X10 Community Forum
💬General Category => Mac/Linux & Open Source and the X10 Home => Raspberry Pi, Arduino & other SBC => Topic started by: Tuicemen on October 30, 2018, 02:52:09 PM
-
Now that my beginner guide for installing HomeGenie has been posted for a while now.
I'm wondering did anyone besides HA-Dave actually try HomeGenie with a PI?
Did you use my step by step pi install?
http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=30427.msg174845#msg174845
I know there are long time users of it here on the X10 forum and they must like it or they would have moved on.
If you haven't tried HomeGenie as yet I invite you to give it a test run.
It will run on Windows but is so much better on the Pi seems more stable then when I tested on Windows (Given that was years ago).
Even if you run HomeGenie on a Windows or Linux PC, or other OS I'd love to read your thoughts on it.
-
I couldn't agree more Tuicemen.
For anyone using it or intending to use it let Tuicemen and others share your experiences. It really is a very credible alternative to what is on offer now. Even the WM100 users would benefit greatly as that unit appears to have fallen short of expectation.
Any CM15 or CM11 owners are already half way there. A Raspberry Pi kit is all you need and a couple of hours of your time and you should have a very feature rich X10 Hub.
It's got to be worth your while joining in now.
-
Now that it has been identified what the best route to go with the Pi Hub project those who wish to join in will require the following hardware
1. X10 Controller (CM15 and CM11 are fully supported. CM19 should be fairly soon)
2. Raspberry Pi Zero W plus power supply mini USB type. 2ah or larger recommended
3. Micro USB to Full USB female OTG cable (for plugging in your X10 controller to the Pi Zero)
5. Micro SD card
6. Raspberry Pi Zero case (optional)
Items 2 to 6 can be purchased separately or in a bundle on many web stores.
During this project The Micro SD card will have a copy of Raspbian Stretch Lite written to it and following this a copy of the latest stable version of HomeGenie 1.2 v527 Stable.
There are a number of ways to achieve this and whatever way you choose we will guide you through the process.
At the end of the process you will have a fully functioning X10 controller capable of controlling all of your X10 devices both with direct interaction with the software and by automated scripts including macros and timers. You will have both local and remote access to your X10 Pi Hub directly between it and your chosen handheld device.
As a bonus, you can use the HG Android client to remotely connect to this X10 Pi Hub directly (no need for 3rd party server portals).
Tuicemen has put a considerable amount of time and effort into breathing new life into X10 so I really do suggest you reward him and yourself by trying this out. You won't regret this, believe and you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.
-
Although there are 2 android apps (1 is free) for HG these really aren't needed you can directly access HG via a browser locally. If you set up some port forwarding rules you could use that method anywhere with any device.
My understanding is the paid app has extra features not in HG :o
While on the PI HUB project topic if you have tried HG and just couldn't get it to install or un properly the SD card will eventually come with it preinstalled and configured with some sample timers, macros, and some other automation possibilities. Since HG has backup and restore function it will be easy to restore your existing HG configuration in the PI HUB if you have a working setup.
-
Although there are 2 android apps (1 is free) for HG these really aren't needed you can directly access HG via a browser locally. If you set up some port forwarding rules you could use that method anywhere with any device.
My understanding is the paid app has extra features not in HG :o
You'd be amazed how used to the whole concept of Apps people have gotten over the last number of years. As far as I understand even the WM100 users are exploiting one too. Again the original HG App is free so no outlay required here either.
-
My understanding is the paid app has extra features not in HG :o
I resisted buying the Android app because I don't have a CC associated with my Play account (don't really trust them after HD, Target, etc got my card stolen several times in a year). I ended up adding it and after using the app can confirm it is significantly better than the free one. The no cost option allows for remotely controlling things. The paid version is WAY faster and allows for more details (list of on/off times is one really nice feature not found on the normal web interface).
-
My understanding is the paid app has extra features not in HG :o
I resisted buying the Android app because I don't have a CC associated with my Play account (don't really trust them after HD, Target, etc got my card stolen several times in a year). I ended up adding it and after using the app can confirm it is significantly better than the free one. The no cost option allows for remotely controlling things. The paid version is WAY faster and allows for more details (list of on/off times is one really nice feature not found on the normal web interface).
That's interesting. Is it a beta app or a final. Does the standard web UI show the on/off times of devices via the Dashboard.
