looks very promising indeed. It's completely Open Source so no big outlays here. Here's the link to the forum for anyone interested https://www.domoticz.com/forum/index.php?sid=309f855192ab21fe09636d543fd43bd0
You got my attention!
So I loaded NOOBS on a spare 16gig memory card... booted it up, and set preferences, rebooted and loaded domoticz. I've tried accessing the setup though the Pi's browser, and though my laptops browser (it has putty installed). No luck. I've looked for LAN setting... still can't find whatever it is I am missing.
I am including the full address including :8080 (I don't know why it doesn't reflect that)
.........................The intelligence with HA comes from the software. I looked into Domoticz recently as an example and had it up and running my complete x10 setup on a Raspberry Pi3 in no time. Believe me, this software looks very promising indeed. It's completely Open Source so no big outlays here. Here's the link to the forum for anyone interested https://www.domoticz.com/forum/index.php?sid=309f855192ab21fe09636d543fd43bd0
You got my attention!
So I loaded NOOBS on a spare 16gig memory card... booted it up, and set preferences, rebooted and loaded domoticz. I've tried accessing the setup though the Pi's browser, and though my laptops browser (it has putty installed). No luck. I've looked for LAN setting... still can't find whatever it is I am missing.
I am including the full address including :8080 (I don't know why it doesn't reflect that)
Ok. Start fresh with your Noobs SD card with Raspbian. Nothing else on it. Cut and paste the following command into your Putty terminal session
curl -L install.domoticz.com | sudo bash
and press Return
Let it work away and when it completes using your web browser type the following in the address bar
192.168.1.112:8080
I'm assuming that 192.168.1.112 is the address of your Raspberry Pi and Port 8080 is accessible and running Domoticz.
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Ok. Start fresh with your Noobs SD card with Raspbian. Nothing else on it. Cut and paste the following command into your Putty terminal session
curl -L install.domoticz.com | sudo bash
and press Return
Let it work away and when it completes using your web browser type the following in the address bar
192.168.1.112:8080
Putty terminal session? I didn't know anything about putty terminal. I just used the terminal right from the desktop bar. Other than that... I already did the same thing.
But, I can do/find that... by start fresh do you mean reformat the memory card.... or just do a "shift" recover to NOOBS?
Plus... maybe I should point out that accessing the program remotely isn't what I had in mind. I do that with Homeseer... I understand how it works. And I was also sort of expecting Domoticz to more or less "take over" the Pi and appear as the front (as HS does).... instead of the Raspbian desktop.
What I had hoped to do... was turn this Pi into a HA Pi... period. Directly accessed in my man cave via the 42" HD TV video source 3 (that part works fine). If this was a "Gates Machine" I'd put the program in start-up and be done with it. I am not fond of the idea of remote access by laptop... if I can sit in my chair with the BlueTooth keyboard and mouse and work direct. The program appears to all be all there (as if I'd really know).
I'm assuming that 192.168.1.112 is the address of your Raspberry Pi and Port 8080 is accessible and running Domoticz.
Yes.
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How do you access Homeseer.
I was thinking earlier,now that you have Homeseer surely it would make more sense to do all your x10 control from there. Have you created any x10 devices in Homeseer yet. Just let me know how far into Homeseer you are and I can help you create an x10 hub complete with events (macros as you know them from AHP) and anything else you need to know.
No need to worry about other HA systems if you have Homeseer up and running.
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First, I want to apologize for loosing focus on this thread. So, if there is a way the moderator can move the RPi conversation to another thread, it would be greatly appreciated.
My position is that the WH100 will not help me today. However, as to the future, there are in my mind significant possibilities. Looking at WiFi vs USB is like iTunes vs Compact Discs (CDs). From an Authinx perspective, the WH100 could add a lot of value for them and users.
1. HADave mentioned new users. Well X10 was great on creating small kits to get people started. A WH100 and a couple of plugin lamp modules could not be simpler for today’s technology.
2. WH100 location – a WH100 untethered and next to the mains cabinet would be great. With WiFi who cares where or what is driving it.
3. Geofencing – The 32 House/Unit code is a killer for me now. If I had multiple WH100’s, say one in every room or enough to allow X,Y,Z positioning, these modules could add functionality to the HA landscape. With multiple modules, is the 32-limit important?
4. WH100 as an Access Point – Even in my very modest home, we have two APs. Using mesh networking, the overhead as an access point could be manageable. This would add significant user value.
5. API layer – adding an API layer should not be an overhead burden to the module and would open up X10 devices to be inclusive in any HA system (Alexa, Samsung…Open Source).
I want to expand on Item 4, since there are many issues from a Authinx perspective. If you think about it, AHP is almost like a dear friend. However, I am guessing, like I did, for most people it was included with a discounted price on a CM15A. Well in computer dog years, the CM15A is well past the normal life cycle. Heck, some (many) of the companies in the HA space did not even exist when the CM15A was introduced. So, raising AHP, not even considering the technical coding issues, is not a value-added way forward. AHP is for the most part a closed ecosystem. By adding an API, Authinx can sell hardware without having to develop and maintain competing software that is just thrown in for the price of the hardware. I am not trying to tell Authinx how to run their business, just something to think about. Maybe making millions is better than thousands.
