X10 Community Forum

💬General Category => Mac/Linux & Open Source and the X10 Home => Raspberry Pi, Arduino & other SBC => Topic started by: Tuicemen on May 02, 2018, 01:02:03 AM

Title: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 02, 2018, 01:02:03 AM
I'll admit it I'm a dummy when it comes to all things Pi related.
There are several things I wish to do with this and most are X10 related.
I've setup a section on my forum for Pis which may or may not help others but I'm looking for help from the X10 Pi experts here.
I planned to have my WM100 handle most X10 things eventualy however I recently bricked mine (WM100 not pi)
A new WM100 is on the way. now back in operation
I currently use the Homegenie software on my Pi and mostlikely will stick with that.
So any help one can offer with a HG + Pi setup is welcomed.
I currently can
1- Turn on/off devices and control them with a timer
2- Utilize Alexa voice commands for on & off as well as AllLightsOn/Off
3- Turn off/or on devices at dusk or dawn and with off sets and between specific dates
4- Connect remotely
5- See security door/window & motion sensors and display their status
6- Display all IP cameras
7- Create simple macros
8- Arm/Disarm security in HG with x10 security key flob or Alexa
9- Arm/disarm security console from HG
10- Turn my IP PT cameras to the location of a door window sensor trip
11- E-mail camera pictures
12- Auto send pictures from all IP cameras on a security alarm trip
13- Stream videos/movies/TV content
14- send sound notifications if a module is tripped (security or other)
15- turn on/off things based on weather conditions
16-send email or text notification on the activation of any Device configured in HG

What I'd like to do but have yet to figure out is:
1- Trigger a voice (sound) notification (not important)
done
2- Although I don't dim to often it would be nice to do this with Alexa and ha-bridge (not important) done
3- Incorporate into a Smart mirror possibly with a client Pi
4- Connect a Kinects 360 and view it in HG like a web cam ( I suspect the pi would not handle gestures and such) done though pic quality was not up to pare.

As I get more into this I may wish to do more or less which also depends on the WM100 wi-fi app development.
My WM100 replacement is in operation but I only use it for remote control over the internet which I could do with HG so the WM100s days are numbered.




Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 02, 2018, 09:47:40 AM
I'll admit it I'm a dummy when it comes to all things Pi related.
There are several things I wish to do with this and most are X10 related.
I've setup a section on my forum for Pis which may or may not help others but I'm looking for help from the X10 Pi experts here.
I plan to have my WM100 handle most X10 things eventualy however I recently bricked mine (WM100 not pi)
A new WM100 is on the way.
I currently use the Homegenie software on my Pi and mostlikely will stick with that.
So any help one can offer with a HG + Pi setup is welcomed.
I currently can
1- turn on/off devices and control them with a timer
2- utilize Alexa voice commands for on & off
3- turn off/or on devices between dusk and dawn
4- connect remotely
5- see security door/window & motion sensors and display their status

What I'd like to do but have yet to figure out is:
1- to display IP camera feeds in a wijit ( I can pull up the display using a shortcut)
2- turn devices on or off at exactly dusk or dawn
3- trigger a voice (sound) notification
4- Arm/Disarm a x10 security console
5- create simple macros ( tripped by security sensor or other x10 signals)

As I get more into this I may wish to do more or less which also depends on the WM100 wi-fi app developement.

As soon as I'm back home I'll help as much as I can. In the meantime Bkenobi has plenty of knowledge in this area and I'm sure he could help you too.

I'm assuming you've settled on Version .526 of Homegenie just to ensure we are "singing off the same hymn sheet"  :)%
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 02, 2018, 10:33:49 AM
Thanks yep running Version .526
I thought I had the on exactly at dusk dawn figured out as well but it looks like that was not the case B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Knightrider on May 02, 2018, 12:46:05 PM
I'm not sure how you're going to tackle a macro triggered by a security sensor. IIRC the SDK didn't have command structure for the MS/DS RF.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 02, 2018, 12:52:01 PM
HG sees security RF I have all security doors/windows and motion sensors displaying their status so It should be possible.
However I suspect some extra package may need to be downloaded or maybe even created.
Triggering something on a security module trip is not on the top of my wish anyways.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Knightrider on May 02, 2018, 12:53:55 PM
This is tidings indeed. Looks like HG on a small Pi is a good thing.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 02, 2018, 01:33:11 PM
I'll admit it I'm a dummy when it comes to all things Pi related.
There are several things I wish to do with this and most are X10 related.
I've setup a section on my forum for Pis which may or may not help others but I'm looking for help from the X10 Pi experts here.
I plan to have my WM100 handle most X10 things eventualy however I recently bricked mine (WM100 not pi)
A new WM100 is on the way.
I currently use the Homegenie software on my Pi and mostlikely will stick with that.
So any help one can offer with a HG + Pi setup is welcomed.
I currently can
1- turn on/off devices and control them with a timer
2- utilize Alexa voice commands for on & off
3- turn off/or on devices between dusk and dawn
4- connect remotely
5- see security door/window & motion sensors and display their status

What I'd like to do but have yet to figure out is:
1- to display IP camera feeds in a wijit ( I can pull up the display using a shortcut)
2- turn devices on or off at exactly dusk or dawn
3- trigger a voice (sound) notification
4- Arm/Disarm a x10 security console
5- create simple macros ( tripped by security sensor or other x10 signals)

As I get more into this I may wish to do more or less which also depends on the WM100 wi-fi app developement.

While you're waiting for specific replies on your requirements check this link and see how comfortable you feel with it. http://old.homegenie.club:8080/www.homegenie.it/forum/index620a.html?topic=1530.0

There's a lot of answers to the queries you may have on this forum but unfortunately as its archived you will need to manually search through the different sections
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 02, 2018, 01:40:11 PM
Another link on X10 that may be of use http://old.homegenie.club:8080/www.homegenie.it/forum/index403d.html?topic=2175.0
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 02, 2018, 01:45:06 PM
And finally for the moment another Indepth discussion on X10 http://old.homegenie.club:8080/www.homegenie.it/forum/indexb238.html?topic=1341.0

Just fire off any specific queries you have as and when you progress through your setup.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 02, 2018, 02:05:04 PM
Found a bit on cameras here http://old.homegenie.club:8080/www.homegenie.it/forum/index6c1f.html?topic=1059.0

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 02, 2018, 02:59:26 PM
As far as using X10 security modules to trigger actions, as long as HG sees the event, you certainly can trigger off of it though how easy/difficult that is depends on what your action will be.

If all you want to do is turn on a module when a security sensor (motion, door/window, etc) is triggered, you can do that easily with a wizard script.  I'm not that familiar with these, but they work very similar to the AHP coding scheme where you simply select the trigger and insert the action(s) to perform in a list.  I have used these for very simple things but it's not generally how I have things set up.

If you want to do something more complex, the world is your oyster!  All you need to know is one of the available coding languages (C#, perl, etc).  I learned C# well enough to build my code and it works very well.  If you go that route, I highly recommend looking at the available example code and using the programming/api guide on the HG web site.  It's very good overall.

You can also record macros for playback.  I believe these are wizard script format so that may be a quick way to get going.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 04, 2018, 12:03:50 PM
Tuicemen have you gotten any further with your list on Raspberry Pi and Homegenie. Have you managed to get the cameras widget working now. As far as I can remember the x10 security console uses an extended set of x10 commands which Homegenie may not be able to pick up on. May not be able to arm/disarm the control panel remotely as a result. Makes sense for security reasons I suppose.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 04, 2018, 12:44:58 PM
I've not gotten any further with the Camera widget I can't seem to pull that into a group so I figure I've missed something or corrupt something in my playing around so I'm going to load a new image.
It seems each time I do that I get a bit farther along.
The arm/disarm my security is low on the list but I can do this via Alex and the Broadlink RM  via HA-Bridge.
I suspect HG could send the command to HA-Bridge which would then send to the Broadlink Kind of a long way about doing things.
I really only need to arm remotely, doesn't make sense to disarm if no one is home.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 04, 2018, 06:49:39 PM
I've not gotten any further with the Camera widget I can't seem to pull that into a group so I figure I've missed something or corrupt something in my playing around so I'm going to load a new image.
It seems each time I do that I get a bit farther along.
The arm/disarm my security is low on the list but I can do this via Alex and the Broadlink RM  via HA-Bridge.
I suspect HG could send the command to HA-Bridge which would then send to the Broadlink Kind of a long way about doing things.
I really only need to arm remotely, doesn't make sense to disarm if no one is home.

When you select the Widget option, Select Generic Ip Camera widget and when it opens with the html code displayed you should see a little blue box with a drop down menu. Click on that and bind it to the Generic Ip camera option. You can then configure the widget to include your cameras snapshot URL which you can easily find at the iSpy web site.

Just a little tip. You're probably doing this anyway. As soon as you get a working setup each time just image the SD card so if your break your system it's just an unattended reimage each time.

Hopefully by the time you get to where you need to be you can have your x10 console inform the Homegenie Alarm Program of an alarm condition and as soon as a light is switched on, your cameras will take a number of photos from each camera, email you those photos informing you exactly what sensor was triggered.

When you return to setting up your camera widget let us know and I can give you any help you need.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 04, 2018, 10:02:30 PM

When you select the Widget option, Select Generic Ip Camera widget and when it opens with the html code displayed you should see a little blue box with a drop down menu. Click on that and bind it to the Generic Ip camera option. You can then configure the widget to include your cameras snapshot URL which you can easily find at the iSpy web site.
binding doesn't give the option for Generic Ip camera. but I did manage to get the widget to pull over to a group :)%
I just need to configure the camera
Quote
Just a little tip. You're probably doing this anyway. As soon as you get a working setup each time just image the SD card so if your break your system it's just an unattended reimage each time.
Actually it is better & faster just to back up/and restore HG configuration and data files if just working with HG.
Quote
Hopefully by the time you get to where you need to be you can have your x10 console inform the Homegenie Alarm Program of an alarm condition and as soon as a light is switched on, your cameras will take a number of photos from each camera, email you those photos informing you exactly what sensor was triggered.
That would be cool, I have indoor and out door PTZ cameras so hopefully I can pan to that sensor  and zoom in as well.

Quote
When you return to setting up your camera widget let us know and I can give you any help you need.
will do!  >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 04, 2018, 11:13:53 PM
I'm still slow at figuring out all the widgets but I'm progressing.
I still don't have all my modules configured in HG or HA-Bridge but have the most used ones.
all security sensors are now configured and showing correct status. :)%
I love the energy monitor as that will come in handy at the off grid place.
I added a new star trek background to give a futuristic look to the web UI
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 05, 2018, 11:35:03 AM
Back to Camera setup.
You need to enable the IP camera program then you can bind the widget.
I now have the IP camera widget appearing in the group however I'm having difficultly putting an image.
Just getting a black screen right now so the url isn't just right.
I have 3 different brands 2 are mpeg type and 2 cameras are Airsight HD cameras. I can pull images up in Windows with my program Alex10 B:(
Have  the mpeg cameras displaying a image now (easyn & foss cameras) :)%
Now on to the HD ones
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 05, 2018, 12:23:10 PM
Back to Camera setup.
You need to enable the IP camera program then you can bind the widget.
I now have the IP camera widget appearing in the group however I'm having difficultly putting an image.
Just getting a black screen right now so the url isn't just right.
I have 3 different brands 2 are mpeg type and 2 cameras are Airsight HD cameras. I can pull images up in Windows with my program Alex10 B:(
Have  the mpeg cameras displaying a image now (easyn & foss cameras) :)%
Now on to the HD ones

Ok so you're flying now.

