X10 Community Forum
💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: han on November 03, 2014, 03:45:04 PM
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Hi,
For those who are interested in building their own X10 (or zigbee) hardware: see www.zigbeedomotica.nl (http://www.zigbeedomotica.nl)
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15-20 years ago several chip companies offered powerline modem chips but there must have been insufficient demand as all but one, the TDA5051, have disappeared. It was originally made by Philips but is now from NXP.
There is an excellent application note...
- http://www.rennes.supelec.fr/ren/fi/elec/ftp/docs/courants_porteurs/tda5051/5051_app.pdf
which shows several methods for coupling to the powerline. The safest one calls for a Toko transformer, the T1002. While it is hard to find, an equivalent is the Murata 78250MC which is fairly easy to find.
EDIT: With smart metering, PLC has again become attractive and there are now numerous PLM chips but none are ASK so they won't handle X10.
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Given the long delay in the Authinx X10 control, I've started working on a TDA5051A-based, crystal controlled 120kHz ASK Power Line Modem (PLM) that will send/receive X10 PLC, receive 310MHz RF, receive IR (for use with the Ray Super Remote), communicate with 1-Wire devices, and fill-in-the-blank.
I plan 8KB FRAM for storing timers/macros, battery-backed RTC (10 yr battery), PLC and RF signal strength measurements, microSD card, and...
Ports: USB, 2 serial (one can be configured for IR), 1-Wire, 120VAC (universal plug type), 50-ohm BNC for RF antenna (optional power over coax to antenna preamp), PLC AMP - low voltage link to remotely located PLC Amplifier (at distribution panel, with options for 1, 2 or 3 phase systems).
The PLC AMP design is based on Gus Datillo's design. http://davehouston.org/plc-amp.htm (http://davehouston.org/plc-amp.htm)
The electronics are galvanically isolated from the powerline, being powered by USB - the power connector is only for coupling PLC.
Firmware will be upgradable via USB. The communications protocol will be published. If my health allows, there will be Windows, Linux and OSX software as well as Windows 10, Android and iOS apps.
I anticipate 3 versions - one as above, one that adds a LAN port, and one that adds WiFi or Zigbee or Bluetooth or XRF (mutually exclusive). Each will need its own (user installable via USB) firmware version.
Receiving RF & IR may prove mutually exclusive given the MCU I want to use. If so, I'll incorporate a method to toggle this input between RF & IR, allowing the user to switch modes at will.
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Given the long delay in the Authinx X10 control, I've started working on a TDA5051A-based, crystal controlled 120kHz ASK Power Line Modem (PLM) ......
YEA!!
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Because of health issues I've not been keeping up with things in the PIC & Atmel microcontroller play-space. It turns out there is a new, inexpensive WiFi module (intended for the IoT market). The modules are even available on Amazon for less than $10. It may take me some time to get up to speed on it but, if I can use it, it changes my outlook considerably.
If I am able to make use of it with either a PIC or Atmel MCU, I'll drop my plans for USB-only and LAN versions and design a single model with PLC in/out, WiFi, USB , one serial port, 310MHz RF in and IR in (I figured out how to handle both RF & IR in). I've dropped the microSD card as it requires too much MCU memory. The WiFi module is very high power so I'll likely need an external power supply rather than rely on power via USB. It might be possible to offer WiFi or Bluetooth as there is a Bluetooth module with the same form factor as the WiFi module.
At this point, my WAG is that it could sell for $75-$100.
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I think I have a final design concept. See...
http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm (http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm)
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I think I have a final design concept. See...
http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm (http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm)
(Of course) technically over my head..... but exciting.
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Given that outside of North America there are options for X10 controllers (e.g. Haibrain) I decided there's no immediate need for the universal plug type so the non-amplified Power Line Interfaces (PLI?) will be two pole wall plugs like...
http://www.polycase.com/pm2314?file=pdf# (http://www.polycase.com/pm2314?file=pdf#)
and the controller should fit...
http://www.polycase.com/id-3315f (http://www.polycase.com/id-3315f)
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I am about ready to order enclosures and (preliminary) PCBs. I would appreciate questions, comments, feedback, etc. The web page provides an overview and I think the design addresses all the usual X10 issues - phase coupling, PLC signal strength, RF range, user upgradable, lack of clouds, etc.
http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm (http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm)
BTW, methinks another acronym is needed for Power Line Interface, given what the following web page says about PLI. rofl
http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/Pli (http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/Pli)
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I'm following this with great expectations!