-
Now that it has been identified what the best route to go with the Pi Hub project those who wish to join in will require the following hardware
1. X10 Controller (CM15 and CM11 are fully supported. CM19 should be fairly soon)
2. Raspberry Pi Zero W plus power supply mini USB type. 2ah or larger recommended
3. Micro USB to Full USB female OTG cable (for plugging in your X10 controller to the Pi Zero)
5. Micro SD card
6. Raspberry Pi Zero case (optional)
It may be possible to use other Pis with this image since it is built using the zero W it will work in a Pi 3B+ (just tested) and maybe even an older Pi
-
Now that it has been identified what the best route to go with the Pi Hub project those who wish to join in will require the following hardware
1. X10 Controller (CM15 and CM11 are fully supported. CM19 should be fairly soon)
2. Raspberry Pi Zero W plus power supply mini USB type. 2ah or larger recommended
3. Micro USB to Full USB female OTG cable (for plugging in your X10 controller to the Pi Zero)
5. Micro SD card
6. Raspberry Pi Zero case (optional)
It may be possible to use other Pis with this image since it is built using the zero W it will work in a Pi 3B+ (just tested) and maybe even an older Pi
Once the Raspberry Pi it’s being installed on is fully updated via sudo apt upgrade you shouldn’t have a problem. Those upgrades include firmware upgrades too. Also don’t forget to upgrade via the sudo raspi-config as that updates the bootloader to the latest version. You’ll see the option on the blue splash screen.
Let’s get installing so :)%
-
That's interesting. Is it a beta app or a final. Does the standard web UI show the on/off times of devices via the Dashboard.
There is no built-in way to display a list of ON/OFF or other activities on a single module. You can technically see the same type of details if you look at the activity log (turned off by default). However, this will include all modules. I have not looked in a while, but I believe you can filter by string so perhaps you could get a list for a single module, but it won't be formatted as nicely. Seems like a silly reason to buy an app when it could be included in the main interface. On the other hand, nothing stops someone from coding up and sharing a HG app and widget that could show this in the HG web UI.
-
That's interesting. Is it a beta app or a final. Does the standard web UI show the on/off times of devices via the Dashboard.
There is no built-in way to display a list of ON/OFF or other activities on a single module. You can technically see the same type of details if you look at the activity log (turned off by default). However, this will include all modules. I have not looked in a while, but I believe you can filter by string so perhaps you could get a list for a single module, but it won't be formatted as nicely. Seems like a silly reason to buy an app when it could be included in the main interface. On the other hand, nothing stops someone from coding up and sharing a HG app and widget that could show this in the HG web UI.
Personally I've no real interest in Apps but others swear by them. I feel the same about Alexa but others seem unable to exist without it. The web Api does me just fine.
-
The webUI works ok. I find it slow on my RPi1 but it's a bit faster on the RPi3 I tested. You can set it up to work remotely so if that's good enough, cool. I find it formatted better for the phone using that app, but the webUI is certainly usable.
I should also point out that I don't use HA the same as some people. I have mine mostly for timed and motion sensor lights. I can turn lights on/off remotely, but I don't do it that often. The Android App is just a bonus which is why I hesitated buying it (minimal use).
-
Does anyone have both HomeGenie and Homeseer? Not that I would dump Homeseer, but HomeGenie appears very comparable and certainly big time cheaper. Especially if you can design custom control screens for Window, Android, iOS within HomeGenie. With Homeseer that requires a second, not cheap, program (Homeseer Designer).
If someone has both, a comparative review would be welcome. :)%
-
I don't have Homeseer but from what I understand your limited to the plugins that will run on their hometroller Not sure if the same limit is there with their Pi Image as I can't test it.
I've not run into a limitation in HG that way. also you can design different screens for say all x10 lights and one for modules and another for security.
as well you can rearrange their locations if that's what your referring to.
HA-Dave did manage to install HG but not sure if he ever did any thing more then that. he does have Homeseers hometroller I believe.
Maybe he has some input on a comparisont.
-
Does anyone have both HomeGenie and Homeseer? Not that I would dump Homeseer, but HomeGenie appears very comparable and certainly big time cheaper. Especially if you can design custom control screens for Window, Android, iOS within HomeGenie. With Homeseer that requires a second, not cheap, program (Homeseer Designer).
If someone has both, a comparative review would be welcome. :)%
Yes @dave w I've installed HomeSeer on a number of machines for others. It's way over priced (as can be seen in their November sales offer) and to be honest it's a pure Windows offering poorly adapted to run on a Linux platform. it does the job but it's lacking in so many areas. And of course it doesn't "officially" support X10. That would not endear itself to forum users here.
The so called "plugins" game they play shows contempt to the user by getting 3rd party individuals to do their heavy lifting and filling in the functionality gaps left by the principle designer, giving these individuals a shop window to sell their wares and taking a generous cut of the profits.
HomeGenie I imagine was selected principally for its versatility, it's ease of use and of course it is an open source software. Everyone can join in. That ethos in my opinion sits well with the ideals of the forum. The likes of JeffVolp and yourself I imagine would appreciate that.