Just check if HG supports the URL you are trying to display. Shot.jpg is a definite. Not sure about HD support. Depends what libraries were included in the HG package. Just experiment with URLs for your cameras till you find the best fit. Don't forget if you have a username and password on your camera don't forget to include this on your widget URL.

Might be an idea to register on the homegenie.club forum to seek any particular assistance you might need. Replies can be a bit slow coming but for those awkward problems you may well be able to find an answer there.

Of course you can search manually through the homegenie old forum. Invaluable source of information.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 05, 2018, 12:26:18 PM
Thank petra I'll keep plugging along.
Just one more to go and this one is being stubborn B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 05, 2018, 12:41:19 PM
Thank petra I'll keep plugging along.
Just one more to go and this one is being stubborn B:(

Nice one. You're just about there. Get a Weather Underground key and you can configure the weather widget.

Now you can do your own write up to show other users here how powerful the Raspberry Pi/Homegenie combination is in the HA world.  >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 05, 2018, 12:52:36 PM
Got them all up :)% I needed the resolution in the string for the HD cameras.
Now on to Voice (sound) announcements do these come through the Pi the Web UI or both?
If through the Pi does it require the desk top to be displaying?
Since I'm attempting this on the Zero W I may be out of luck for this as sound goes through the HDMI there is no external sound jack. ::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 05, 2018, 01:21:19 PM
Got them all up :)% I needed the resolution in the string for the HD cameras.
Now on to Voice (sound) announcements do these come through the Pi the Web UI or both?
If through the Pi does it require the desk top to be displaying?
Since I'm attempting this on the Zero W I may be out of luck for this as sound goes through the HDMI there is no external sound jack. ::) :'

As far as I remember you had to configure the ALSA sound mixer for sound. Search the Raspberry Pi forum for that one. I think sound was done on the Zero via a Pi Hat but not 100% sure.

I assume you have you location configured via the settings section. Also for security reasons I'd take the server off the default port 80. 8081 and up would be fine.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 05, 2018, 02:41:53 PM
Sound on the Zero is complicated. See...
https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-basic-audio-ouput-to-raspberry-pi-zero/overview (https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-basic-audio-ouput-to-raspberry-pi-zero/overview)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 05, 2018, 02:46:25 PM

I assume you have you location configured via the settings section. Also for security reasons I'd take the server off the default port 80. 8081 and up would be fine.
Already done that, Actually was one of the first things I done.
The Weather Underground is configured for a long delay as I have other apps using the same key.
Seems each instance of the widget needs the key, I have it correctly displaying on the Dashboard.
Sound on the Zero is complicated. See...
https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-basic-audio-ouput-to-raspberry-pi-zero/overview (https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-basic-audio-ouput-to-raspberry-pi-zero/overview)
Thanks Dave.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 05, 2018, 03:22:27 PM
Since triggering sound from the Zero is a bit more then I wish to take on  I'll leave that to my 3B+ once I set that up.
I'll move on to creating simple macros for now.
I may be able to trigger sound from a PC (which there usually is always one on here), if I can fire off a HTTP or UDP call in a macro. ::) :'
The Macro recorder looks and sounds so simple. Can it really be that simple?
https://youtu.be/zwqJ3YeqOTc
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 05, 2018, 04:02:34 PM
Since triggering sound from the Zero is a bit more then I wish to take on  I'll leave that to my 3B+ once I set that up.
I'll move on to creating simple macros for now.
I may be able to trigger sound from a PC (which there usually is always one on here), if I can fire off a HTTP or UDP call in a macro. ::) :'
The Macro recorder looks and sounds so simple. Can it really be that simple?
https://youtu.be/zwqJ3YeqOTc

It really is that simple. Macro recorder records your actions and is saved for playback when required. Scripts and basic scripting is a doddle too. If you’re familiar with C# the sky is the limit here.

I’d say Homegenie will absorb your home automation efforts from here on in. It really is very flexible and adaptable and your setup can be as simple or complex as you desire. You’ll will notice the difference when you shift your setup to the RaspberryPi 3.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on May 06, 2018, 12:50:24 AM
Since triggering sound from the Zero is a bit more then I wish to take on  I'll leave that to my 3B+ once I set that up.
I'll move on to creating simple macros for now.
I may be able to trigger sound from a PC (which there usually is always one on here),...........

Maybe a mini USB windows device might be the "ticket"?
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 06, 2018, 11:57:36 AM
Maybe a mini USB windows device might be the "ticket"?
Are you suggesting Windows Core on a separate Pi with sound capabilities and pass the info to it?


Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 06, 2018, 12:21:42 PM
Not sure if you picked this up but here's the Android App for Homegenie to put the finishing touches to your setup. Just download the file on your android device and configure the settings and you're good to go.

https://m.apkpure.com/homegenie/com.glabs.homegenie
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 06, 2018, 12:26:11 PM
Thanks petera that should work on my old AirPad and allow me to put that back into operation.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 06, 2018, 12:33:25 PM
Thanks petera that should work on my old AirPad and allow me to put that back into operation.

Just gives the mobile device option. It's a basic app but it works both locally and remotely.

You've had a busy but productive weekend by all accounts. You deserve one of these  >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 06, 2018, 02:03:16 PM
I used that version of the HG app or a while.  It works just fine, but it is very basic.  I eventually broke down and purchased the paid app when it was on sale.  I don't have a payment method associated with my Play account, so I can't easily just buy apps (that's by choice as much as for some kind of perceived security).  I can say that the paid app is significantly faster and more featured.  If you are sure HG is the path forward, it's really a great program worth having.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: docbell on May 06, 2018, 04:00:30 PM
Unfortunately, the HomeGenie mobile app seems to be Android only. This is one of the things that has held me back from trying HG.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 06, 2018, 04:40:12 PM
Unfortunately, the HomeGenie mobile app seems to be Android only. This is one of the things that has held me back from trying HG.

True but Android devices are so cheap theses days it's nearly worth buying one just to use it.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 06, 2018, 04:45:04 PM
I used that version of the HG app or a while.  It works just fine, but it is very basic.  I eventually broke down and purchased the paid app when it was on sale.  I don't have a payment method associated with my Play account, so I can't easily just buy apps (that's by choice as much as for some kind of perceived security).  I can say that the paid app is significantly faster and more featured.  If you are sure HG is the path forward, it's really a great program worth having.

Interesting. Is Gene still providing tech support for the that app.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 06, 2018, 05:18:10 PM
The app was last updated in January so it appears Gene is still providing support.

Unfortunately, the HomeGenie mobile app seems to be Android only. This is one of the things that has held me back from trying HG.
You could probably use the Smartthings app to control HG devices from an IOS device.
You'd have to setup a HG device handler in the Smartthings developer siteandspecify your modules there.
I may look at creating a device handler for HG X10 devices in the near future unless someone beats me to it. ;)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 06, 2018, 07:44:26 PM
You can use any device to control HG if you use the API that's available.  You can call a command to power on/off a device by pulling the right web address.  Some users were using this as a way to use their phone to trigger certain things (I think presence based things at one point for example).  Any device or computer that has the ability to access a web link of some kind can trigger an event in HG without using any kind of app.

Also, there was a Windows Phone app if that helps.  As for whether Gene is still supporting the Android plus app...I have no idea.  It's complete and working so I guess the question is would he fix something if there was a bug found at some point.  To that, I don't know.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 06, 2018, 09:40:26 PM
OK so I broke down and created a SmartThings HG device handler for X10.
I figured it may free up some CUP power & memory which HA-Bridge may be using on my Pi ZeroW.
That should make HG faster. ::) :'
for those that are unfamiliar with how to use a device handler you'll wish to check out my forum for more info
http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php?topic=1294.0
For those that already know how to use SmartThings cloud Platform the device handler is attached.
I've only done some brief testing but on and off does work with the SmartThings app
 >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 11:53:20 AM
I forgot the zero has Bluetooth! B:(
 -:) Maybe a Bluetooth speaker will work for sound. ::) :'
Anyone tried this?
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on May 07, 2018, 12:15:33 PM
...... -:) Maybe a Bluetooth speaker will work for sound. ::) :'
Anyone tried this? 

I had a large number of voice alerts from my old PC based HA setup (with BVC).

When I took my HA Laptops off-line... I had considered creating wav files that would play warnings and notices (through my Hometroller/Pi). But.... I eventually also took down my wired speaker system as well. I have an extra BT speaker system (replaced by an Echo). And had considered using that.

But decided instead to try using phone [sound] notices. As I can't really think of any notice that I would only want if I was at home to hear it. Currently... the ONLY part of my setup that I've satisfactorily got sound notices set-up for through my phone.... has been garage alerts. BUT the HS system does allow for text and email alerts. So the mechanism is there... it is my own fault that I haven't done more.

I'd look at find/creating an app... that plays pre-recorded wav sounds. Then the app could travel about with you on your phone.... OR on a Pi or tiny PC for home use. THIS... is one example of how a cloud based function is best at accomplishing desired tasks. And... why I am re-imagining my setup... instead of just re-creating it. I can always.... just put the old setup back together. But what a great opportunity to look for new ways to do even better stuff with HA.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 12:24:04 PM
I've send sound from my PC to one of my amazon dots prior, so I suspect I can also do that with a Pi.
Since HG can send Voice notifications there may be some instance when I'd like this.
However to be honest I have no Idea when they would be.
I can send text or email via HG as well, problem is, my cell phone is not glued to my side and most times I forget where I placed it. ::) :'
Sometimes it will take me a day before I see a text on it :-[
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 12:33:24 PM

I'd look at find/creating an app... that plays pre-recorded wav sounds. Then the app could travel about with you on your phone.... OR on a Pi or tiny PC for home use. THIS... is one example of how a cloud based function is best at accomplishing desired tasks. And... why I am re-imagining my setup... instead of just re-creating it. I can always.... just put the old setup back together. But what a great opportunity to look for new ways to do even better stuff with HA.
The cool thing with HG is it doesn't need the cloud though it can take advantage of it. If an internet connection is there!
My internet connection at my off grid place has now been down for 32 hours and counting, and my ISP has no idea when it will be back up. B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on May 07, 2018, 01:04:27 PM
I've send sound from my PC to one of my amazon dots prior, so I suspect I can also do that with a Pi.
Since HG can send Voice notifications there may be some instance when I'd like this.
However to be honest I have no Idea when they would be.

My HA wired speaker setup.... wasn't my idea. I'd read here at this forum of a member that had done that... MANY years earlier. BT is a modern step up. By not a big one. We've had RF video and sound with our X10 for years.

I can send text or email via HG as well, problem is, my cell phone is not glued to my side and most times I forget where I placed it. ::) :'
Sometimes it will take me a day before I see a text on it :-[

I have no idea how to react to that... or what to think about it. I know my 90+ year old mother often times over-looks her mobile phone. But I don't understand that either. I'd guess..... that somewhere there is an old grandfather who complains about how tiny the channel selection buttons are on his TV... yet refuses to use his TV remote.

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 01:18:01 PM
I'd guess..... that somewhere there is an old grandfather who complains about how tiny the channel selection buttons are on his TV... yet refuses to use his TV remote.


Neither of my LED TVs have channel buttons just up down buttons and not easy to get at. rofl
If my remote breaks I'll be lost. :-[
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on May 07, 2018, 01:20:34 PM
........ My internet connection at my off grid place has now been down for 32 hours and counting, and my ISP has no idea when it will be back up. B:(

Well.... that bodes well for my idea of downloading movies (or even news casts while traveling in route)... to your phone and then mirroring them to your cabin TV.