I've started playing with B4j which is a multi platform development tool.
This may make it easier to develop software for this device which will run on any OS.
The Idea that you plan to open the source will make it more appealing then anything X10 comes out with as their manufacturing side refuses to open this up.
That is the main delay in the release of their new Wi-Fi module. They have engineers creating the software and sounds like not software developers.
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I've started playing with B4j which is a multi platform development tool.
I'm leery of anything using Java, given its security history. It may have improved security-wise but I'm also leery of anything even remotely connected to Larry Ellison, who I consider to be the biggest a--hole in the known universe. ;)
Purebasic covers all the desktop PC operating systems and there are some other Android/iOS Basic compilers. FreeBasic compiles for the Pi platforms and I'm hopeful it will add W-10 when the time comes (i.e. when Win-10 ships).
http://www.glbasic.com/ (http://www.glbasic.com/)
https://www.nsbasic.com/ (https://www.nsbasic.com/)
The latter covers most bases but I doubt I'll last long enough to justify the investment. :(
ZBasic: http://www.zbasic.net/ (http://www.zbasic.net/)
PicBasicPro: http://melabs.com/ (http://melabs.com/)
At the chip level, I also use the above Basic compilers. Hopefully, that will make it easier for others (non-engineers) to maintain things once I can no longer maintain.
That is the main delay in the release of their new Wi-Fi module. They have engineers creating the software and sounds like not software developers.
I had designed an add-in board for the RR501 (RR5x5) that did much the same as I'm planning now. Then, the RR501 disappeared so there was no reason to go forward with my project. Any way, I think this design covers a few issues I couldn't address with the RR501 platform. I haven't done much with 1-Wire networks but think it's a natural addition for HA.
And, I think it will prove very cost-effective, especially if I can figure out how to talk to the ESP8266 WiFi module. If it can commune with others of its ilk, one can imagine lots of WiFi-enabled thingys reporting things to the controller.
For example...http://www.instructables.com/id/ESP8266-WiFi-temperature-and-humidity-logger/ (http://www.instructables.com/id/ESP8266-WiFi-temperature-and-humidity-logger/)
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I'm not a big fan of Java either and only mentioned B4J as it was FREE.
I prefer programing with Visual Basic .Net but that's what I first started programing in.
I'll look into the other multi OS compilers you linked to .
>!
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The MCU I want to use has limited program space so having a universal IR Receiver is not a possibility. It needs to have a small, targeted code base. I asked the Ray Super Remote people if they planned on it being able to import Pronto CCF files (sort of a lingua franca for IR) but they said there were no plans to do that.
The X10 IR protocol is very limited (unit/function but no house code) while the IR543AH protocol (of non-X10 origin) was extensive but neither seem to be in the Super Remote database.
At this time, my inclination is to have it ignore all but NEC IR protocols and to let the user assign meaning to individual codes (i.e. see this code, take this action) rather than look-up a code's inherent meaning. (e.g. change the channel on my Vizio TV)
Earlier, I touched on Java's security woes which makes me wonder about ESP8266 security. I think I'll leave it aside until there's better documentation and a clear picture of its security features. I first learned of it from a post to a PicBasicPro forum from a guy in India with whom I've communicated about things X-10 for several years. (To avoid sky-high prices he built his own X-10 devices so this project will likely interest him.) I'll ask him to keep me in the loop for ESP8266 developments as he seems to be following (more accurately, pursuing) that closely.
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At this time, my inclination is to have it ignore all but NEC IR protocols and to let the user assign meaning to individual codes (i.e. see this code, take this action) rather than look-up a code's inherent meaning. (e.g. change the channel on my Vizio TV)
I like the idea of the user assigned codes better anyways.
