X10 Community Forum
💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: BackAgain on January 05, 2025, 05:28:07 PM
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I can't be the only person still using this stuff.
Or, is it all working so well that nobody is asking questions?
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X10 or the AHP? I haven't needed to ask many questions since installing my XTB-IIR and removing noise sources determined by the XTBM using 10A FilterLinc modules. I haven't used AHP in years after switching to HomeGenie. That software hasn't been given much support in a long time so I would probably use HomeAssistant if I needed to start over.
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I also haven't used AHP since switching to HomeGenie.
My HomeAutomation setup is still manly x10 but control was given to Alexa and different Android apps.
Hardware control is a combination of the wm100, Cm15A, Broadlink Pro, some ESP 32 modules and raspberry Pi.
The forum is full of X10 issues and resolutions and usualy a fix can be found doing a deep dive searching. That's why it is important to post anything that improves the situation even if it doesn't completely resolve the issue.
Software issues maybe a little difficult to nail down and resolve as it is old and hasn't been updated in years and never will be as all the software code was never fully recovered from old failed X10 servers.
Moving to newer OS versions all most always causes problems if the software can't be updated then users must get creative or move to something newer. Some times running old software as an administrator & or in compatibility mode may help.
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Most, if not all, on this forum have been using X10 for decades and there isn't much new to discuss other than integrating it into newer technologies. There are no new X10 products to discuss and no new users so traffic on the forum has fallen off dramatically. Someone looking into HA options today probably wouldn't even know about or consider X10 at this point.
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One other odd question.
I had a few of the cameras with the robotic bases The cameras have long since died of course, but a couple of the plug in power supplies still work and I use them to power some LED strips. The tags have come off of them so I can't cite a model number. Grey wall wart with the number code wheels on the back.
I don't what module to select in AHP. None of the options show anything similar. I've been using one of the lamp module tiles and it usually works, but not always.
Thoughts?
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I never used those but I would think that treating it as an Appliance Module would work as it's a simple on & off command.
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Do you have the model number of the camera or base if it was a separate optional part?
As there where many different supplies X10 used.
Do you know it the supply has a constant and on off output?
Many supplies had the ability to be in a unit code group. 1-4,5-8,9-12, or 13-16.
Turn one on and the other three in the group turned off without an X10 off command.
Maybe.
https://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Ninja_Pan/Tilt_Base
https://kbase.x10.com/wiki/XM14A
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Yeah it's the xm-14a based on that picture. Wasn't aware of the two power states. May need to examine the mini socket/jack I used.
I have it selected as an AM486 instead of a lamp module.
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The constant output is always on.
The switched output goes on and off by X10 commands. On the instant video on models.
Not all X10 controlled power supplies had two outputs.
Some only had a switchable output and those video devices took a short time to power up.
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Yup. Still using the brown BSR lamp & appliance modules in a room that has black outlets. Bought them from DAK in 1984 - 41 years ago!
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I can't be the only person still using this stuff.
I'm still using it! I have downsized my X10 setup accordingly as I have downsized into a smaller, temporary dwelling after getting married. Once our new house is built, I plan to upscale the HA dramatically and shall still be using X10 in it (though not exclusively). I have a huge tote and a few other boxes of X10 gear that's currently not being used.
Or, is it all working so well that nobody is asking questions?
Yes! We're still using X10 PLC and RF here, Jeff Volp's incredible XTB-IIR repeater and XTB-232 "real time" CM11A replacement, and some custom scripts coupled with the ActiveHome Scripting "SDK". The latter are running on a Windows Server 2003 server, which is still running for various other reasons, but I also got the AHSDK working on Windows 11. All still working very reliably, and I just haven't had anything new to share nor ask.
I do still visit the forum every couple of weeks just to see what's new and have had the same sentiment as you.
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I just got into X10. It was suggested by a coworker who is still using it. Granted I like older technologies and I ran immediately for all the old simulated woodgrain controllers etc.. I did purchase a new lamp module and a 3 pack of relay switches for my outdoor lights. Happy to say the current lamp module works perfectly with the GE Relax LED bulbs I like. Dimming and all. I’m just perusing this forum for some other ideas. I actually have a working GE Homeminder on our TV set and an X10 alarm clock radio from Stanley. I plan to make a sprinkler timer for the hose when it gets warmer and control it with The Timer. Everyone I mention X10 to thinks it’s quite cool and loves that it can exist independently from a smartphone and the internet. I think if someone like Technology Connections did a video on it there would be an upswing in younger interest.
I made a YouTube video of the Homeminder in action.
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Tapes 1982
Welcome.
You maybe interested in a few of these sites.
Jeff has a great X10 devices they developed and troubleshooting site. https://jvde.us/x10-troubleshooting/ https://jvde.us/
X10's wiki is also a good place to look at. https://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Main_Page
I still have some X10 addresses in my Insteon setup. Along with the XTB-IIR and XTBM
X10 Powerflash triggered by the problem output on my oil burner. To flash a Socket Rocket with a Red LED bulb and sound a Large Powerhorn.
Many very knowledgeable members here and will gladly assist you.
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Welcome Tapes1982. Nice to have some new blood around here!
Back in 1985 I had a GE Hominder and thought it was the coolest thing since sliced bread. IIRC, the major problem I had was that any power failure longer than 10 seconds basically resulted in a factory reset requiring a new setup and schedules. Plugging it into a UPS would solve that but most UPS's have a filter that attenuates or block X10 signals. After trying the X10 CP-290 and ActiveHome controllers of the day I went to a JDS Stargate that I still use today.
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Thanks for the welcome and the links! I have a Commodore 64 but I have yet to locate a CP290 with the C64 cable. I do have the software ready. I may just need to build an RS232 interface and get an IBM 290 if I can get one affordably.
I did replace the Varta backup battery in the Homeminder so I’m curious what kind of time I’ll get out of it. I’d like to get the service manual for it too. I can’t find the video IC part number and the heat sink is firmly epoxied on there..
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Skip the CP290 and go with the CM15a.
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Just keep in mind.
The CM15A is a USB interfaced controller
I believe the serial port CM11A was after the CP290.
Somewhere I saw the serial massages information and many where the same from the CP290.
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The CM15A will interface with a C64?
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The CM15A is USB.
I believe it also has its own message format.
I do not know anything about a C64 but I doubt it does.
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Gotcha. I honed in on the 290 as it has Commodore software available and I have a Commodore sitting right here with nothing better to do. Honestly the old timer controller is more than I need.
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It's been probably 35 years since I used a CP290 but IIRC it is pretty much limited to simple timers. That may be OK now but as you play with it you'll probably want some more flexible conditional logic and perhaps Alexa integration. As you peruse this forum you'll find lots of good ideas for that.
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Are you just wanting to send and receive X10 power line commands from your C64?
Not programming the CP290 for things like timers.
I saw a few on EBay but they maybe over your budget.
You indicated it was a serial command from your software on the C64
The serial CM11A used Active Home on older Windows.
The USB CM15A Used Active Home Pro on Windows.
Some here are using a Raspberry Pi to control X10
https://forums.x10.com/index.php?board=165.0
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So I actually found the original C64 software for the CP290 online and downloaded it to a 5 1/4” floppy, I just don’t have the commodore specific interface cable for the 290 yet. It’s more to mess around with and yes just simple timers. I don’t have any plans for smartphone or app integration. X10 appealed to me because it can function independent of all that. There isn’t a whole lot on our property to control. The CP290 and its software looked good enough to control some timed holiday lights and also put my old computer to use. I’m glad it can be connected to the modern world but it’s not where my interest lies personally.