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[Brandt]

To all you hardware and software people out there,

There is so much home automation hardware and software out there it is not really feasible to try them all to find the stuff you like.

I've tried a few different setups myself, and there is something about each one I didn't really like.

Now, I know their are staunch old people out there who will come up with reasons not to do something, but I don't want to hear any of that....Only motivated curious minds 

What if we were able to gather up a group of us who were able to develop our own software and powerline/rf controller to work with X10 equipment?

It seems there are so many small groups or individuals, but what if we came up with a consortium to create what the people want?

Is it worth the time? the effort? I know of a few brilliant electronics engineers on here as well as software developers 

Before anyone draws any conclusions, how about discuss what it would take to design software and a good x10 powerline/rf controller to go with it.

 

[Brandt]

First off, think universally....

Software that could run on any modern OS, includes command line ability, desktop GUI, web application, X11 Gui, native and/or web based mobile interfaces, able to communicate via tcp, http(s), udp, ssh, etc...

controller that worked internationally only requiring the proper adapter for powerline communications, RF ability, and usb and serial ability


or maybe an appliance that does both?

[Knightrider]

make it bluetooth.

it should support external sensors to react with environmental conditions (dallas one-wire?).

RF transmissions on the powermid and x10 bands.

Should have an internal chronometer that doesn't count zero-crossings to determine the time.

[Tuicemen]

I've tried a few different setups myself, and there is something about each one I didn't really like.

Did you tell the developer this and did they try to resolve that?
The end user has the power to make or break a program.

I love the universal Idea!
How ever why recreate the wheel? Why not just try to polish it up and make it out shine the rest.
In corporating every thing that each user would like to see isn't the problem.
You need to listen to them!

Is it worth the time and effort? Well if your doing purely for fun and enjoyment then Yes!
If your trying to make money from it then no!
There just aren't enough people willing to work with others for no or little profit.
And probably even fewer willing to openly discuss it!
 
As far as making software universal, I've tried that on a small scale.
True X10Relayer is just for Windows but it most likely will fail. Why?
Not because I'm trying to make a buck from it! It is free!

I've offered code to other developers, and even created user controls and graphics! All to no avail, the programs still are much the way they were a year or two ago.
True not all programmers can devote the time to debug and add extra code they didn't create.
But come on, suppling a single line of code that users have been asking for for over 2 years  and them to continue to say they're working on it!
I'm tired of trying to make someone else's creation succeed.
My input and suggestions can always be counted on but one now needs to ask for it!

So many users have become programmers not because they wanted to, it is because no one listened!
I guess that may be a good thing as I wouldn't have created any software.
 

 
 

[bitman]

Who you callin' staunch and old?

That maybe just about everyone here!
Anyone young and mobile is too engrossed in the latest brain melter from Apple.

That's why were goin' down.