X10 Community Forum

📱X10 WIFI => 🗯General Discussion => Topic started by: Tuicemen on March 02, 2018, 02:49:20 AM

Title: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: Tuicemen on March 02, 2018, 02:49:20 AM
I pitched the idea of a companion app first suggested by dhouston in the RF wish list poll thread.
Authinx appears to like that Idea and my proceed creating such a module. :)%
The owner had stated he'd like to add more then just RF to such a companion module.
My initial thought was IR but there are so many possibilities.
I also thought of adding a temperature/humidity sensor.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has ideas for possible additions to RF ::) :'
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: JeffVolp on March 02, 2018, 03:28:51 AM
I'm just wondering if anyone else has ideas for possible additions to RF ::) :'

Analog and digital I/O to interface with real-world devices.

Jeff
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 02, 2018, 03:44:50 AM
I'm just wondering if anyone else has ideas for possible additions to RF ::) :'
Analog and digital I/O to interface with real-world devices.

The ESP8266 can do both although its single analog input is limited to 3.3V MAX so you may need a simple resistive voltage divider.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 02, 2018, 03:50:49 AM
I'm just wondering if anyone else has ideas for possible additions to RF ::) :'

You can get an idea of existing hardware that interfaces with the ESP8266 at WeMos (https://www.wemos.cc/).

See the lithium battery interface and various shields. And, using something like the WeMos D1 mini eliminates any high voltage issues.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: Knightrider on March 02, 2018, 04:17:17 AM
Two thoughts.

Let's get it fully compatible with x10 rf first. Both regular signals and security signals (kill the ninja project).

Then make it work with some off the shelf sensors, be it manufactured under the x10 name, or some other.  I like the idea of having digital collectors on it, but that may be a small niche. Water, lux, humidity, and temperature would make nice additions contact switches and PIR.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 02, 2018, 04:34:42 AM
The owner had stated he'd like to add more then just RF to such a companion module.

The owner should rethink that. Multiple companion modules with limited feature sets would be easier to support and would generate more profits.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: JeffVolp on March 02, 2018, 04:56:59 AM
The owner had stated he'd like to add more then just RF to such a companion module.
The owner should rethink that. Multiple companion modules with limited feature sets would be easier to support and would generate more profits.

And from prior history, perhaps also delay the introduction for months or years...

Jeff
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 02, 2018, 05:22:10 AM
The owner had stated he'd like to add more then just RF to such a companion module.
The owner should rethink that. Multiple companion modules with limited feature sets would be easier to support and would generate more profits.
And from prior history, perhaps also delay the introduction for months or years...

A WeMos D1 mini (you have a couple) with a custom shield that has an RF Receiver that fits an off the shelf enclosure and is powered by a 5V USB type power supply can be designed in an afternoon.

Same for a BME280 based Temperature, Humidity, Pressure Sensor (plus option for Wind Vane and Anemometer). It could have an optional Lithium battery for power (or even be solar powered (https://www.hackster.io/Tiobel/esp8266-solar-weather-station-1ea3ec)).
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: Tuicemen on March 02, 2018, 07:53:50 AM
Two thoughts.

Let's get it fully compatible with x10 rf first. Both regular signals and security signals (kill the ninja project).

Then make it work with some off the shelf sensors, be it manufactured under the x10 name, or some other.  I like the idea of having digital collectors on it, but that may be a small niche. Water, lux, humidity, and temperature would make nice additions contact switches and PIR.
I don't expect a Companion module to be much more then RF if it comes to being. ::) :'
However I would expect it to handle all X10 RF even those rarely used codes.
I hope if something else is added it is something X10 has had experience with in the past which would cut down development time.
The owner should rethink that. Multiple companion modules with limited feature sets would be easier to support and would generate more profits.
Multiple companion modules makes sense  ;)
Create one with the tech they're familiar with first. ::) :'
If they wish to add something to a RF companion module make it something simple.
I don't want to wait another 3-5 years for RF, thought  I do have a way of handling that currently. ;)

Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: Knightrider on March 02, 2018, 08:39:20 AM
Bash WiFi into the powermid for the IR. As long as one app accessed the wm100, and the rf companion and the IR companion AND they all talked to each other, I see good times in automation ahead.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: Mic_ on March 03, 2018, 02:12:41 AM
Keeping it simple is a good recipe. We have wifi on the wm100; waited years for it. The next version should, maybe, shoot for wifi and Rf, and so on. A little bite of the apple at a time should get things to us faster?
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 03, 2018, 02:28:46 AM
The key for RF will be to add a pass-through function to the WM100.

Then, the WeMos D1 mini (https://www.wemos.cc/) is only slightly larger than the ESP-WROOM-02D used in the WM100 and comes in 1MB, 4MB & 16MB models with 11 DIO and 1 analog input so it should be able to handle anything needed.

I suggest:
I'm not very familiar with the security consoles so I don't know where water sensors fit in the above. I'd opt for a redesigned one that uses the security RF protocol.

The RF companion could be low voltage also but, if added to the SR751, could send the standard and security codes to the WM100 and also send RF to control the Ninja mounts.
 
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: Mic_ on March 03, 2018, 06:45:19 AM
It may be possible (down the road) for wm100 to support CM11A? also, to duplicate AHP (active Home Pro) functions? This would then truly be X10 3.0, after wifi addition, X10 2.0

Is VA 12A a different animal from CMA? in what way?
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: HA Dave on March 03, 2018, 07:40:53 AM
It may be possible (down the road) for wm100 to support CM11A?