I've recently been re-thinking many of my "services" here. I've been streaming a lot more of my TV content. I no longer use premium [cable] content and am looking at various Internet news services as well. I am considering trying/TESTING hot-spot cellular Internet access. I can/could use my iPhone as a hot-spot for test purposes... but would want something more stable for any permanent setup.

Maybe... a cellular solution might work for you. Knightrider is the expert in that field around here.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on May 07, 2018, 01:30:50 PM
Neither of my LED TVs have channel buttons just up down buttons and not easy to get at. rofl
If my remote breaks I'll be lost. :-[ 

Alexa handles the on/off functions for me (she mutes for me too). I am old enough... I naturally am drawn to "theater Remotes"... so my original remotes are always available for back-up. Plus... I have apps on my phone for TV control.

But I am always looking at how can things be done better... more efficient... or with less hassle. I took a class on paradigms years ago.... that changed my life.   
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 01:34:17 PM
TV currently isn't an issue as I have 10 channels I can get free currently.
Usually I don't spend much time indoors there unless it is raining and very rarely am I up once the sun goes down.
The Cell route is an option but currently to expensive for me to even look at.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on May 07, 2018, 01:39:38 PM
.... The Cell route is an option but currently to expensive for me to even look at. 

That's where differences in national laws and regs really show up.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Straight-Talk-Z291DL-ZTE-4G-LTE-Mobile-Hotspot/54772941

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Knightrider on May 07, 2018, 06:26:45 PM
........ My internet connection at my off grid place has now been down for 32 hours and counting, and my ISP has no idea when it will be back up. B:(


Maybe... a cellular solution might work for you. Knightrider is the expert in that field around here.

I have AT&T Homebase. It's a 3g cellular WiFi router. Before that, I had Verizon.
The Homebase unit isn't available through the ATT website. I had to pull strings at my local store to get it. 3 of my neighbor's have it, as does my mother.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 07, 2018, 07:23:17 PM
I'd guess..... that somewhere there is an old grandfather who complains about how tiny the channel selection buttons are on his TV... yet refuses to use his TV remote.


Neither of my LED TVs have channel buttons just up down buttons and not easy to get at. rofl
If my remote breaks I'll be lost. :-[

You've a lot of potential control of your TVs via Homegenie. Lirc IR HDMI etc.

If you're playing about with Kodi here's a little program that will control your x10 lighting between Kodi and Homegenie. You can play around with it and adapt it any way you want. Can easily be installed via the MIG package installer in Homegenie http://old.homegenie.club:8080/www.homegenie.it/forum/indexc3a3.html?topic=379.0
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 07:54:59 PM
I never had much luck with kodi.
It usually too me longer to find a decent copy then it did to play the content. B:(
However I may give it another chance at some point.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 07, 2018, 09:17:26 PM
I never had much luck with kodi.
It usually too me longer to find a decent copy then it did to play the content. B:(
However I may give it another chance at some point.

Works quite well on the Raspberry Pi3. LibreELEC is probably your best bet as they've stripped back all the unnecessary parts of Linux and its Kodi centric. Kodi Krypton 17.6 is quite stable.

May well be worth your while having another go now that you have the Raspberry Pi 3B +. And no searching around for those elusive TV remotes either. My remote is in my pocket ie my smart phone and the rest of the gang have their own remote too  :)%
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 07, 2018, 09:27:58 PM
Yes the 3B+ was to be a streaming box.
Currently the there aren't many options for images  that work on the 3B+ maybe in a month or so it will be available.

I managed to get Bluetooth sound working on my Zero  :)% (well in desk top mode at least)
I can pull up and see my Dot in the CLI but I've yet to get any sound from it. :(
Maybe tomorrow. rofl
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 07, 2018, 10:47:08 PM
Yes the 3B+ was to be a streaming box.
Currently the there aren't many options for images  that work on the 3B+ maybe in a month or so it will be available.

I managed to get Bluetooth sound working on my Zero  :)% (well in desk top mode at least)
I can pull up and see my Dot in the CLI but I've yet to get any sound from it. :(
Maybe tomorrow. rofl

As a stop gap I suppose you could pull sound from the Zero via HDMI. A couple of users have achieved that. Run the output through a TV or some sort of monitor.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 09, 2018, 09:41:53 AM
@Tuicemen now that you have your Pi Zero twinned with your CM15 and the ability to control it all remotely via an Android app I'd imagine it's potential usability has far exceeded the WM100.

As mentioned in previous posts, maybe the makers of the WM100 should try and replicate that usability and twin their unit with something like the Pi to give their users far greater versatility with X10 technology.

Looking forward to your write up on how you fully exploited the CM15/Pi/Homegenie combination and exactly what you achieved. :)%
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 09, 2018, 01:27:10 PM
I'm curious if the Pi Zero is small enough that you could actually fit it fully inside the CM15 case?  If there was a way to embed it for a compact and clean installation, this SHOULD be a no-brainer for anyone who has a CM15 and is interested in some real capabilities beyond what AHP can provide.

I understand that there are other components that may be an issue for this setup (5v power supply for Pi needed, internal connection for USB on CM15 not directly available, etc).  But, if the Zero doesn't fit then it's already a no-go.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 09, 2018, 02:14:09 PM
I'm curious if the Pi Zero is small enough that you could actually fit it fully inside the CM15 case?  If there was a way to embed it for a compact and clean installation, this SHOULD be a no-brainer for anyone who has a CM15 and is interested in some real capabilities beyond what AHP can provide.

I understand that there are other components that may be an issue for this setup (5v power supply for Pi needed, internal connection for USB on CM15 not directly available, etc).  But, if the Zero doesn't fit then it's already a no-go.

Using the CM15 Pro (Euro version of CM15a) which runs on a trailing lead so with a little careful drilling of the battery compartment there appears to be no difficulty running the required cable to the PiZero which fits in the battery compartment. I will purchase a Pi Zero and check the dimensions myself.

I think Tuicemen resolved all those points you raised above.

Is there a trailing lead version of the CM15a.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 09, 2018, 03:26:05 PM
I understand that there are other components that may be an issue for this setup (5v power supply for Pi needed, internal connection for USB on CM15 not directly available, etc).  But, if the Zero doesn't fit then it's already a no-go.
It should be easy to get +5V from the CM15A. See the CM15A schematic link on this webpage...
https://www.laser.com/dhouston/cm15a.html (https://www.laser.com/dhouston/cm15a.html)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 09, 2018, 03:28:22 PM
I'm curious if the Pi Zero is small enough that you could actually fit it fully inside the CM15 case?  If there was a way to embed it for a compact and clean installation, this SHOULD be a no-brainer for anyone who has a CM15 and is interested in some real capabilities beyond what AHP can provide.

I understand that there are other components that may be an issue for this setup (5v power supply for Pi needed, internal connection for USB on CM15 not directly available, etc).  But, if the Zero doesn't fit then it's already a no-go.
Depending on the age of the CM15 one plans on using you could fit the Power supply and Zero W inside the CM15. You can wire the power directly to the Zero  which I plan to do in another mod. It also may be possible to steal power from the CM15 circuit board itself if you can determine a 5 volt run with enough amps.
the newer Cm15A boards have many components incorporated into the board and the Zero W only takes the bottom half of the battery compartment. see my write up here: http://forums.tuicemen.net/index.php?topic=1291.0
Since the Zero fits in the one half of the case you can swap it out with a new or old CM15A.
my mod was originally done with the old Cm15a which had RF daughter boards limiting the placement of the Zero.
I've since moved the moded section to a newer CM15. This has space to fit a separate 5v power supply above the Zero.
the only wire sticking out of the Cm15 case that would be required is the USB connection to the two. These can be ordered in white and only 6 inches long from Amazon. ;)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 09, 2018, 03:50:13 PM
The Pi Zero power consumption is shown here...
https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blogs/jeff-geerling/raspberry-pi-zero-power (https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blogs/jeff-geerling/raspberry-pi-zero-power)
The Zero W is probably similar.
http://raspi.tv/2017/how-much-power-does-pi-zero-w-use (http://raspi.tv/2017/how-much-power-does-pi-zero-w-use)

You can even use the CM15A PLC output circuit since it has its own 120kHz oscillator.

With the non-SMD version, you can remove the MCU chip and tap into the RF RX/TX circuits, as well. In effect you'd just be substituting the Pi for the MCU.

For experimenting, I'd keep the Pi Zero external. The CM15A has an isolated power supply and you only need a few leads between the Pi and CM15A.

Refer to the schematic I referenced earlier.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: radioguy1007 on May 09, 2018, 05:35:22 PM
Although I do not have the hardware you are discussing here, by review of the schematic and Pi current draw specs taking 5 volt power from the CM15A is going to result in smoke.  Using a Pi minimum current of 80 mA (it goes much higher) from the specifications, there are at least 2 components in the power supply of the CM15A that will be subjected to too much power.  D28, a 10 volt zener diode drops the unregulated supply before the voltage regulator.  This is likely present to remove some of the power dissipation (heat) from the regulator.  There is also a 150 ohm 1/2 watt resistor (R55) in this series path.  If we use the minimum .080 current, that puts 0.96 watts of heat on the 1/2 watt resistor (remember there is power across it already from the CM15A circuitry).  The zener will be dropping 0.80 watts just from the 0.80 mA Pi load - and it too is dropping power already for the CM15A.  If someone could measure the voltage across R55 in normal operation we could determine an exact power draw of the CM15A.  But just the 80 mA of the Pi will smoke that resistor alone.  X10 has been marginal on their transmitter designs in the past - as evidenced by black areas on circuit boards from heat (personal experience). 
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 09, 2018, 06:24:40 PM
Surely it would be simpler to run the mini USB cable through the CM15 enclosure ensuring that both the Pi Zero and the CM15 had their own separate power supplies. Wouldn't be too bulky and off putting and should be neat enough while ensuring that both Pi Zero and CM15 we're isolated from each other in the event of a fault with either.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 09, 2018, 06:29:39 PM
@radioguy1007 - glad you caught that. I had assumed the CM15A MCU would draw more current than the 30mA it's rated for.

Pin 2, the +5V lead of the CM15A USB port doesn't connect to anything. It might be used to supply the Pi Zero.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 09, 2018, 07:44:31 PM
@Tuicemen now that you have your Pi Zero twinned with your CM15 and the ability to control it all remotely via an Android app I'd imagine it's potential usability has far exceeded the WM100.
The PI ZeroW CM15A mesh has far exceeded the abilities of the WM100.
As I've stated before the only benefit the WM100 has over this setup is the power out put of its PLC.
I'm sure Authinx could increase that
Quote
As mentioned in previous posts, maybe the makers of the WM100 should try and replicate that usability and twin their unit with something like the Pi to give their users far greater versatility with X10 technology.
I have brought up the idea with Authinx who then passed the idea on to the factory.
Authinx is interested in doing something like this, creating a wm100 pro as to speak.
I've also been keeping the Authinx owner updated with my progress.
Quote
Looking forward to your write up on how you fully exploited the CM15/Pi/Homegenie combination and exactly what you achieved. :)%
This may be slow coming as every thing I want to do I'm told is possible but the how to info is so very vague. B:( at least to me.
The WM100 is semi useless without the internet the CM15 Pi mesh isn't dependant on the cloud.
My off grid place has been with out internet for 3 days, 15 hours and counting.
 
