X10 Community Forum
📱🖥️PiX10Hub => 💬General Discussion => Topic started by: snarksdad on January 05, 2019, 06:12:07 PM
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Hi all,
I was about to buy a WM100 since I am really getting tired of hooking up serial (yes serial, I don't even remember what controller that is) and usb cables to reprogram controllers but then I read about all the WM100 issues here and had second thoughts. My son had given me a Raspberry Pi 3 for xmas last year but I haven't found a use for it yet. Then I saw the news about the PiX10Hub and I figured maybe this is a better idea then the WM100. So I see the PiX10Hub is meant for a Pi Zero W but I was wondering if I can use this Raspberry Pi 3 instead. I have a CM15 and I dont really care at this point if the Pi doesn't fit inside it.
So can I use the Pi 3 for PiX10Hub or will I need to buy a Pi Zero W?
Thanks,
Snarksdad
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The PiX10HUB image {V1.1 right now} was streamlined to install on a Pi Zero W.
When I tried it on a 3B+ it hung up and didn't finish the automatic installation. With some manual input I did get it to install but I was not too sure it was 100%.
I have seen that plans for the future will be able to install on other Pi models. V2.0 was mentioned.
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if you wish to use any Pi for X10 using software that is on the PiX10Hub it is totally possible it just requires more command line typing.
I'm starting to see light at the end of this virus tunnel that has a hold of me, So I'll soon start working on at least a simple script so an end user can be up and running in a few hours.
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Thanks! I would like to try it on a more powerful Pi also!
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The 2.0 version of the Hub will require users to get their feet wet with Linux due to the fact the OS on initial install downloads and installs drivers specific to the Pi it is running on. Each update there after expands on these which may explain why initially users were able to run the PiX10Hub on other Pi models.
I will attempt to make the install as pain free as possible. ;)
The best way for this may be for users to use the HDMI Keyboard connection setup option.
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Will VNC server be in 2.0?
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Will v2.0 be for the 3, 3B, or 3B+?
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No, VNC is used for Desktop applications this will continue to be based off the Raspbian stretch lite (no desktop)
2.0 should work on all Pi modles that can run Raspian Stretch lite as there will be no initial specific Pi drivers installed.
Infact my hope is to make a single script which does the PIX10Hub configuration and that will be the only difference on the image from one you'll get from RaspberryPi.
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Alternatively, connect a HDMI monitor and keyboard to the standard Raspberry Pi you want to boot from, pop your Raspberry Pi Zero SD card into that standard Raspberry Pi, power it up and when it finally displays a prompt it will either ask for your username and password (if you previously set one) or it will have boot straight through.
First type sudo apt update and enter. When that has completed type sudo apt upgrade and enter. This process will pull in all the necessary firmware needed to run your Pi X10 hub on a standard Raspberry Pi. When complete turn off your standard raspberry Pi, remove the HDMI cable and keyboard power up your standard raspberry Pi and you're good to go with your Pi X10 hub.
Remember you already provided your wifi credentials on the first run so they will allow your raspberry Pi to connect with your router.
As a rule, a Raspbian image created on a Pi Zero W will boot from a standard Raspberrry Pi released on or before the time the Pi Zero W was released. You may struggle to get it working on a raspberry Pi 3b+ but you could try it.
And remember, backup your SD card before you try this. No moaning if it goes wrong.
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I'm starting to see light at the end of this virus tunnel that has a hold of me...
Sounds a lot like rabbit fever. ;)
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I'm starting to see light at the end of this virus tunnel that has a hold of me...
Sounds a lot like rabbit fever. ;)
rofl
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So what model RPi is it likely to work on other than the Zero W?