Such a shame Authinx and it's WM100 didn't adopt that mindset before embarking on their adventure. Had they done so we probably wouldn't even be discussing this subject today.
-
...…. I've installed HomeSeer on a number of machines for others. It's way over priced.... it does the job but it's lacking in so many areas. And of course it doesn't "officially" support X10. That would not endear itself to forum users here.
Although... I've never imagined "profit" to be a 4-letter word... Homeseer ain't cheap. But, since the fall of the X10 servers, if your not a code-writer-hobbyist, Homeseer is the last remaining manufacturer..... to (sort of, almost, kind of, but not-really) support X10 users. What really sticks in my craw isn't HomeSeer's price (although it IS EXPENSIVE) it's that the product isn't "officially supporting X10".
For me.... I get their point. They are basically saying... they believe it's time to walk away from the X10 protocol.
Such a shame Authinx and it's WM100 didn't adopt that mindset before embarking on their adventure. Had they done so we probably wouldn't even be discussing this subject today.
No vision.... no product. What made Apple the overnight global giant it became was never it's people or it's product.... it was a single minded VISION. They knew where they were going.... before they started. When X10 lost it's vision... it became a hidden camera salesman to voyeurs and peeping toms.... drawing in customers with pop-up cheap soft-porn. It didn't work out for X10. And Authinx's success with it's WM100 product... will also match it's vision for X10.
The vision of and for Homegenie... will guide it's development... or not. But it's always the vision that determine the success or failure.
-
The so called "plugins" game they play shows contempt to the user by getting 3rd party individuals to do their heavy lifting and filling in the functionality gaps left by the principle designer, giving these individuals a shop window to sell their wares and taking a generous cut of the profits.
petera and HA Dave:
Right. What is hypocrically funny is, there would be no Homeseer, were it not for X10. Homeseer originated as "Keware" when there was nothing but X10. I upgraded to HS3 at last years "Black November" sale because HS3 has an Alexa skill. But doubt I will upgrade again. Thus my interest in HG.
Thanks for the info.
-
…. What is hypocrically funny is, there would be no Homeseer, were it not for X10.
And... we'd not have electric in our homes.... if it wasn't for the inventive genius of Thomas Edison. And, Edison hated Alternating Current (preferring the use of Direct Current).
Brand loyalty is a myth.
X10 invented modern Home Automation.... as well as the idea/term of a "smart" home. I am still a huge fan of the CM15A. IMHO... cloud control with CM15A programing smarts (and a connected 24/7 running processor)... is the best. But..... if forced to have either one or the other... the cloud wins.
Weekly I get an email for Amazon with "New things to try with Alexa". OK... some of the things are much... or even lame. Some new stuff is cool. But the main thing is cloud-based automation is still in its infancy and gets better all the time. It won't be long before the CM15A will be outdated. Meanwhile.... my Home Automation setup has never been better. AND.... I really believe (and so does my wife) the automation has never been as user friendly as it is now.
-
And... we'd not have electric in our homes.... if it wasn't for the inventive genius of Thomas Edison. And, Edison hated Alternating Current (preferring the use of Direct Current).
Edison proved AC was good for electrocuting elephants. Don't know if Tesla countered with a DC electric chair or not. rofl
-
……..Don't know if Tesla countered with a DC electric chair or not. rofl
He was too busy with creating wireless electric distribution.
-
He was too busy with creating wireless electric distribution.
And destroying buildings with an eight ounce electric hammer. (pounding at the building's frame resonance.) Tesla was an Einstein while Edison was more of a Hulk Hogan.
-
The so called "plugins" game they play shows contempt to the user by getting 3rd party individuals to do their heavy lifting and filling in the functionality gaps left by the principle designer, giving these individuals a shop window to sell their wares and taking a generous cut of the profits.
petera and HA Dave:
Right. What is hypocrically funny is, there would be no Homeseer, were it not for X10. Homeseer originated as "Keware" when there was nothing but X10. I upgraded to HS3 at last years "Black November" sale because HS3 has an Alexa skill. But doubt I will upgrade again. Thus my interest in HG.
Thanks for the info.
I'm big on collaboration and inclusion. The biggest pleasure here would be to see the membership take up the baton on the Pi X10 Hub and run with it. Once members start using it they will see how capable this concept is.
There's nothing new or amazing here. What there is though is the ability to control and configure your X10 devices as you would want to control them. Your notions and concepts should find their way into this project.
Nothing worse than someone telling you what you need when all along you know all exactly what you want. Or is there. Even worse when someone sells you something and promises you it will do what you want when clearly it won't but promises you it will at sometime in the future after you have parted with your hard earned cash. A line from a film jumps straight to mind.......Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining...........