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 09, 2018, 09:02:29 PM
@Tuicemen now that you have your Pi Zero twinned with your CM15 and the ability to control it all remotely via an Android app I'd imagine it's potential usability has far exceeded the WM100.
The PI ZeroW CM15A mesh has far exceeded the abilities of the WM100.
As I've stated before the only benefit the WM100 has over this setup is the power out put of its PLC.
I'm sure Authinx could increase that
Quote
As mentioned in previous posts, maybe the makers of the WM100 should try and replicate that usability and twin their unit with something like the Pi to give their users far greater versatility with X10 technology.
I have brought up the idea with Authinx who then passed the idea on to the factory.
Authinx is interested in doing something like this, creating a wm100 pro as to speak.
I've also been keeping the Authinx owner updated with my progress.
Quote
Looking forward to your write up on how you fully exploited the CM15/Pi/Homegenie combination and exactly what you achieved. :)%
This may be slow coming as every thing I want to do I'm told is possible but the how to info is so very vague. B:( at least to me.
The WM100 is semi useless without the internet the CM15 Pi mesh isn't dependant on the cloud.
My off grid place has been with out internet for 3 days, 15 hours and counting.

Nice to achieve and surpass the ability of AHP with such a small form factor. and still moe to come no doubt.

Not a Windows user now but used AHP quite satisfactorily many moons ago. The big "interruption" with AHP encouraged me to look at other platforms for HA and with the arrival of the single board computer I finally discovered something that made sense to leave running 24/7.

I really do believe you're only limited by your imagination with the Raspberry Pi. You'll have many more hours developing and expanding your Raspberry Pi. When you've finally got your head around Homegenie there's so many more options to try. Domoticz, Hasbian and Linux HA to name but a few.

I found getting up to speed on JSON really opens up the world of home automation too.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 10, 2018, 10:51:25 AM
Pin 2, the +5V lead of the CM15A USB port doesn't connect to anything. It might be used to supply the Pi Zero.
Upon further review, connecting +5V in this way is probably beyond the soldering skills of most.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 10, 2018, 11:34:11 AM
Pin 2, the +5V lead of the CM15A USB port doesn't connect to anything. It might be used to supply the Pi Zero.
Upon further review, connecting +5V in this way is probably beyond the soldering skills of most.
It is a very small connection with little room between other solder joints.
I tested this connection on one of my older cm15 units and it did not come up as 5V but 4.88V.
 I can't get my meter to register the amps so there may not be the required amps there to power the Zero W.
I tried to keep my mod to a non solder one, so most can do it.
I may need to do a few more test as my ZeroW is using a 2.5 amp power supply simular to that required by the 3B+
I tested the Zero on a few  chargers although the Zero would start and I could SSH into it with less then 1.5 amps HG would not start ::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: JeffVolp on May 10, 2018, 12:12:17 PM
Something to consider with the Pi is cooling.  If it pulls 500-700mA as the specs would indicate, that may cause too much temperature rise if enclosed in the CM15A case.

I had been following this discussion, and had been looking at the possibility of using the Pi Zero W as a controller daughter board with the mother board containing the power supply and XTB-232/523 X10 powerline interface packaged in the same case used for the original XTB.  But with the power supply dissipation, that much heat might cause too much temperature rise inside a small sealed case.

Jeff
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 10, 2018, 01:57:56 PM
There are many people who use the RPi as a video player and install fans on the board to keep from overheating it.  This use is not going to be as demanding for the RPi, but in combination with the CM15, it may produce a lot of heat.  Since we know it's a sealed box, this might be a bad idea.  Couldn't slots be cut into the side of the CM15 case?  If they were small, it would not be a safety issue but obviously it would no longer be UL.  Then again, I'm pretty sure adding a RPi into the case and modding the board to accept it might slightly alter its UL anyway.   :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 10, 2018, 02:52:34 PM
There are many people who use the RPi as a video player and install fans on the board to keep from overheating it.  This use is not going to be as demanding for the RPi, but in combination with the CM15, it may produce a lot of heat.  Since we know it's a sealed box, this might be a bad idea.  Couldn't slots be cut into the side of the CM15 case?  If they were small, it would not be a safety issue but obviously it would no longer be UL.  Then again, I'm pretty sure adding a RPi into the case and modding the board to accept it might slightly alter its UL anyway.   :'
The Zero W takes up only half of the battery compartment the cover still slides over. Removing the other half of the battery compartment may allow for a small fan if one was worried about over heating.
The holes cut in the case for HDMI, USB, and SD card access have to be slightly bigger to slide the Zero into place anyways, this allows some movement of Air. There is also room for a small heat sink which you can order with the Pi.
The battery cover does have two fake slots which one could open up with a Dremel tool as well which may help.
However that might require more of the battery compartment removed then I did
I've not noticed my cm15 case getting hotter then usual (yet) and I have taken no extra steps for cooling not even a Pi heat sink.

The Pi CM15  mesh has only been running a short time and I'm not taxing the Pi as my HG setup is not extensive (yet)
Only 3 house codes, 8 Security sensors, 4 IP cameras, 2 dusk dawn timers, 2 other timers, Weather underground, and the Energy monitor. No macros configured yet.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 10, 2018, 03:16:16 PM
This isn't for everybody but were I to play I'd use a Pi Zero W + RTC + RF RX & TX + XTB-232 + FreeBasic
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M105UFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M105UFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-315Mhz-Transmitter-Receiver-Arduino/dp/B00UWBJ7GK/ref=pd_sbs_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UWBJ7GK&pd_rd_r=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N&pd_rd_w=NyWON&pd_rd_wg=m5N98&psc=1&refRID=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N (https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-315Mhz-Transmitter-Receiver-Arduino/dp/B00UWBJ7GK/ref=pd_sbs_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UWBJ7GK&pd_rd_r=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N&pd_rd_w=NyWON&pd_rd_wg=m5N98&psc=1&refRID=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N)
http://www.cdadapter.com/srtune.htm (http://www.cdadapter.com/srtune.htm)
https://www.freebasic.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21433 (https://www.freebasic.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21433)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 10, 2018, 04:09:36 PM
Assuming the RPi was connected to the network (which it has to be in order to control devices remotely), what would be the benefit of the RTC over using NTP?  RTC modules are cheap, but if NTP is already available is it needed for a Linux device?
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 10, 2018, 04:37:57 PM
After a power outage a router may need a manual reset. A $5 RTC provides a bit of insurance.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 10, 2018, 05:10:26 PM
I'm using passive cooling on an cased over clocked raspberry Pi 3 running Kodi. More than sufficient so I reckon it would work on the Pi Zero too.

Some real interesting ideas on cooling Raspberry Pis here.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/keep-raspberry-pi-cool/
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 10, 2018, 05:31:21 PM
After a power outage a router may need a manual reset. A $5 RTC provides a bit of insurance.
Or if your unlucky and your ISP is slow at repairing internet connections you could be days with incorrect time.
4 day 13 hours and counting (no internet) at my off grid place. B:(
Originaly I had also thought this RTC was not needed.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on May 10, 2018, 05:46:00 PM
After a power outage a router may need a manual reset. A $5 RTC provides a bit of insurance.
Or if your unlucky and your ISP is slow at repairing internet connections you could be days with incorrect time.
4 day 13 hours and counting (no internet) at my off grid place. B:(
Originaly I had also thought this RTC was not needed.

I'm assuming your power outage would be covered by some form of UPS

Hard to believe in this day and age you'd be without Internet for 4 plus days. I assume wherever off grid is you have some form of choice of providers.

When you say "off grid" what exactly do you mean.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 10, 2018, 06:33:57 PM
I'm assuming your power outage would be covered by some form of UPS
My UPS provides enough time to do a controlled shutdown of my PCs, Mac, Router, modem, etc. but my Pi is not supported by the UPS.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 10, 2018, 06:38:22 PM

I'm assuming your power outage would be covered by some form of UPS

Hard to believe in this day and age you'd be without Internet for 4 plus days. I assume wherever off grid is you have some form of choice of providers.

When you say "off grid" what exactly do you mean.
Power is via solar and a power outage is very rare usually only for a second when the back up gen kicks in.
No power lines coming to the place.
Yes there are other internet options but the ISP we're with has been solid till now.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 11, 2018, 06:11:55 PM
Quote
As mentioned in previous posts, maybe the makers of the WM100 should try and replicate that usability and twin their unit with something like the Pi to give their users far greater versatility with X10 technology.

Quote
I have brought up the idea with Authinx who then passed the idea on to the factory.
Authinx is interested in doing something like this, creating a wm100 pro as to speak.

I'd worry that a WM100 Pro might be as slow in developing as was the WM100. A better move might be to release an API and add a pass-through function wherein the WM100 would transceive commands from trusted devices to PLC.[/quote]
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on May 11, 2018, 06:40:42 PM

I'd worry that a WM100 Pro might be as slow in developing as was the WM100. A better move might be to release an API and add a pass-through function wherein the WM100 would transceive commands from trusted devices to PLC.
I suspect a WM100 pro might be something like this:
This isn't for everybody but were I to play I'd use a Pi Zero W + RTC + RF RX & TX + XTB-232 + FreeBasic
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M105UFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M105UFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-315Mhz-Transmitter-Receiver-Arduino/dp/B00UWBJ7GK/ref=pd_sbs_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UWBJ7GK&pd_rd_r=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N&pd_rd_w=NyWON&pd_rd_wg=m5N98&psc=1&refRID=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N (https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-315Mhz-Transmitter-Receiver-Arduino/dp/B00UWBJ7GK/ref=pd_sbs_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UWBJ7GK&pd_rd_r=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N&pd_rd_w=NyWON&pd_rd_wg=m5N98&psc=1&refRID=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N)
http://www.cdadapter.com/srtune.htm (http://www.cdadapter.com/srtune.htm)
https://www.freebasic.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21433 (https://www.freebasic.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21433)

In the mean time I have my own WM100 Pro with a Pi + cm15 mesh.
I've just about got my initial wish list accomplished using HG and HA-Bridge. :)%
I started a Home Genie for dummies thread on my forum and will add some info to it once I have the important things of my initial wish completed.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dhouston on May 11, 2018, 10:13:08 PM
I suspect a WM100 pro might be something like this:
This isn't for everybody but were I to play I'd use a Pi Zero W + RTC + RF RX & TX + XTB-232 + FreeBasic
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M105UFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M105UFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-315Mhz-Transmitter-Receiver-Arduino/dp/B00UWBJ7GK/ref=pd_sbs_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UWBJ7GK&pd_rd_r=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N&pd_rd_w=NyWON&pd_rd_wg=m5N98&psc=1&refRID=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N (https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C2%AE-315Mhz-Transmitter-Receiver-Arduino/dp/B00UWBJ7GK/ref=pd_sbs_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UWBJ7GK&pd_rd_r=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N&pd_rd_w=NyWON&pd_rd_wg=m5N98&psc=1&refRID=YD97Q73ME77FWAAMRM7N)
http://www.cdadapter.com/srtune.htm (http://www.cdadapter.com/srtune.htm)
https://www.freebasic.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21433 (https://www.freebasic.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21433)


That reminds me of something from a few years ago.
https://www.laser.com/dhouston/ultimate-X10.html (https://www.laser.com/dhouston/ultimate-X10.html)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on May 11, 2018, 11:58:30 PM
Obviously if NTP isnt available for whatever reason, a RTC would be a cheap option.  I have a couple sitting in my project box because they are so cheap.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on June 14, 2018, 04:18:34 AM
I have both the Wundeground and Open weather programs loaded in HG. Open weather has more trigger options but I'm at a loss as how to set this up.
I assume many use one of these to trigger things from temperature but I'd like to trigger from wind speed.
Can anyone supply a sample of triggering from any condition?
This would help point me in the right direction.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on June 14, 2018, 08:49:29 AM
I was planning on using WU for its overall information and my local weather station(s) for triggering.  Since I failed to get my stations talking with anything (Arduino issues, not HG or X10) I never got to triggering or even collecting data.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on June 15, 2018, 04:28:04 AM
I would have thought if anyone had weather triggered events you woud have something.
I had 2 different weather stations setup and reporting to  WU.
I also had events triggering in my Windows created programs.
Unfortunately the weather APIs limit your pulls to be real affective.
Having two different APIs  I'll try setting them to pull at different times this way I can get more frequent updates to trigger things.
I managed to create a simple Temperature condition trigger which seems to work with WU at least.
I posted a how to here: https://homegenie.club/t/triggering-from-weather-conditions/329
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on June 17, 2018, 05:56:43 AM
I had 2 goals with the weather station information that would trigger things in the home.  1) Predict temperatures so I could augment my home temperature to maximize heat pump efficiency. 2) Control window shades depending on indoor temp and outdoor conditions.  I also wanted to have an alert sent if the dog kennel got too hot/cold.