Again, I am sorry. Hopefully the moderator can correct my misplaced efforts.
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...... No need to worry about other HA systems if you have Homeseer up and running.
I am sorry. I haven't meant to misrepresent myself... or my Home Automation setup.
I do have a complete X10 setup (and I have for years).... I recently shut-down the HA PC (an old XP laptop) I used to support the CM15A it worked with. The laptop also ran my [Voice Control] BVC (Bill's Voice Commander) Software. The BVC has only provided voice announcements since I've switched to voice control via Amazon's Alexa (with 3 Echo's). At first (before I got the Hometroller) I was limited in my control of devices. I added things like ihome which requires no hub, and Cree which I added a Wink hub to control. Also... I had to replace my garage door opener a couple years ago... and installed a MyQ with it's hub, app, and lighting module.
Of course now.... Alexa & Homeseer allows me to use one (of the 3) HS skills to control my X10 devices too. I think the newest HS skill is the most functional... but I've yet to try it (I am waiting to see it tests/works well for others).
Besides events in HS, I still have a couple macros in a CM15A, as well as cloud based timers in a couple other brands of devices, and I have one of the new WM100 X10 WiFi modules. Plus... of course.... I run routines through Alexa.
I understand "the everything in one basket" thought process. It's less confusing and easier to trouble-shoot. But... my cognitive skills seem to be holding up OK. And I like the idea of knowing what options are out here. There are thousands of X10 users and even more potential users. I'd like to do a little experimentation and find some solutions that may otherwise be missed.
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What I had hoped to do... was turn this Pi into a HA Pi... period. Directly accessed in my man cave via the 42" HD TV video source 3 (that part works fine). If this was a "Gates Machine" I'd put the program in start-up and be done with it. I am not fond of the idea of remote access by laptop... if I can sit in my chair with the BlueTooth keyboard and mouse and work direct. The program appears to all be all there (as if I'd really know).
I'm assuming that 192.168.1.112 is the address of your Raspberry Pi and Port 8080 is accessible and running Domoticz.
Understanding what you want to do helps a lot! When you installed Domoticz did you happen see any messages Failed in red? If so, we will go at that.
Since you are working directly on the console, you do not need the interface IP addresses. Use the standard console IP Address:
http://127.0.0.1:8080
If that does not work, try the secure version. I don’t think Domoticz needs it, but just to make sure:
https://127.0.0.1:8080
What do you see? Is it a blank screen starring at you with no eye balls?
If no, you got the main page of Domoticz – have at it.
If Yes - I tried to find a way to uninstall a package using cURL, Not really easy. Starting a new is just faster. Do what you did per petera. However, after installing Raspian and before installing Domoticz do this
In a terminal. Upper left corner of menu bar.
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
Now install Domoticz
Use: http://127.0.0.1:8080
Even with Domoticz running, you can open a terminal session:
To see what is running
top or htop will show running services. (my document editor keeps trying to capitalize the first letter of linux command. By convention, linux command are all lower case)
Do you see it?
Now, for the networking – ifconfig is the same as ipconfig in Win.
If you are using DHCP for IP address assignment, the RPi will drop from ifconfig view if the not connected, which would explain why you are having trouble with the network IP address. In the event you want to connect outside or need to update, just remember that the connection needs to be made in the RPi. Also, for WiFi, the ssid is needed. Click on the icon, upper right menu bar – you will see the rest to complete.
What do you see now?
Yes.
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......Understanding what you want to do helps a lot! When you installed Domoticz did you happen see any messages Failed in red? If so, we will go at that.
Since you are working directly on the console, you do not need the interface IP addresses. Use the standard console IP Address:
http://127.0.0.1:8080
If that does not work, .....
Nope. Getting the same error as before. I know there must be something I don't know or understand. But I don't know what it is.
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......Understanding what you want to do helps a lot! When you installed Domoticz did you happen see any messages Failed in red? If so, we will go at that.
Since you are working directly on the console, you do not need the interface IP addresses. Use the standard console IP Address:
http://127.0.0.1:8080
If that does not work, .....
Nope. Getting the same error as before. I know there must be something I don't know or understand. But I don't know what it is.
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HADAVE - it's not you. I replicated your set up and got same results. Looking at it now to see whatsup. Started a new thread here:
X10 Community Forum >
General Home Automation >
Other Automation Systems >
Domoticz 2018-whatsup
Hope petera can jump over as well and help.
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Maybe just to simplify matters. This is an X10 forum. Contributors use X10 and have done for years. It happened that AHP was the chosen platform to control X10. AHP is no longer developed and as a result, any of my suggestions/contributions were purely based on examining alternative platforms to assist users to continue to deploy their considerable investment in X10.
Of course there are far more exquisite and advanced technologies available on the market now but my contributions are purely based on helping those in any way I can to continue using X10 on more current platforms.
I have pointed a number of users in a particular direction, not to discourage their use of X10 rather to encourage it. >!