1) My current naming scheme is HC = A for physical modules, at least until I exceed 16. Macros use HC = M for macros I want to execute with my RF universal remote and yet to be purchased Palm Pad. does this scheme make sense or am I going to ‘paint myself into a corner’?
2) Is there documentation somewhere that explains designing macros in further depth than the AHP (CM15A) Owner’s Manual but not so complex that it confuses a newbie like me?
3) I’d like to add a function to my ‘turn TV & stereo OFF’ (M1 OFF) macro that would turn on a bedroom lamp but only if it is nighttime. I created the nighttime conditional macro but can not figure out how to call it from the (M1 OFF) macro. I can’t add the nighttime conditional directly in M1 OFF because it will restrict turning off the TV & stereo to nighttime. I tried the ‘Issue an X10 Address’ function but it does not have an ON / OFF setting and I get a message stating ‘Macro must be run from the PC’. Maybe this is where phantom / virtual / dummy / ghost modules come into play but it is not clear to me how I would do this.
4) I’ve noticed people displaying their macros in their forum posts. Is there a way to copy / paste the statements or do you have to type them by hand?
OK, I just have to say, in jest, who doesn't use housecode "M" for Macros? ;D
I just purchased AHP 3.206, Smart Macros, CM15A and the 3 other add-ons. I’ve written a simple macro (M1 ON) to turn on my TV (A1) and stereo (A2) and another (M1 OFF) to turn them both off. I’d like to learn more about macros and tips for structuring the naming of my modules. I began reading posts in the forum but many of the subjects, for example macros calling macros, get dated quickly so I don’t know if I’m learning old techniques that have been streamlined and/or fixed in newer versions of the software.
I learned that manually triggering a Macro from within AHP only executes that single Macro, not any ELSE statements associated with that Macro. I had to trigger the Macro with my RF controller to test both conditions.
I now understand, correct me if I’m wrong, that any device that I want to test via a CONDITIONAL statement for ON or OFF must be assigned to the MONITORED HC (M in my case); there can only be one MONITORED HC; therefore only 16 devices can be tested via a CONDITIONAL statement for ON or OFF. I believe the 16 limit can be expanded with the use of FLAGS but that is beyond my current comprehension level.
I still do not have a clear understanding of TRANSCEIVED HC’s. I believe that all HC’s that have a physical module plugged in an outlet (non-RF) must be transceived (D & M in my case).
I am also confused regarding control of modules from RF controllers. I know my Macros can control modules in multiple HC’s; E.G. turn ON D1 (TV) and turn ON M1 (Stereo). However, my RF remote (UR74A) and soon to be ordered Palm Pad can only transmit on one HC. I obviously want it to trigger Macros so I have it programmed for HC P. But what if I want to also control individual modules like D2 or D3? Do I have to create Macros for each of these modules residing in HC’s other than HC P? If so then I can envision easily reaching the maximum of 32 (16 ON & 16 OFF) as my system grows.
See this thread for more info: What's The Difference Between Monitored and Transceived HouseCodes? (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=11411.0)
Tuicemen has a post of some helpful links here in case you have not seen it yet: Having ActiveHome Pro Problems? Please Read This First! (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=7951.0)
I am also confused regarding control of modules from RF controllers. I know my Macros can control modules in multiple HC’s; E.G. turn ON D1 (TV) and turn ON M1 (Stereo). However, my RF remote (UR74A) and soon to be ordered Palm Pad can only transmit on one HC. I obviously want it to trigger Macros so I have it programmed for HC P. But what if I want to also control individual modules like D2 or D3? Do I have to create Macros for each of these modules residing in HC’s other than HC P? If so then I can envision easily reaching the maximum of 32 (16 ON & 16 OFF) as my system grows.
Would you mind commenting on my issue of controlling macros and actual devices with my RF controller? The issue is:QuoteI am also confused regarding control of modules from RF controllers. I know my Macros can control modules in multiple HC’s; E.G. turn ON D1 (TV) and turn ON M1 (Stereo). However, my RF remote (UR74A) and soon to be ordered Palm Pad can only transmit on one HC. I obviously want it to trigger Macros so I have it programmed for HC P. But what if I want to also control individual modules like D2 or D3? Do I have to create Macros for each of these modules residing in HC’s other than HC P? If so then I can envision easily reaching the maximum of 32 (16 ON & 16 OFF) as my system grows.
Would you mind commenting on my issue of controlling macros and actual devices with my RF controller? The issue is:QuoteI am also confused regarding control of modules from RF controllers. I know my Macros can control modules in multiple HC’s; E.G. turn ON D1 (TV) and turn ON M1 (Stereo). However, my RF remote (UR74A) and soon to be ordered Palm Pad can only transmit on one HC. I obviously want it to trigger Macros so I have it programmed for HC P. But what if I want to also control individual modules like D2 or D3? Do I have to create Macros for each of these modules residing in HC’s other than HC P? If so then I can envision easily reaching the maximum of 32 (16 ON & 16 OFF) as my system grows.
Using this method, to control individual modules you would need to write ON & OFF macros for each of them.
This is the method I choose with my 3 main house remotes. I dedicated a HC for each remote and use macros for each of the 16 unit codes ON & OFF buttons. When I want to change a remote's function, I found it much easier to just edit a couple macros instead of going around the house and physically changing X10 addresses on modules.