The problem was, the thermostat I wanted to use was off the market and the replacement qould not work with my HP.  I wasn't going to replace the new HP/furnace because of HA.  I also decided thw WAF was not there for the drapes and she didn't like my proposed window treatment style anyway.  Also, the weather station communication project failed to be reliable (worked for a few days before needing a reset...
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on June 17, 2018, 06:24:14 AM
Sadly PWS don't seem to last long unless they're a professional model.
These are the most accurate for a HA setup and can be very customized.

Weather pulls are usually limited to x number of pulls per hour. This limits them to being very accurate for wind speeds which I'm looking at for my off grid place.
They also don't allow for temperature reading from specific things (dog house)
However if you had an irrigation system you could use it to see if the sprinklers needed to be turned on for a given day.
Watching the air pressure could also help detection of a possible sever weather event approaching allowing some automation for that.
  ::) :'
Since I've discovered I can use both weather programs set to different pull  times as macro triggers I can get a weather macro to be more actuate then I originally had though. :)%
Also Open Weather alows you to create a number of free API keys so it may be possible to fool Open Weather to supply more frequent information updates.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Knightrider on June 17, 2018, 03:44:29 PM
.... Control window shades depending on indoor temp and outdoor conditions. 

X10 used to have a protocol for window shades. Don't think it ever got off the ground in North America.

Most of the window coverings I install are zwave. They're a real pain to program,  but work very well once set up.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on June 18, 2018, 06:25:24 AM
Long version:
The rain gauge was another thing I wanted to use to trigger sprinklers.  I have a Rain Bird sprinkler setup and had considered a project using a RPi as the controller.  Actually, someone wrote something for HG that was pretty slick and might work well for a sprinkler controller.  It was on the old forum so it may have been lost.

I actually have several metering devices that communicate over 433MHz but I never got the radio reliable enough.  I had the goal of reading my power usage and temperature from a Blueline meter reader.  I was going to track the power usage to detect trends and possibly trigger things off of it at some point.  I wanted to use the Acurite 5-in-1 weather station (temperature, humidity, rain, wind speed, wind direction) to modify sprinkler schedule as well as thermostat trigger times.  That meant I needed to change my Honeywell thermostat to the WiFi version, but they changed the model to the 8000 series which is not compatible with my heat pump for some reason (was missing one pin that was mandatory as I recall).  I also wanted to use the Acurite wireless thermometer to trigger an email in HA that would alert me when the temp inside the kennel was above or below some limits (say 100°F and 20°F).  I was thinking I could even add a relay (maybe Sonoff) to turn on a light or other heat source if it was really cold and maybe a fan or sprinkler/mister if it was too hot (both of these are really overkill in Seattle though).

Anyway, all of that hinged on the ability to utilize 433MHz wireless.  I had all the protocols decoded, but the stupid Arduino couldn't stay working reliably.  I was going to switch over to an ESP solution, but they are 3.3v and the libraries for the RFM69 were complicated enough I never figured them out.



TL;DR:  I spent months getting 95% of the way to a wireless 433MHz solution and it all failed when deployed so now I don't use weather to trigger anything.   :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 19, 2018, 06:27:21 PM
X10 used to have a protocol for window shades. Don't think it ever got off the ground in North America.

Most of the window coverings I install are zwave. They're a real pain to program,  but work very well once set up.
HomeGenie has Zwave code built in which I've yet to play with. There are a few Zwave devices I'd love to add to my city setup so I may dig into that this fall.

I've started to test the latest HomeGenieBe installers. One line of code to paste into the terminal window so it is simple easy for newbies.
There are some issues that need to be worked out but HG looks like it is starting to move forward again.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 24, 2018, 03:43:02 PM
My emailing of camera pics works great if my security console is tripped :)%
However sometimes my cameras are not pointed where I'd like.
I've created link type programs specifying the camera preset and it works if I manually click on it.
However if I create a macro that turns on a light and triggers the link the camera doesn't move even though the light comes on.
since the light comes on the trigger is working I'm just missing something for the firing of the link.
Does anyone have any experience with firing a link in a macro?
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 24, 2018, 06:17:47 PM
My emailing of camera pics works great if my security console is tripped :)%
However sometimes my cameras are not pointed where I'd like.
I've created link type programs specifying the camera preset and it works if I manually click on it.
However if I create a macro that turns on a light and triggers the link the camera doesn't move even though the light comes on.
since the light comes on the trigger is working I'm just missing something for the firing of the link.
Does anyone have any experience with firing a link in a macro?

If your program works manually maybe you could either add a wait in the macro after the light comes on or maybe call a separate macro to execute the camera movement after the light comes on. Sounds like your macro is terminating too quickly before your camera moves
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 25, 2018, 05:24:22 AM
I reversed to order things get fired in the macro with no change. B:(

Last night I thought of using HA-Bridge to send the turn command since I have HG controlling HA-Bridge devices this won't be a big change.
I know I can turn the camera manually and with Alexa from HA-Bridge using it in windows so it should be no problem running it from my pi.
I'll attempt this today.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 25, 2018, 01:21:12 PM
I reversed to order things get fired in the macro with no change. B:(

Last night I thought of using HA-Bridge to send the turn command since I have HG controlling HA-Bridge devices this won't be a big change.
I know I can turn the camera manually and with Alexa from HA-Bridge using it in windows so it should be no problem running it from my pi.
I'll attempt this today.

If you modify the Emailing Pictures app in HG to include camera movement you'll probably achieve what you want.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 25, 2018, 01:54:06 PM
Originally that was my plan but since I have 3 moveable cameras and may wish to move each to a different preset on different sensor triggers this was the simplest approach. I also don't wish to email pictures each time a sensor is triggered.
I also thought about modifying the camera app to include 4 presets (I may still do that later).
In any case I have added the presets to HA-Bridge and the macro now works at least for my first PTZ camera. :)%
The others are HD cameras so the code is different. I thought I had that on my laptop but I guess it is only on a thumb drive and my development machine neither of which I have access to here. B:(
Since HG the camera app currently will not allow any movement of the cameras I can now move the cameras to programed presets.
I have codes for up to 8 presets so that increases my total viewable camera pics to far more then I'll ever need. I realy only need 3 or 4 presets per outside camera to cover the whole property. 3 presets for the inside camera will cover the doors. Although the windows do have sensors on them it is unlikely they will be used to break in as they are high off the ground so I'm not planing to turn a camera specificaly to them.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 25, 2018, 03:12:03 PM
Originally that was my plan but since I have 3 moveable cameras and may wish to move each to a different preset on different sensor triggers this was the simplest approach. I also don't wish to email pictures each time a sensor is triggered.
I also thought about modifying the camera app to include 4 presets (I may still do that later).
In any case I have added the presets to HA-Bridge and the macro now works at least for my first PTZ camera. :)%
The others are HD cameras so the code is different. I thought I had that on my laptop but I guess it is only on a thumb drive and my development machine neither of which I have access to here. B:(
Since HG the camera app currently will not allow any movement of the cameras I can now move the cameras to programed presets.
I have codes for up to 8 presets so that increases my total viewable camera pics to far more then I'll ever need. I realy only need 3 or 4 presets per outside camera to cover the whole property. 3 presets for the inside camera will cover the doors. Although the windows do have sensors on them it is unlikely they will be used to break in as they are high off the ground so I'm not planing to turn a camera specificaly to them.

That's certainly a solution but with the HG app each camera is addressed individually therefore you could conceivably add a line of code addressing the presets of each camera after the light goes on and prior to taking the photos. It would be interesting to see what you come up with using C# code
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 28, 2018, 08:06:42 AM
The C# code will have to wait till I get into my coding mode in the winter (HA season)
I'm not sure if I'll modify the email pictures program or the camera program or both right now.
I've updated my OP to reflect more accurately what I've acomplished thus far with my Pi setup.

The other day I was looking at Magic Mirrors using a Pi and this has got me thinking about playing with creating one. ::) :'
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Magic-Mirror/
Just another HA season project, As if I don't have enough of those now! ::) :'
I figure I could add a HG client to this.
 >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 28, 2018, 05:08:24 PM
I've been researching the Magic (Smart) Mirror possibilities (Rainy day here :( ).
There is open source code for this with several user created modules for almost every thing :)%
https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror
There also is a dedicated forum for the magic mirror https://forum.magicmirror.builders/
The amount of module additions for this is mind blowing staggering, yet when it comes to HA only a domoticz and maybe Home Assistant modules are currently available. :(
https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror/wiki/3rd-Party-Modules
 -:) I may have to rethink my HA software choice or code or wait for a HG module.
 >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 29, 2018, 07:53:13 AM
I went through the Magic Mirror module list again and there appears to be modules for more HA software that supports X10 then I originally thought.
However nothing for HG specifically. It may be possible to get one of the current modules work with HG but I suspect you'd need to use more then one to get all your devices HG. B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 29, 2018, 08:49:06 PM
I went through the Magic Mirror module list again and there appears to be modules for more HA software that supports X10 then I originally thought.
However nothing for HG specifically. It may be possible to get one of the current modules work with HG but I suspect you'd need to use more then one to get all your devices HG. B:(

I don't see you getting much in the way of support over on the HG forum on that. You will probably get a bit of interest. I'm afraid you'll probably have to get down and dirty to implement X10 for that in HG. Bkenobi on here is probably your most seasoned X10 user on the HG forum. The two main contributors on the HG project at present have little or no interest in X10.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 29, 2018, 09:20:17 PM
The magic mirror support wouldn't need to be protocol specific.
In fact I wouldn't wish it to be as I have several other protocols in use.

Since I can display a web page I could create what ever things I wished in a HG group and have that displaying.
I don't even need the magic mirror software as I could auto display HG on reboots.
There really are several ways to approach the smart mirror display info.
I actually ordered a piece of two way mirror to test things.
 >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on July 30, 2018, 11:58:23 AM
HG only had the level of X10 support because I pushed Gene to fix things early on (my opinion, maybe not his).  It is fully capable at this point.  But, the point of how Gene wrote HG was that he provided a framework that other users could contribute modules of code to update.  He wanted to generate the HA container for all of the users that were supposed to show up and add plugins to.  Unfortunately, there were only a small handful of contributors besides myself that posted large projects.  In the end, Gene didn't get the wide support he expected and had to provide all of the support for free which (I think) burned him on the project.

That said, it's still one of the best HA projects and can be fully implemented.  It can also be added on to with a variety of codes so it's certainly not dead for someone who has a special need and the coding expertise!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 30, 2018, 01:25:35 PM

That said, it's still one of the best HA projects and can be fully implemented.  It can also be added on to with a variety of codes so it's certainly not dead for someone who has a special need and the coding expertise!