I own a CM11A.... I can't imagine why anyone would want use one. I think the WM100 could easily replace the old CM11A's.

Is VA 12A a different animal from CMA? in what way?

VA12A..... (Pc-Video USB, X10 Camera Adaptor).

Sorry..... but the 4-8 camera stand-alone units are such a great improvement over the old(er) stuff... I wouldn't bother with obsolete equipment. As a matter of fact... even the new phone accessible stuff is outdated by the newer ring units. And the latest-greatest stuff is using face recognition (https://shop.light.house/product/lighthouse/). So family members and welcome guests are logged... but also ignored. Whereas unknown or unexpected entry triggers alarms, emailed snapshot and records video to the cloud.     
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: HA Dave on March 03, 2018, 07:51:47 AM
Bash WiFi into the powermid for the IR. As long as one app accessed the wm100, and the rf companion and the IR companion AND they all talked to each other, I see good times in automation ahead.

I love dhouston's idea of a companion module. And I love the idea of mixing in RF with the companion module too!

Being able to add in a security sensor (door-window and/or motion) to a HA setup is pretty awesome and handy. IR is really frosting on the cake. Such a add-on module/device.... would be a must have.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 03, 2018, 08:20:18 AM
I think the WM100 could easily replace the old CM11A's.

Agreed, but...

An Authinx created/supported application running on an Authinx supplied RPi3b that basically replaces AHP and supports all the above might be useful to those not ready for (or not needing) the WM100. And, it would give Authinx another product to sell.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: HA Dave on March 03, 2018, 09:15:14 AM
... An Authinx created/supported application running on an Authinx supplied RPi3b that basically replaces AHP and supports all the above might be useful to those not ready for (or not needing) the WM100. And, it would give Authinx another product to sell.

I am in complete agreement! You had this idea LONG before I became aware of Raspberry Pi. But in recent months... I have learned my lesson. Now, I've been working on a Raspberry Pi 3 solution myself. Unfortunately... so far I have failed. But others claim various levels of success.

[Of course... Thanks to fernracer I own and use one of the Homeseer Hometrollers... which is a raspberry Pi running HS proprietary software. And it's an amazing setup... which uses the CM15A as an interface.]

So I KNOW a RPi3 solution could be perfect. Of course with the current reconfigured AHP (download).... maybe on a PC stick might be just as functional with a CM15A. Either with IFTTT could make Google Home or an Amazon Echo effective.

I would think... if someone would even just master a setup for a Raspberry Pi and image the whole thing on a SD card... there would be a market for those. At least... I would hope so. It would be an elegant solution. But if X10 was to enter the market... the Raspberry Pi could communicate with the WM100... and not need to bother with a CM15A for an interface.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: dhouston on March 03, 2018, 10:25:50 AM
But if X10 was to enter the market... the Raspberry Pi could communicate with the WM100... and not need to bother with a CM15A for an interface.

Agreed, again but, again...

Europe limits PLC to ~2.5Vpp - about 1/10 of the WM100 output. There are likely some there who would welcome an Authinx supported plug'n'play RPi3 solution using the European equivalents to the CM11 & CM15.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: HA Dave on March 03, 2018, 01:14:18 PM
... Europe limits PLC to ~2.5Vpp - about 1/10 of the WM100 output. There are likely some there who would welcome an Authinx supported plug'n'play RPi3 solution using the European equivalents to the CM11 & CM15.

Include the drivers and allow the programming to recognize the and use the devices....

I have been attempting to use the RBPi3 attached to a TV with a wireless keyboard and mouse. Because both the keyboard and mouse are small (they make even smaller) they fit in a drawer and the entire setup has zero footprint (perfect for euro-living).
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: petera on March 03, 2018, 08:35:59 PM
... Europe limits PLC to ~2.5Vpp - about 1/10 of the WM100 output. There are likely some there who would welcome an Authinx supported plug'n'play RPi3 solution using the European equivalents to the CM11 & CM15.

Include the drivers and allow the programming to recognize the and use the devices....

I have been attempting to use the RBPi3 attached to a TV with a wireless keyboard and mouse. Because both the keyboard and mouse are small (they make even smaller) they fit in a drawer and the entire setup has zero footprint (perfect for euro-living).

And if you ran your Raspberry Pi3 without keyboard and mouse your footprint would be the size of a robin ;D

As I suggested before, I could install HomeGenie for you remotely. All you need is an SD card with a vanilla copy of Raspbian and I could do the rest for you. The offer is there for you.
Title: Re: WM100 Companion module?
Post by: HA Dave on March 03, 2018, 10:47:44 PM
...... As I suggested before, I could install HomeGenie for you remotely. All you need is an SD card with a vanilla copy of Raspbian and I could do the rest for you. The offer is there for you.

Thank you very much. That's an extremely kind and generous offer as there is more time involved than many may realize. But I am a big believer in "if you can't fix it... you don't really own it" (your just renting from the repairman). For me... this has to be something I can do for myself. I've been looking for a local class or club to help me learn.

But... I think dhouston has the right idea for X10, their product line, and their customers (most X10 users). These simple little computers are perfect for HA. If X10 could emulate their old AHP software with it MANY plug-ins... they'd really have a great new product there that could seamlessly integrate with the WM100.... which has turned out to be a really impressive product even in it's advanced release state. And the WM100, sets up faster and easier than any HA Hub I've ever seen/used/or read about.