>!
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I prefer programing with Visual Basic .Net but that's what I first started programing in.
I started with Fortran but it doesn't seem to have many adherents these days. :(
I switched to VB (pre .Net) when Windows 3.1 came along.
I should have mentioned that I worked with the creator of ZBasic to add X-10 control as a low-level background operation similar to a serial port. It includes collision avoidance and other needed tweaks. It makes dealing with an X-10 application like this extremely easy. And there are other, similar features that simplify the developer's tasks. And, while I haven't used them, he has also made it easy to incorporate Arduino code (and vice versa - export ZBasic code to Arduino).
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OK. I have a few enclosures (for both controllers and powerline interfaces) on order. I already have a Bluetooth2Serial module and should have the ESP8266 WiFi module in hand before the enclosures arrive. I also have an nRF24L01 on order. That will allow me to finalize board layouts and get some PCBs ordered. I'll add a socket for the nRF24L01.
My current plan is to allow the user to select PLC power levels from a European compliance level of 3.6Vpp to ~15Vpp. Any higher levels will need the PLC AMP (on the drawing board) which can do Katy bar the door levels.
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Things are progressing. I have the ESP8266 WiFi module,
expect the & enclosures this afternoon and have an email from my friend in India with a drawing for an ESP8266 programming adapter as well as a list of web resources.
The nRF24L01 is popular with Arduino devotees and, since ZBasic can import Arduino code, that looks good, also.
I have a USB Bluetooth dongle. It adds a virtual COM port to my PC so I think I'm on the right path with the Bluetooth2Serial module, as well.
I suspect I'll need to provide separate ZBasic firmware for each of the wireless modules (MCU memory limits) but that's no biggie.
The web page at http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm (http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm) has been updated.
I'll finalize the PCB layouts next week and send the Gerber files to my board maker in China, continuing research into the three wireless adapters while awaiting PCB delivery.
I also ordered 1 each ESP8266, Bluetooth2Serial and a couple nRF24L01 modules from DealExtreme (links on the The Ultimate X10 Controller web page) so I can be sure of details on the ones I recommend.
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-:) At $3 each in 1000 piece quantities for the ESP8266, WiFi-enabled lamp & appliance modules (or even inexpensive WiFi-enabled LED bulbs and appliances) are inevitable. If only I were younger, healthier and had funding for UL & FCC testing. :(
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The Idea that you plan to open the source will make it more appealing then anything X10 comes out with as their manufacturing side refuses to open this up.
I'm going to shoot for even an more open approach.
ZBasic sells various Atmel MCUs with the Arduino bootloader preinstalled. They also make it possible to share code between the Arduino and ZBasic systems. I'll design the Ultimate X-10 Controller with a socketed crystal for the main MCU as well as with socketed MCUs. Then, developers more comfortable programming in the Arduino system can change the crystal and MCU and also make use of the hardware. I guess that makes for a Pseud(uin)o.
I'll also use a socket crystal for the TDA5051A Powerline Modem chip. That will allow for PLC at other frequencies and may be useful in energy monitoring, etc.
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At this point, I think I'm on track to have working prototypes in 2-3 weeks. I have designed PCBs for a 120V wall-plug powerline interface as well as a 230V universal IEC plug powerline interface. Both are 2 wire, non-polarized. I should complete the PCB design for the Controller by tomorrow and send all off to the fabricator before the end of the week.
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:)%
Can't wait!
>!
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This is taking a bit longer than expected. Designing the controller PCB layout and routing all the PCB tracks is proving a bit more tedious than I remembered it being. I now expect to order PCBs for the controller, plug module powerline interface, IEC universal plug powerline interface and the (up to 3 phases) PLC amplifier early next week.
In the good news category, EBay has the WiFi module for as little as $3.10 and the nRF24L01 for $1.34 with free shipping.
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I think I have the final PCB layouts but want to take a couple of days to review them. (I went to the measure twice/cut once school.) That might also give me ideas for the two unused MCU pins.
Plus, I really overdid things physically yesterday, aggravating the spinal cord, which could use a couple of days to recover.