Couldn't agree more with you on that point. The key here is "the coding expertise". Users migrating from AHP might find the learning curve a little too much though. If its just for X10 use then possibly one of the willing experienced users of HG could help any potential users of HG through the setup process but the potential user will eventually have to get their hands dirty with the Raspbian OS. The potential user will have to be patient to get to the point where they can work away on their own.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 30, 2018, 01:34:38 PM
but the potential user will eventually have to get their hands dirty with the Raspbian OS
I'm not sure I 100% agree with that. If the end user is migrating from AHP they most likely only want X10 control as something else is controling any other protocol they may be using.
It is statements like that that scare most new users away from trying a PI for X10.

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 30, 2018, 04:57:30 PM
but the potential user will eventually have to get their hands dirty with the Raspbian OS
I'm not sure I 100% agree with that. If the end user is migrating from AHP they most likely only want X10 control as something else is controling any other protocol they may be using.
It is statements like that that scare most new users away from trying a PI for X10.

That being the case but how do you update your OS without some form of interaction with the OS when you are using a headless server. That's what I'm referring to as the basics.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 30, 2018, 05:27:14 PM
In reality if your only using your Pi for X10 there is no need to update the OS
Moving to a new OS leads to all kinds of issues with old software running.
That's why there are so many AHP users still running it on XP or Win 98.

Myself I like to keep my OS on the most recent it makes it far easier when it is no longer supported if something goes wrong and your forced to update.

With a PI you can just do a fresh install of everything using the newest OS just like one does for initial install, then just run the HG restore (assuming they did backups)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on July 30, 2018, 06:29:37 PM
In reality if your only using your Pi for X10 there is no need to update the OS
Moving to a new OS leads to all kinds of issues with old software running.
That's why there are so many AHP users still running it on XP or Win 98.

Myself I like to keep my OS on the most recent it makes it far easier when it is no longer supported if something goes wrong and your forced to update.

With a PI you can just do a fresh install of everything using the newest OS just like one does for initial install, then just run the HG restore (assuming they did backups)

You certainly could but with so many security issues these days I wouldn't advise it. I certainly wouldn't expose a Windows 98 or a Windows XP to the outside world these days either. It's like playing Russian Roulette  >!

Ps do bear in mind that if you use notifications on HG your credentials are broadcast unencrypted over the network too. I did highlight this to the guys working on HG a while back. Not sure if they changed this. Scary when you watch this on the log. B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on July 30, 2018, 07:05:44 PM
I'm not sure many expose their X10 systems to the net.
Viewing the log and seeing credentials in the log does not mean someone on the web can see them.
I doubt the logging has been change as it appears the main developement seems to be focused arround fixing the installer and moving to Docker instead of Mono
I certainly wouldn't expose a Windows 98 or a Windows XP to the outside world these days either. It's like playing Russian Roulette  >!
And yet so many small to medium sized business do  B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 01, 2018, 10:44:58 AM
While waiting for my two way mirror to arrive I did a bit of research the Magic Mirror forum (https://forum.magicmirror.builders/) was very helpful this way.
It looks like it may not be possible to do a touch screen info center with the mirror I ordered :(
However it will still make for a nice info center with which I can use Alexa or Google control. ;)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on August 01, 2018, 08:49:40 PM
…. I did a bit of research the Magic Mirror forum (https://forum.magicmirror.builders/) was very helpful this way.

Who would have guessed.... a forum dedicated to building magic mirrors.

… It looks like it may not be possible to do a touch screen info center with the mirror I ordered :(
However it will still make for a nice info center with which I can use Alexa or Google control. ;)


That's all for the better Tuice. You'd be cleaning fingerprints off that mirror morning, noon, and night. I looking forward to following your progress on the mirror.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 01, 2018, 09:11:53 PM

That's all for the better Tuice. You'd be cleaning fingerprints off that mirror morning, noon, and night. I looking forward to following your progress on the mirror.
LOL ya I had thought of that, The touch was more for disarming my security Alexa can do that but not with the alarm going.
Now to figure out the info I want displaying ::) :' I've been indirectly told I have too many clocks in my off grid place so that's out. Weather info is always nice, Maybe top news headline, knowing what door is open or closed,
I guess it will depend on if I use a tablet or phone for this. The tablet will allow for more info like todays calendar events.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 02, 2018, 09:57:24 AM
Seems there was a delay with my mirror order getting processed B:( so I won't see it till next week now! :(
That might be a good thing as I try to get caught up on posts on the Magic Mirror forum and figure which way to go for installing.
Although magic mirror is designed as a PI project I've read posts of PIs not capable of running much with it.
Seems it will run better in server mode however in my case it maybe better to either run it from another PI or a Linux or windows PC ( yep it will install on Windows)
https://forum.magicmirror.builders/topic/4089/complete-walkthrough-install-magicmirror-on-a-pc-windows-7-10
I'll attempt a PI install first but suspect my 3B+ will hang as I think I have it maxed out with HG, and HA-Bridge running while streaming. adding another server may just be too much. ::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on August 02, 2018, 09:39:23 PM
…… Now to figure out the info I want displaying ::) :' I've been indirectly told I have too many clocks in my off grid place so that's out. Weather info is always nice, Maybe top news headline, knowing what door is open or closed...


IMHO... current weather "news" is about as useful as time [clock]. I am usually aware of both. But my wife has gotten somewhat attached to the weather map doppler radar image.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 06, 2018, 10:10:17 AM
The Doppler radar image would be cool on the mirror! I actually prefer this as well, it gives me a better picture of what to expect. I was concerned about adding Magic Mirror (MM)to my Pi but I've read a post were a user had a camera, Domoticz, Ha-bridge and Alexa running on a Pi 3b as well as several extra modules for MM and not in server mode.
https://forum.magicmirror.builders/topic/6783/my-magic-mirror-100x70cm?page=1
I'm not sure what the camera is user for but there is a MM face detection module. I suspect that maybe to much for their Pi however. ::) :'
Since I have the 3b+ there is a bit more power in my board, I'm now a bit more confident I'll have no issue in server mode.
I'm currently helping debug the Docker installation restore function of the new HGBE build so I don't have a spare SD card on hand to play with yet.
There is a docker install for MM which I found so I may be able to test that out. ::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on August 06, 2018, 12:23:14 PM
…. I'm not sure what the camera is used for....

Whereas.... facial recognition may be HUGE in the near future... today not so much. But depending on where you locate the mirror a camera with an outside view (front door?) might be handy. Or... maybe a back door view if you have a dog. Or driveway if a lot of people are coming and going.

I've switched all my camera views over to phone (and tablet) apps (although I do have a TV/Monitor at the HD units source). The phone apps at great... but if I really wanted a peek at who was at the door before I opened the door.... getting the app view is a bit slow. I've considered setting up a quicker, voice controlled, camera view.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 06, 2018, 12:47:45 PM
I wouldn't think the facial recognition would be much use unless there were several users of the mirror and they each wished a different info display. The ability to display different modules for different users is a nice ability and would not require Voice commands which could also be done.

I've only breifly looked at what the facial recognition can do with the Mirror, it can be setup to send a pic via email on seeing a particular user so maybe send an email if the user wasn't in the data base.
 ::) :'
It might also be usable as an extra means of occupancy detection. ;)

I've though about adding camera feeds which display only on command I can move them now with Alexa and they do display in HG rather nicely now.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on August 06, 2018, 04:43:32 PM
I wouldn't think the facial recognition would be much use unless there were several users of the mirror and they each wished a different info display.

My guess is when the tech is more accessible... Face recon will become the PIN number or remote for setting or deactivating the Security Alarm. And maybe running certain routines (heating/AC). Of course.... most of that can be done with phone Geo-fencing, right now.   
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 15, 2018, 07:15:35 AM
I installed Magic Mirror on my PI the other day (took for ever to install)  ::) :'
I mainly wanted to see how well it would work with HG and my X10 setup. I installed the full version not just the Server part which is what I'll be using. I see now most users are using either the onboard Pi camera or a USB one more for motion detection,
though you can have it take pics. I've not configured MM just yet but the full version does tax my Pi 3B+ so I'm expecting some instability. :(
I've read the server version will run on a first gen PI so running that will be the way to go I believe.
I've also got my SmartMirror frame which will hold my x10 Airpad just about finished I just have to paint it.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on August 15, 2018, 11:11:55 AM
I installed Magic Mirror on my PI the other day (took for ever to install)  ::) :'
I mainly wanted to see how well it would work with HG and my X10 setup. I installed the full version not just the Server part which is what I'll be using. I see now most users are using either the onboard Pi camera or a USB one more for motion detection,
though you can have it take pics. I've not configured MM just yet but the full version does tax my Pi 3B+ so I'm expecting some instability. :(
I've read the server version will run on a first gen PI so running that will be the way to go I believe.
I've also got my SmartMirror frame which will hold my x10 Airpad just about finished I just have to paint it.

Interesting project. Good idea to offload some of the heavier work to a second Pi if you feel you are hitting limitations on your original one.

I'm running some other projects on a Rock64 (same profile as a Raspberry Pi) running Armbian64. The 4gb of memory coupled with the faster 1.6 ghz Arm Cortex processor covers the overhead that the Raspberry Pi falls short on.

I must throw Home Genie onto an SD card and test it on this board. Reckon it would be overkill though !!!!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 15, 2018, 01:03:24 PM
I must throw Home Genie onto an SD card and test it on this board. Reckon it would be overkill though !!!!
I guess it depends on what all HG is controlling if it is a simple X10 setup then I'd say yep it's over kill.
I even think the Pi 3 B+ is over kill just for X10, thus the reasoning for me pushing the limits.
I fired up Magic Mirror in server mode and can access it from my laptop :)%
I suspect I'll need to play with my memory allocations on the PI as I do use the desktop.
I can't access Magic mirror from my Tablet yet (just get a black screen) so I may need to install another browser.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 16, 2018, 06:59:49 PM
I realized I had loaded MagicMirror (MM) on my Docker test HG SD card B:(
So as to get a better idea of the true performance I loaded it to my SD Card with my operational Mono HG install.
WoW what a difference!
Watching the CPU % it very rarely goes above 45%  and most of the time is under 5%, the docker install never ran below 79%  :o

The browser is the issue for MM on my tablet as I had the same issue with an old phone. The phone I was able to install Chrome and that fixed the display. Unfortunately Chrome will not install on my x10 Airpad :'(

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on August 16, 2018, 10:02:57 PM
The browser is the issue for MM on my tablet as I had the same issue with an old phone. The phone I was able to install Chrome and that fixed the display. Unfortunately Chrome will not install on my x10 Airpad :'(


https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=ayx2W6DDIYn-sAW3ja0w&q=small+fast+android+browser&oq=small+fast+android+browser&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30k1l2.1936.11241.0.12118.28.26.0.1.1.0.141.2894.2j23.26.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..1.27.3041.6..0j35i39k1j0i131k1.140.pXjdnhXpZPk (https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=ayx2W6DDIYn-sAW3ja0w&q=small+fast+android+browser&oq=small+fast+android+browser&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30k1l2.1936.11241.0.12118.28.26.0.1.1.0.141.2894.2j23.26.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..1.27.3041.6..0j35i39k1j0i131k1.140.pXjdnhXpZPk)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 17, 2018, 08:06:09 AM
Thanks Dave,
The issue is my X10AirPad is running Android 2.3 and many of the newer versions of android compatible browsers require Android 4.1 B:( so they won't even install.
Opera does install but MM will not display B:( I'll keep looking for a browser that works as that would be the easy solution.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on August 17, 2018, 09:09:11 AM
The issue is my X10AirPad is running Android 2.3 and many of the newer versions of android compatible browsers require Android 4.1.....

You might find some cheap Amazon tablets... with Alexa enabled.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 17, 2018, 09:15:43 AM
The issue is my X10AirPad is running Android 2.3 and many of the newer versions of android compatible browsers require Android 4.1.....