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The image did not work correctly for me on RPi3. If you want to run something other than the ZeroW, you should probably just install on your own. It's not difficult and I have posted a script that is nearly copy/paste to get the RPi up and running with HG. The image Tuicemen has put together is a very good quick start for someone who wants to run the specific hardware that he has selected (budget friendly, fits in the CM15A, works with CM15A, HA-bridge support, etc). If you want to do something other than his specifics, you really should consider building your own RPi rather than trying to shoe-horn the wrong image onto a different hardware setup. It's not hard and you'll learn something about Linux on the way! 8)
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I am trying not to invent the wheel. What I need for my setup is a PiX10Hub running on a Pi capable enough to handle the cm19a interface. The popular opinion is that the Pi zero can't handle the power and or processor loading to drive the cm19. If that's the case then going to a more capable Pi would be the solution. Petera indicates that going to a more capable Pi is easy, you say probably not. Tuicemen what do you think? B:(
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So what model RPi is it likely to work on other than the Zero W?
2.0 should work on all Pi models that can run Raspbian Stretch lite as there will be no initial specific Pi drivers installed.
Do I realy have to specify exact models? :o
2.0 will just be a lite image with the script included to install every thing needed but it is looking more and more that some won't be able to type in a simple "sh /boot/PiX10Hub" B:(
If you feel your capable of that but wish it on a Full (desktop) image than try what bkenobi suggested the lines to install each software can be found on their specific Github pages if you can't fine what others have posted in the Linux section here.
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so it sounds like I should wait for 2.0 and in the meantime learn how to type "sh /boot/PiX10Hub" .
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I am trying not to invent the wheel. What I need for my setup is a PiX10Hub running on a Pi capable enough to handle the cm19a interface. The popular opinion is that the Pi zero can't handle the power and or processor loading to drive the cm19. If that's the case then going to a more capable Pi would be the solution. Petera indicates that going to a more capable Pi is easy, you say probably not. Tuicemen what do you think? B:(
Pairing a pi with a CM19 is extremely limiting your Hubs possibilities. If you want the fastest newest pi that is the Pi 3B+ currently.And yes the software works on it even using the Raspbian full image. It has been running on mine since spring.
In my opinion you'd be better off picking up a CM15 for this then a new PI but thats just me.
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How does the cm19 limit the hubs possibilities?
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It can't see any X10 power line signals and has to go through a transceiver to even send anything.
Only receives X10 RF signals.
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I don't understand. If you have a good tranceiver that takes the RF and puts it on the powerline. Then u got all you need.
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You still would not see an power line signals. From things like an X10 Keypad. To trigger events or know a module controlled by it had its status changed.
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Oh I see the issue! Thanks. Maybe its time to dust off my cm11!
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Since the CM11A uses RS232 Serial signals. Maybe a USB to serial port adapter was being used.
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Thanks! Yes I have an adapter and cm11 responds to the HG gui for a module i created. now I am trying to figure out how to add a timer to the module. doing research but not having alota luck B:(
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Thanks! Yes I have an adapter and cm11 responds to the HG gui for a module i created. now I am trying to figure out how to add a timer to the module. doing research but not having alota luck B:(
Use the Wizard Script in HG. It can all be defined there. If you find that too difficult use the Macro Recorder. All explained in the HG video links posted previously.
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Tried both those and watched videos still can't figure it out. B:(
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When using the Wizard, i pick standard, i set a time which I presume to be the start time and a time which I presume to be the end time and pick the module, and save. but module does not respond. What did I miss.
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Petera indicates that going to a more capable Pi is easy, you say probably not. Tuicemen what do you think? B:(
It's not hard and you'll learn something about Linux on the way! 8)
I actually said it's NOT hard. I said that because the script that I provided a year ago will install everything onto the RPi3 with a simple copy/paste. But, it does require typing "ctrl+C" and then "ctrl+v" so I guess I considered that fairly easy.
I haven't mentioned my script because Tuicemen has put a lot of effort into streamlining something that is one step easier and eliminates any questions whereas my script exposes the user to the Linux commands that could cause them to see the details. T's image should be a great option for those that want to just have a solution without seeing Linux. If that exact combination of hardware doesn't work for you or anyone else, the script should get you basically to the same place it just takes a little longer (only because the RPi will have to run software updates and install some things rather than having them already on the image, no user input is needed).
Either approach works.