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Things are progressing.
Don Kinzer, proprietor of Elba Corp and creator of ZBasic, has published an example ZBasic program that communicates with the ESP8266 WiFi module so I'm confident I'll be able to support this module although there are still some questions about the ESP8266 configuration.
I've settled on a USB-Serial adapter. FTDI makes some cables with an integral USB-Serial chip. We can supply these terminated with a 6P4C modular plug to mate with the controller's Serial In port or users can save a few bucks by buying their own cable and adding the 6P6C modular plug.
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Things are on hold for a few days. My spinal cord is still unhappy with me plus I am trying to sort out IR in/out. Monoprice sells IR Receiver & IR Emitter cables for about $5 each. I'm hoping to use them but am having trouble getting specs from Monoprice.
I was able to trace the pinout for the receiver as it has the three connections labelled on the tiny PCB inside the housing but no such luck for the emitter and that PCB is too small to effectively trace the circuits. However, I found the webpage of the manufacturer, Hank-Tech, and have emailed them requesting the necessary details. http://hank-tech.com/en/Producttwo.aspx?kinds=227&cid=196&page=1 (http://hank-tech.com/en/Producttwo.aspx?kinds=227&cid=196&page=1)
I was hoping to use the same 3.5mm connector for both but it's looking like I'll need to squeeze in another connector before ordering controller PCBs.
Just-in-case, I've ordered another IR Receiver as well as another IR Emitter to see whether they are a bit more obvious about how to connect them.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S64PH6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S64PH6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007T4J6UU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007T4J6UU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I'm trying to keep things as simple as possible by specifying off-the-shelf accessories that plug-in with no (or with minimal) modification.
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Dave, don't push. This sounds great and we may be salivating, but your health comes first.
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...don't push.
I fear it's my nature to push.
I have added another 3.5mm socket and am now awaiting the IR Receiver & IR Emitter, referenced above, to finalize connections. Then I should be ready to send the files to the PCB fabricator.
FTDI makes several USB-Serial cables. They are a bit pricey but I plan to use a 5V TTL version to which we'll add a small PCB with an RJ11 jack. Users can then use a short (or long) cable with RJ11 plugs on both ends to connect to the controller. The output to the Powerline Interface(s) will use RJ12 sockets. Both should allow users to make needed connections with off-the-shelf cables. In cases where long cable runs are needed, I've read reports of +100' range @ 115200bps 5V TTL with CAT3 & CAT5 cables. I've ordered a 100' CAT5e cable with RJ12 terminations and will test both inputs and outputs.
FTDI USB-Serial TTL Cables:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBTTLSerial.htm (http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBTTLSerial.htm)
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Ouch! Prices for bare PCBs from China have nearly tripled since I last ordered some. And, two of the sites from which I've ordered with good communication and results have since disappeared.
I think the designs are ready but want to review them a few more times before ordering the PCBs. And, I need to review my inventory of components so I can order those I don't have.
While awaiting boards and components, I'll investigate GLBasic which compiles for all the platforms of interest - Windows 7 thru 10, Linux, OSX, iOS, Android and ????? While it's pitched for creating video games, I think it will do what's needed here and it's free for non-commercial uses so, even if I need to buy a license, others can work with my source code to create their own bastardized ;) versions as long as they don't charge for them (and I don't have to support them). http://www.glbasic.com/ (http://www.glbasic.com/)
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I downloaded GLBasic and gave it a short test run.
I also believe it has the capability to do what your looking at.
There are samples for server/client programs for gaming interaction.
Games are where the money is so its not hard to see why it is pitched as a game creating developers tool.
>!
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I downloaded GLBasic and gave it a short test run.
I also believe it has the capability to do what your looking at.
Thanks. I don't want the distraction right now so have only looked at it briefly but the fact that it compiles to machine language across so many diverse platforms is truly impressive.
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Thanks. I don't want the distraction right now so have only looked at it briefly but the fact that it compiles to machine language across so many diverse platforms is truly impressive.
I figured you had only looked at it briefly that's why I downloaded it and looked at it.