You might find some cheap Amazon tablets... with Alexa enabled.
I could surely find a newer inexpensive tablet for this MM project and that maybe what I'll have to do in the end.
However rather then trash my Airpad I'd like to put it to some use if possible.
I know I can create an app that will run on it so that will be something for me to play with once Automation season arrives.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on August 20, 2018, 12:52:39 PM
Well looks like running MM from my HG PI is a bust, even in server mode the CPU usage % starts to climb and this is just using the basic modules. B:(  I do have my mirror built for a tablet so I'll maybe set it up to monitor my city place where I plan to build a MM as well to I should be able to tap into it a home grown app.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on November 20, 2018, 11:47:15 AM
in the summer my city Pi suffered from a power blip which corrupt my SD card.
I've since picked up a UPS which has 3 outlets and 2 USB ports.
I'm wondering how others have connected to a UPS and have do you software running on your pi to do a safe power down.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: brobin on November 20, 2018, 09:11:00 PM
I haven't done it but, assuming the Pi can detect the change in the state of a relay output to trigger a shutdown, then just a simple wall wart powered relay would turn off when the power goes down and the PI would be triggered to do an orderly shutdown.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on November 23, 2018, 10:22:47 PM
in the summer my city Pi suffered from a power blip which corrupt my SD card.…..

I would think.... that after any changes/updates are made to the Pi/SD Card.... a new image/copy of the card would be made. So if a card is corrupted, it could them be reformatted and reimaged.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on November 24, 2018, 07:29:16 AM
I would think.... that after any changes/updates are made to the Pi/SD Card.... a new image/copy of the card would be made. So if a card is corrupted, it could them be reformatted and reimaged.
Yep. I also had a spare card ready to go on hand for such a thing. the issue was I wasn't in the city for over a week when the Pi card was corrupted.

 The USP actually serves a number of purposes as well as preventing a simple power blip from corrupting the SD card on the pi.
It keeps my modem powered so I can still check on things (if the internet is still working)when away.
With the modem working I still get notifications to my phone of a security breach.
I can still run a camera or two to capture photos or just check in on things. I may also add the camera attachment to the Pi in the future.

The UPS I picked up was much cheaper then the one designed for the Pi header thoughI may look into setting up somthing with a Supercapacitor for extra protection. there are many examples of this on the net.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on November 24, 2018, 10:30:04 PM
…. Yep. I also had a spare card ready to go on hand for such a thing. the issue was I wasn't in the city for over a week when the Pi card was corrupted.

Crap... I wasn't thinking about the distance to your remote connection.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on November 27, 2018, 10:48:36 AM
in the summer my city Pi suffered from a power blip which corrupt my SD card.
I've since picked up a UPS which has 3 outlets and 2 USB ports.
I'm wondering how others have connected to a UPS and have do you software running on your pi to do a safe power down.

I have a service running on my RPi that uses the USB connection to my APC UPS to monitor changes in power state.  I have a small script in HG that sends notifications of changes as well.  I can't remember if the HG script is what triggers the shutdown or if that's part of the service, but either way it has worked in the past pretty well.  As I've stated elsewhere, when the Mono certificates expire the notification stops so I need to get that worked out.

The service I use is called APCUPSD.
http://www.apcupsd.com/
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on November 27, 2018, 11:00:57 AM
It looks like I have the service handle shutting down the RPi.  I don't think I have a way to turn it back on if it does shut down though, so that's not ideal.  It might automatically turn back on if the UPS is reconnected to power, but should the power flicker when it comes back on, it's possible the RPi could turn on and then lose power since the battery may not be fully charged.  The RPi is instructed to shut down, but I have other devices on the UPS as well that could continue to drain the battery do flat.

In any case, this is my HG script for handling the UPS service.  Remove the ".txt" from the file name and it can be imported into HG.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on November 27, 2018, 11:04:50 AM
in the summer my city Pi suffered from a power blip which corrupt my SD card.
I've since picked up a UPS which has 3 outlets and 2 USB ports.
I'm wondering how others have connected to a UPS and have do you software running on your pi to do a safe power down.

I have a service running on my RPi that uses the USB connection to my APC UPS to monitor changes in power state.  I have a small script in HG that sends notifications of changes as well.  I can't remember if the HG script is what triggers the shutdown or if that's part of the service, but either way it has worked in the past pretty well.  As I've stated elsewhere, when the Mono certificates expire the notification stops so I need to get that worked out.

The service I use is called APCUPSD.
http://www.apcupsd.com/
  Thanks,from the documentation looks like you need two usb cables coming from the USP to the Pi a bit difficult for the Pi Zero W, but not impossible.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on November 27, 2018, 12:49:41 PM
Thanks,from the documentation looks like you need two usb cables coming from the USP to the Pi a bit difficult for the Pi Zero W, but not impossible.

Why 2 cables?  I have a single cable running from the UPS to the RPi3 to monitor the status.  If you mean the second to provide power, well that's true.  I doubt there's a way to have the same cable provide power as well as connect to the UPS as a Host.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on November 27, 2018, 01:54:42 PM
Quote
If you mean the second to provide power, well that's true.  I doubt there's a way to have the same cable provide power as well as connect to the UPS as a Host.
Yep, that's what I meant.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 01, 2018, 08:35:25 AM
Probably the thing I miss with my new HA setup now over running it from a PC is the sound notifications.
Sure I could do notifications with my phone but I refuse to have it glued to my hip.
I also am not one who checks my phone at every SMS sound notification.
The Pi Zero W does have Bluetooth so I'm wondering if anyone has utilized this for playing anything from their Pi ???

I have Alexa set for reminders and such and I could record her voice for HA notifications simply enough the issue is playing these from the PI.
I will say I've not looked into this much so a simple google search may reveal some info to get me started.
This part of my HA setup was and still is low on my HA wish list but if it is easy enough to implement, why not get it done? ::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 01, 2018, 04:00:03 PM
I have my pi zeroW auto conecting to a BT speaker (amazon dot) on every boot so my issue now is being able to play sound to it  :' since this is setup as headless it adds extra difficulties B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 01, 2018, 06:24:24 PM
 8) I now can send sound (wav files) to my amazon dot via the PIs BT  :)%
This requires pi-btaudio to be installed so the BT is speaker auto connects on a PI boot up.
https://github.com/bablokb/pi-btaudio
You then need to install MOC
Code: [Select]
sudo apt install moc moc-ffmpeg-pluginfor more info see this write up https://www.sigmdel.ca/michel/ha/rpi/sound_output_03_en.html

Next step is sending from HG or HA-bridge  ::) :'
Which should be the easy part! :o
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on December 01, 2018, 06:40:57 PM
8) I now can send sound (wav files) to my amazon dot via the PIs BT  :)% 


All Right I can certainly see how that could be useful.  :)%  >!  #:)
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 01, 2018, 06:55:31 PM
All Right I can certainly see how that could be useful.  :)%  >!  #:)
Yes, currently you can only send sound to one BT speaker but there is hope for multi connections.

I just tested sending a sound to the dot using HA-Bridge and that was a simple task. Since I can trigger HA-Bridge events from HG all is well now! rofl
Sending directly from HG may require me to build an addon program (a Project for another day).
 I just need to record some Alexa voice wavs and I'm set :)%
I may record some Jerri notification wav files for nostalgia. rofl

I've currently set things up for my bedroom Dot, but may change that to the living room Dot.
I have both setup in the PI for when multi connections are available.
 -:) Humm may be I should add the Google Home mini that's in the kitchen::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: racerfern on December 01, 2018, 08:45:22 PM
Quote
Humm may be I should add the Google Home mini that's in the kitchen:

I find my Google Home vastly superior to Alexa. I even switched my streaming from Amazon to google although it's $2 more a month. Imagine! Of course I have Android phones which blend almost seamlessly with Google  products.

Alexa is relegated to the laundry room for now although she has come a long way from when I first used it in the late 90s before Amazon got involved.

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on December 01, 2018, 11:21:59 PM
I find my Google Home vastly superior to Alexa...... Of course I have Android phones which blend almost seamlessly with Google  products.

Google is smarter, and is more conversational in it's use and responses as well
(I have a friend who converted to Google). Same with some of the android phones... they can be the proving grounds for what Apple will introduce in next years model of phone.

Yet... Alexa-echo devices have 55,000 skills of all types to select from... and Apple is the base-line easy-to-use phone. What's the old saying... six of one, and half a dozen of the other. I saw a holiday priced Google device for $29 bucks... and wanted to get it.... but don't know where I'd put it. Most of this new stuff integrates and plays well with each other. But there are still some devices where we have to just pick a brand/protocol/flavor.... and go with it. 
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on December 01, 2018, 11:28:46 PM
... Yes, currently you can only send sound to one BT speaker but there is hope for multi connections.

I think.... eventually we'll be able to create a device triggered routine (instead of only voice trigger routines) within the Alexa app... or at least I hope so. That might resolve some issues.

My wink Hub just added "lookout" which is a nice step forward.... although I haven't setup and/or used it yet.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 02, 2018, 07:59:00 AM
You can do some event triggered Alexa responces with IFTTT. However this is not what I was looking for. My ultimate goal is whole house voice notifications for some events at least. Currently you must specify what BT speaker to send the sound to and that device must be currently connected. Alexe notifies you when it connects and beeps when it disconnects. Luckily my pi is on a UPS or this could be a problem with a late night power blip, ::) humm it still might! I better get the volume turned down on the bedroom Dot til I know for sure.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on December 02, 2018, 06:08:25 PM
…….. My ultimate goal is whole house voice notifications for some events at least. Currently you must specify what BT speaker to send the sound to and that device must be currently connected.…...

Yeah. Some amplifiers have BT reception and can be paired to.... then it's [back] to a hardwired speaker system. So you might as well do that from the Pi mini-stereo jack.

I'd had the "wired" whole-house (and outside too for one event/alert). But as my garage door would open and my voice announcement would say: "the garage door is opening.... the garage door is open" I would also hear my and my wife's iPhones (and my wife ipad) chime the alert chime when we were home. We also would hear the chime(s) alerting us of each other comings and goings when we were apart. I came to believe that phone notifications and alerts might be a better way to get notice of Home Automation events.

My new Home security alarm alerts me via my phone (a push notification). It uses a siren alert sound! I like that. But I haven't yet figured out haw to get and use more special sounds and banners for phone alerts. Maybe... there might already be an app that does that.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 02, 2018, 06:37:53 PM

Yeah. Some amplifiers have BT reception and can be paired to.... then it's [back] to a hardwired speaker system. So you might as well do that from the Pi mini-stereo jack.
Only a Pi Zero has no mini stereo out put jack. My 3B+ does but using it heats up the pi considerably.
One Amazon Dot can be heard through out my Log off grid place, maybe due to the open concept layout of the place, or the Dots placement. However the same can't be said for my city place. :(

My cell phone is almost all ways set to vibrate (no sound) and I refuse to have it glued to me, but I never liked the land line phones either. ::) :'
I preferer voice anouncements over sirens or other sounds as they are less startling and easier on my ears. ;)

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on December 02, 2018, 08:52:48 PM
…… My cell phone is almost all ways set to vibrate (no sound) and I refuse to have it glued to me, but I never liked the land line phones either. ::) :'   

I think that's normal. I spoke with a friend the other day.... said he had one of those Google devices... but never uses it.

I had a similar experience with my Amazon/Alexa device. It wasn't used much at first either. I had to make a list of ways to use it... and regularly review the list during the day. I would also occasionally search the Internet for different skills and try them out.