Yes X10 did set the bar height. Homeseer has tried to hold it in place but I feel the whole HA world has changed dramatically of recent times. Group collaboration and input has yielded some wonderful ideas and concepts. The idea that any one single technology will dominate for years to come is fading fast. But guess what, X10 is still here.
Some wonderful tech is emerging from the Kickstarter concept. Ideas that would probably have been dismissed by the "big guys" are now finding themselves a reality and into the kitchens and living rooms of house owners all over the world so small is beautiful is back ruling the world again. Remember Apple and the garage startup.
While X10 would be regarded as a niche technology these days, owners of these devices on this forum must agree that these devices have served their owners well. What we can do now as a group is ensure these devices can integrate comfortably into today's tech world and beyond no matter what is thrown at them.
-
……. There's nothing new or amazing here. What there is though is the ability to control and configure your X10 devices as you would want to control them...…..Nothing worse than someone telling you what you need when all along you know all exactly what you want.
Control? I am not so sure. It isn't that I don't understand a need to be in/have/or feel... control. But I don't live there. Even back in the day... we tried using conditions, flags, time, and timers... to force the control onto a PC and/or the CM15A. After all... complete control comes from no automation. I prefer the greatest degree of automation I can get (which is also the least control).... the more AI the better. But to each... their own.
The idea that any one single technology will dominate for years to come is fading fast. But guess what, X10 is still here.
WiFi, the handshake protocol, and TCP/IP network.... Currently DOES and will continue to dominate Home Automation technology... at least for any foreseeable future.
While X10 would be regarded as a niche technology these days, owners of these devices on this forum must agree that these devices have served their owners well. What we can do now as a group is ensure these devices can integrate comfortably into today's tech world and beyond no matter what is thrown at them.
When I was building my X10 setup (a dozen years ago) I was shocked that no one else I met knew about... or had even heard of X10.... except for people at the X10 forum. Today.... I still don't know of others using X10.... except for forum members. X10 products will be working away reliablly in peoples homes for decades to come. But X10 will never be anything more than a niche market.
Home Automation itself.... is no longer the same lighting "control" technology imagined by the engineers at X10 back in 1974. Even X10 saw the coming changes and pursued the "Smart Home" concept. But the public's idea of Smart Home-automated technology has out-grown the traditional old fashion idea of turning lights on and off.
-
He was too busy with creating wireless electric distribution.
And destroying buildings with an eight ounce electric hammer. (pounding at the building's frame resonance.) Tesla was an Einstein while Edison was more of a Hulk Hogan.
Tesla has been reincarnated... https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-useless-edison-combines-inventing-and-the-internet-with-hilarious-results/2018/11/02/43fbcb8a-d6e0-11e8-8384-bcc5492fef49_story.html?utm_term=.acc86231e9ca (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-useless-edison-combines-inventing-and-the-internet-with-hilarious-results/2018/11/02/43fbcb8a-d6e0-11e8-8384-bcc5492fef49_story.html?utm_term=.acc86231e9ca)
-
Tesla has been reincarnated... https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-useless-edison-combines-inventing-and-the-internet-with-hilarious-results/2018/11/02/43fbcb8a-d6e0-11e8-8384-bcc5492fef49_story.html?utm_term=.acc86231e9ca (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-useless-edison-combines-inventing-and-the-internet-with-hilarious-results/2018/11/02/43fbcb8a-d6e0-11e8-8384-bcc5492fef49_story.html?utm_term=.acc86231e9ca)
I think "inventing" is the way Gallagher started. But I think Geng's motorcycle toilet would impress even Gallagher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MyTLPVJcwU
-
Tesla has been reincarnated... https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-useless-edison-combines-inventing-and-the-internet-with-hilarious-results/2018/11/02/43fbcb8a-d6e0-11e8-8384-bcc5492fef49_story.html?utm_term=.acc86231e9ca (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinas-useless-edison-combines-inventing-and-the-internet-with-hilarious-results/2018/11/02/43fbcb8a-d6e0-11e8-8384-bcc5492fef49_story.html?utm_term=.acc86231e9ca)
Tesla might had suffered with some mental health issues.... but he did invent AC (https://teslauniverse.com/nikola-tesla/articles/man-who-invented-ac).
-
Tesla might had suffered with some mental health issues.... but he did invent AC (https://teslauniverse.com/nikola-tesla/articles/man-who-invented-ac).
...and Radio (no, it wasn't Marconi).
-
Tesla might had suffered with some mental health issues....
Yeah. The poor guy kept getting shocked by his own coil. rofl
http://www.earth-matters.nl/127/13284/technologie/cia-releases-document-on-nikola-tesla-on-scalar-waves-formerly-top-secret.html