The fact that it has some web samples does look promising.
However until you have a prototype ready its ability to work as you expect is just speculation. ;)
Also just wanted to confirm I'm still interested in, and following, your progress!
>!
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Initial PCBs are on order and should ship in a week or so. These will allow me to build a few prototypes for alpha testing and maybe even for beta testing by others, if all goes well.
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:)%
Count me in!
>!
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Count me in!
If I can utilize the ESP8266 WiFi module, this should handle most of your off-grid needs. I expect it to use <2W with peaks of 4-5W when transmitting WiFi or sending PLC.
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Awesome!
That will be even better then running my android mini pc or my thin client.
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My initial batch of PCBs
should arrived today - they're at my local FedEx facility. Some components coming from Mouser should arrive today/tomorrow. A Digi-Key order has already arrived.
If there are no major mistakes (I caught a couple of minor ones after sending the gerbers.) nor any health issues, I should be ready to test things later this week.
I haven't explored things in depth but, right now, it looks like Bluetooth will be a piece-of-cake while WiFi looks a bit more like fruitcake. There may be some ZBasic developments regarding support for the ESP8266 WiFi module which could help considerably. I have found a USB-Serial cable that I can terminate with an RJ-11 plug to match the controller's input jack.
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If there are no major mistakes...
So much for wishful thinking. Apparently, without realizing it, I used a datasheet bottom view of the pinout for the 6P6C modular jacks used for the links between controller and PLC Interfaces. As it's all isolated low voltage, I can work around it for my testing but it does blow a hole in my budget as I cannot use any of the PCBs beyond my own testing.
Oh well, if I make no more major mistakes... :-[
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Things are progressing, albeit slowly.
We've redesigned the controller as a shield that fits an Arduino Mega2560 R3 that we have lobotomized, replacing the Arduino bootloader with a ZBasic bootloader and installing our compiled ZBasic firmware. The cost for Arduino + PLC Shield will be about the same as we projected for a standalone controller but the new approach is an order of magnitude more powerful, allowing simultaneous highspeed USB, RS232, WiFi and Bluetooth links, nearly 10 times the firmware capacity and some 51 50 excess MCU pins (15 ADC, 36 35 DIO) that we have yet to find a use for as well as I2C and SPI. Our goal is to minimize cost while maximizing utility and versatility.
The webpage has been updated.
http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm (http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm)
It will be another 6-8 weeks before beta units will be ready.
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While I have a ZBasic Generic License ($200) that allows me to compile ZBasic programs for any of the supported Atmel chips, I would like to use their free compiler for this application. So, Don Kinzer of ZBasic is exploring the possibility of morphing an Arduino Mega2560 R3 into a ZX device (i.e. supported by the free compiler). If he is successful, it will allow others to modify/maintain the firmware using the free compiler once I'm no longer able to do so.
And, as I noted in another thread, I expect to order prototype PCBs next week. So things progress, slowly.
The web page has been updated. http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm (http://davehouston.org/ultimate-X10.htm)
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OK - both an Arduino UNO R3 and an Arduino mega2560 R3 have been persuaded to function as ZX devices - which can be programmed with the free version of ZBasic. I should have one of each in a week or so. I hope to have hardware to test by the end of the month and be ready for beta testing by June.
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:)% Put me on the top of the list when your ready for testing and or release builds!
>!
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You are atop a very short list.
But, there may be a delay for the Arduino-ish versions. See...
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28628.msg163492#new (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=28628.msg163492#new)
Wanna be on the CM15A2Z beta list? It will use the Zbasic bootloader and will use pretty much the same ZBasic source code but will require the ZBasic Generic License for any firmware modifications.
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Hi,
I'm wondering if someone was succesfull in building a module based on my X10 receiver (www.zigbeedomotica.nl/x10-receiver (http://www.zigbeedomotica.nl/x10-receiver) ) and/or transmitter (www.zigbeedomotica.nl/x10-transmitter (http://www.zigbeedomotica.nl/x10-transmitter) ) design. Or maybee used part of the hardware design.
Hope to get some feedback ..
Regards,
Han