I did something similar with my original iPhone. I took a tip from my/the old "day planner days". I set aside times to invest in friendships and family ties. I would make calls, and send text messages. I took pictures and shared them.... and occasionally post a pic on social media. Since my Mom doesn't do "pics"... I would use the on-line printing and have them printed at "her" local drug store. I keep my life on the calendar (which is also on my laptop). I not only know what will happen when.... but when I did what. I also downloaded books from Amazon.... which I would read when I had a spare few minutes here and there. AND.... it was at Amazon that I found the Alexa and ihome devices

New (even good) habits can take a little effort once we're all grown up. But it didn't take long at all till my phone became indispensable. These great modern technologies are worthless if we don't take the time and make the effort to learn to exploit them. If the PC wasn't invented until today.... how many people that we know would reject them.... because they never needed them before.

I preferer voice anouncements over sirens or other sounds as they are less startling and easier on my ears. ;)


So do I. I wish more cloud services were out there. There is still TONS of digital services that aren't even offered yet.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on December 16, 2018, 06:59:29 PM
So I got a smart Samsung TV given to me just recently and HomeGenie sees it.
However I'm at a loss as to what HG can do with it I would suspect control some aspect of it but what. I never recieved a manual At least nothing that explains connecting to UPNP.
Anyone played with this part of HG? The module in HG sees volume up down calls from my remote but if I try to adjust volume from HG it revert back to the previous setting.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on March 28, 2019, 07:23:25 PM
Time to revisit this.
 I've surpassed my initial expectations probably 3 fold by now. Virtually everything I originally realy wanted has been done plus way more. I constantly am thinking of new things to add to or do with the Pi and Home Genie.

My latest project is utilizing one of my Kinects 360 cameras in HomeGenie, initially I'd like to set it up like a web cam.
I may attempt gesture control or body sensing if it isn't to taxing on the CPU.
I currently have it connected to a Pi ZeroW and am able to take snap shots and the ZeroW performance isn't suffering.
However I still haven't figured out how to view the images in HG. Once I do that I can have the Kinects take regular snapshots updating a file which will act like a stream.
I've played with some Pi streaming code and it does show my Kinects is working and streaming yet I can't view the stream B:(
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: brobin on March 28, 2019, 08:30:45 PM
You do more in week than a team of developers does in year!  >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on March 29, 2019, 06:57:59 AM
LOL it certainly seems like it when you look at the wm100 advancements. ::) :'
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: dave w on March 29, 2019, 04:35:21 PM
LOL it certainly seems like it when you look at the wm100 advancements. ::) :'
"wm100 advancements" is an oxymoron.  >*<
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on March 29, 2019, 05:37:01 PM
LOL it certainly seems like it when you look at the wm100 advancements. ::) :'
"wm100 advancements" is an oxymoron.  >*<
rofl
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on June 04, 2019, 08:27:16 AM
I've currently stopped playing and experimenting with my RPi boards.
Most I wished to accomplish has been done. I did create a small magic mirror using an old Android phone ( my old LED panel bit the dust)  a larger version will have to wait till I find the right monitor.
I also was able to get my Kinects camera working with the RPi for simple viewing but decided against using it this way. I found the picture quality wasn't as good as I expected (probably the drivers).
I'm amazed at what can be done with these compact low resource devices.
My conclusion:
If you 'd like to do something with one, in all probability it is possible.
 >!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on June 04, 2019, 03:37:52 PM
Glad to hear you enjoyed your foray into the world Linux Open Source on the Raspberry Pi/Raspbian OS. The playing never stops though.

HomeGenie, while an interesting choice for your X10 Hub does have its shortcomings and I think you realise this now. It was never going to be AHP with all the bells and whistles for the average user. This became apparent during the setup process and the less than confident reaction from those who attempted to join in.

Many didn't realise at the time that HomeGenie was in fact a .Net Windows based program which was adapted to utilise Mono allowing it to run in the Linux environment. Many Windows programs have adopted this approach to varying degrees of success.

One of the biggest shortcomings of HomeGenie of course is its singular development lead, it's sporadic update cycle and most importantly it's lack of a satisfactory community where experienced adopters and developers can exchange experiences. It did have this at one stage and was very successful but both contributions and ideas fell away when the developer shutdown the community forum. Other experienced contributors/developers tried to pick up the slack but it fell short of expectations.

A number of community members here did manage to tailor a setup in HomeGenie on the Raspberry Pi to suit their X10 needs. Outside of that I imagine many quickly realised that HomeGenie just wasn't for them. I firmly believe the lack of a viable HomeGenie community forum with experienced developers/users contributed to this.

I noticed you've written somewhere that you were going to get your hands dirty learning Python. Should you attempt this endeavour I strongly suggest that you channel your energies into something like Home Assistant, all Python based. The wheel has already been invented there. Endless amounts of platforms (plugins) available and even includes one for your Magic Mirror. And of course X10 is supported and implemented.

It comes in many installation formats and one that may be of interest to you, Hassbian which installs simply on the Raspberry Pi via an image installer. As I mentioned, the wheel has already been invented here so it leaves plenty of time for the all important automations. For those who want it even easier there's also the Hass.io method of installation. Zero coding required via this method.

I'd leave Gene to his hibernation for the moment and press on with something a little more active and productive along the lines I outlined above.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on June 04, 2019, 04:22:49 PM
Thanks petera.
When I started down the pi road I had no intention of learning a new programing language. However I have noticed that so many HA programs use middle men softwares to get things done, this includes X10.
I have a few HA routes I'll explore in the future but for now HG does all my HA with the fewest middle men softwares required.
My ultimate goal for my HA is to not require any middle men software.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on June 04, 2019, 05:54:49 PM
Thanks petera.
When I started down the pi road I had no intention of learning a new programing language. However I have noticed that so many HA programs use middle men softwares to get things done, this includes X10.
I have a few HA routes I'll explore in the future but for now HG does all my HA with the fewest middle men softwares required.
My ultimate goal for my HA is to not require any middle men software.

That's the beauty of Hassio. It works as an appliance as can be seen from here https://community.home-assistant.io/t/hass-io-vs-dietpi-manual-install/112679

Hours of tinkering avoided. It just works out of the box for those that want it that way.

Home Automation design has move moved on somewhat since Gene's original concept and I really do suggest you spend some time familiarising yourself with Hassio. And of course if you do get stuck on anything there's a vast amount of contributors only too willing to help instantly.

Maybe when your next home automation season starts
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on June 04, 2019, 06:07:52 PM
I'll re-examine all possibilities next HA season however when I originally looked at Hassio it required heyu or mochad which are not drivers but middle men softwares.
Maybe this has changed.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on June 05, 2019, 10:53:14 AM
I have a testing HA setup using Hasbian and it does work very well.  I have not yet gotten the RF working as I require for X10 which is why it's still a testing setup.  Although it does require Mochad, once configured it does work as expected.  And, although it is an additional software that is required, once installed, it just works.  The RF is supposed to be able to work with an additional add-on, but I failed to get it installed the several times I tried.

As for Hass.IO, it is pretty awesome so long as the components you want to use are already available.  Last I checked, Mochad did not work with Hass.IO, though.  If someone was to switch to a new standard then I think Hass.IO flavor of HA would be a really slick approach as it is easier than AHP to get running.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: petera on June 05, 2019, 11:36:26 AM
I have a testing HA setup using Hasbian and it does work very well.  I have not yet gotten the RF working as I require for X10 which is why it's still a testing setup.  Although it does require Mochad, once configured it does work as expected.  And, although it is an additional software that is required, once installed, it just works.  The RF is supposed to be able to work with an additional add-on, but I failed to get it installed the several times I tried.

As for Hass.IO, it is pretty awesome so long as the components you want to use are already available.  Last I checked, Mochad did not work with Hass.IO, though.  If someone was to switch to a new standard then I think Hass.IO flavor of HA would be a really slick approach as it is easier than AHP to get running.

The appliance approach install that Hass.io takes is definitely the way forward. The Joe Average user has no interest spending countless hours fiddling about trying to get a light to turn on when a sensor triggers at a certain time of the day when the rain starts. We are way passed that in terms of home automation now.

I imagine owners of X10 controllers were happy enough to have their macros and timers programmed into their units and just walk away and leave the controllers to do their business.

The appliance approach of Hass.io now being adopted will do that and much more. Unfortunately with the slow demise of X10 for inclusion in the likes of these projects it is up to the current owners of this technology to find ways that X10 can be included.

Well the good news is that the CM11 and the CM15 are catered for by way of Heyu and Mochad respectfully and as @bkenobi states they just work. There's no apparent sign of a "middle man" here. Once it's setup it just becomes a constituent part of a much bigger picture called Home Assistant.

For Cloud aficionados it's all there and available. Personally I don't subscribe to the cloud but my setup has all the functionality that I need and more. For Alexa fans, you can go the cloud route or local control as I have done.

The main point here is the core code is sound and stable so it allows the user to get on with the business of home automation and not trying to reinvent the wheel each time you need to turn a light on or off at a certain time of the day when the rain stops  :)%
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on January 19, 2020, 10:08:58 AM
I've done all my original wishes with the Pi but the Smart mirror.
However I've accomplished much more then I expected. :)%
I may soon start to play with a smart mirror  on a spare Pi.

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on January 21, 2020, 10:32:31 AM
I've done all my original wishes with the Pi but the Smart mirror.

Couldn't you just use a Amazon/Fire TV with a 2-way mirror? Include automation, news, weather, email, phone...........
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: Tuicemen on January 21, 2020, 11:27:12 AM
I've done all my original wishes with the Pi but the Smart mirror.

Couldn't you just use a Amazon/Fire TV with a 2-way mirror? Include automation, news, weather, email, phone...........
You probably could  but what fun would that be?
I also don't have an Amazon/Fire TV.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on January 21, 2020, 11:49:42 AM
Some people think buying the complete project is fun.
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on January 21, 2020, 12:01:46 PM
You probably could  but what fun would that be?
I also don't have an Amazon/Fire TV.

Some people think buying the complete project is fun.

Sure yeah.... I understand. I also use/belong to the instructables Web Site (https://www.instructables.com/) a community for people who like to make things. I like to make things myself. I've just never thought of trying to make things.... the hard way.

Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: bkenobi on January 21, 2020, 02:17:03 PM
I believe I've seen many places post examples of magic mirrors.  I don't know if one was on Instructables or not, but seems likely.  I wouldn't say using a RPi to build a project would be classified as the hard way though.  I also wouldn't say placing a 2-way mirror over a TV makes it a magic mirror but it certainly would look close to some of the projects I've seen.  It wouldn't be the least work put into a project I've ever seen!
Title: Re: What I'd like to do with X10 and my Pi
Post by: HA Dave on January 22, 2020, 10:29:13 AM
I believe I've seen many places post examples of magic mirrors.

Back a few years ago.... people would place a monitor behind a 2-way mirror. Then hard wire a PC (generally concealed in a nearby closet/basement/attic) and a microphone. The PC would use a speech to text software.... you get the idea.

A tiny Raspberry Pi would be easier than an old fashion PC tower.

But a small Amazon-Fire TV (running Alexa) taped behind the mirror..... and DONE. Easy peasy.

Back in the old days (LOL).... we used to dream (fantasize) about things like touch-screen controls at doorways (for automation control) when we'd enter a room. Remember... everything (in the automation world) used to be "push button", a timer, or occasionally a motion sensor.

It's hard to give up on those old ideas. I built a HAL9000 (https://2001.fandom.com/wiki/HAL_9000) panel not that long ago. I even experimented... and considered wiring it up... to work with a CM15A equipped PC. Then I thought about mounting an Echo inside it. In the end.... I hung it on my (Man-Cave) wall to just enjoy as a prop.