Back to ActiveHome using the CM15A

[Efrain Morales]

Back to ActiveHome using the CM15A

I became fed up with the constant crashes, caused every time I access under Tools the Hardware Configuration. All 203.204 and 236 have the same bug, no matter if you update from one to another. New fancy USB capable CM15A uses these softbugies, because it has integrated USB connection. I decided to find a way to use old fashion workhorse HC60CRX, originally the CM11A with the capability of the CM15A . The HC60CRX connects with a special cable that has a telephone jack on one end, and a Serial DB 9 female connector on the other. Worst yet, all PCs lack the DB9 pin, although all desktop has them. To use the workhorse and the bugless ActiveHome software, a special interface was required to connect to the PC. Here is the solution:

1.X-10 is selling the RCA Universal Home Control Kit for $20.00 each. It comes with a HC60CRX, with the cable as a kit, for $20.00 each.  Buy as many as you need; I bought five for family and friends on 10/27/2009, because the regular price is $100.00 each.

2.Cables to Go sells a USB to Male Serial Adaptor # 26886 that can convert the 9 pin HC60CRX cable to USB, for the PC.

3.The adapter comes with a CD that has all the drivers, they are Windows 7 compatible. For the 26886 select the third from top driver.

4.Be careful to select COM Port 3 when offered. Double check the port after the installation in Port Settings > Advanced > COM port 3.

5.The Device Manager will have a new item showing Ports (COM & LPT).  The drivers table will also  show the new Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port (COM 3), it is version 3.3.3.114 dated 01/14/2009, and digitally signed by Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher.

6.Go to X-10 and download and install software ActiveHome ahsetup.exe version 1.42. Power the HC60CRX and connect to it the telephone jack side, and the USB to the PC. Windows 7 will immediately recognize the connection and perfectly identify it.

7.The Start Program list will now show Home Control, click Active Home ™ and enjoy.

I have enjoyed the old fashion ActiveHome for more than 20 years. With the 26886 maybe I go for maybe 15 more.

http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=1529&sku=26886

Efrain Morales        11/03/2009
       

[Brian H]

Where did you find the kit? I didn't see it anywhere on the X10 sales web pages.

Do you get the sound effects when you run it? In XP I lost all the clunks for switches and the welcome messages also.

[JMac]

The RCA ActiveHome Kit (HC60RX) ?  I just saw it on a bandit page for $10, including software.  Assume it's still available.

[Charles Sullivan]

That USB-Serial adapter from Cables To Go seems inordinately expensive at $29.99.

The model Y-105 at $8.69 from Byterunner works fine.
 http://www.byterunner.com/byterunner/category=USB+to+Single+Serial+Adapters