X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => ActiveHome Pro General => Help & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: spam4us on October 16, 2021, 02:11:51 AM
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Hello,
Having a problem when I download Timers and Macros. When I reboot the PC, it will work a few times (maybe) and then nothing happens. Sometimes I get the progress bar at the bottom of the screen but then it freezes at some point.
I also found if I try to update the Hardware Configuration, I sometimes get the progress bar and then it freezes. If I then try to download the timers and macros still noting happens.
I can turn modules on and off however, nothing gets transmitted through the CM15A. The Activity Monitor shows no activity.
Also the "Clear Interface Memory" has the same problem.
X10nets is running the whole time.
The one solution that clears this up is when I reboot the PC. (Windows 10).
Could this be the CM15A hardware is failing OR did AHP get corrupted?
Is it possible that line noise is preventing the CM15A from communicating with the PC?
I am using version 3.318 that I installed a few years ago using Tuicemens lifejacket.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
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Update:
I used a new USB cable...Fresh batteries.
After I unplugged and reboot of the PC, I still have problems.
I was able to download Timers and Macros sometimes.
I ran the Clear Interface Memory. It ran for 3 hours and completed.
I ran the Timers and Macros function and it froze.
I then did a new install of AHP 3.318 on a laptop using Tuicemens' lifejacket. The install went fine.
I still have the same problems even on the new laptop install. It sometimes works and sometimes freezes.
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I like many here have stopped using AHP for some time now. AHP is very old windows software created to run on Win 98. Microsoft continually releases software security patches which starting with XP caused issues with AHP.
Prior to totally abandoning AHP I experanced the issues your seeing as well as some others. I was able to get things working by simply moving the AHP folder out side of the programsfiles x86 folder and rebooting.
With Windows 11 now on the horizon I expect things to get worse for those still using AHP.
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You might want to repurpose an old laptop or buy a used one and run 32 bit WIN7 if Mr. T's advice doesn't work. I did exactly that to run my 20 year old Stargate software. In my case the software is only used to make changes to the Stargate but it should work for you. You don't even have to leave it connected to the internet.
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Thanks for the replies. I think my day of reckoning has come. :'(
I've had x10 since the 70' Radio Shack/DAK days. Use to run X10 on a C64.
Tuicemen, I have moved the AHP out of the x86 folder after I did the new install on the laptop. That didn't help.
Brobin, I might do that. I have a couple of old desktops sitting around. Can't remember if they work or not. The only hesitation of scrounging up some old hardware is that it too will break one day and the part(s) may not be available.
The Downloads to the CM15A seem to work if I only do it once or twice in a row. When I clear memory or update the hardware configuration is where it freezes and need I unplug and the reboot. After a successful download, AHP works reliably. (All timers and macros are stored in the interface)
With that said, is there any alternative Plug-N-Play replacement for the CM15A and AHP that will work with my existing hardware. I also use a V572RF32 and 2 DS7000 alarms that have 32 sensors attached.
In addition, I have a large box of new X10 hardware I've accumulated over the years.
I use AHP for timers and to interact with the X10 motion sensors via macros. I need that functionality.
This is just one example of what I do with AHP. I have others.
A macro to trigger a flood light to come on would be.....
Motion Sensor ON..
Is Light Flag ON …
Turn light ON...
Set Chime on macro to ON....
ELSE
Set Chime Macro ON
(In chime on macro)..
Is Chime Flag On
Set Chime On
Both the Light and Chime Flags (monitored house code) are on dusk dawn AHP timers. I can also turn there Flags on and off manually with and X10 controller. If I do not want the light to come on when I pass under a sensor, it won't.
Motion Sensor Off
If Light Flag is on
Turn light OFF
Else
Leave light on(do nothing)
Looking for an Off The Shelf solution, if it exist, that will work with the X10 modules and a replacement for the CM15A(if needed).
Thank you both for your time and effort. I appreciate the help.
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There is a Plug & Play device that you might find worthy of replacing the CM15A. The solution I'm using is a Smartenit Harmony P2 with an Insteon/X10 PLM. At $60 for both it's an economical solution that not only gives you Alexa skill supported control of X10 but an app and a fairly sophisticated controller with email and text notifications. I've been using it for almost 3 years and it's rock solid. It's basically what X10's WM100 should have been and is half the price. It's virtually Plug 'n Play so you can be up and running 30 minutes after you open the box. Everything is done through an Android/IOS app or web portal. In addition to X10, you can also use it to control Insteon and ZigBee devices. When ordering be sure to click on the Insteon/X10 PLM making the bundle $59.99. Happy to answer any questions you may have. The scheduling logic is a little different but you can do what you describe.
https://smartenit.com/shop/zigbee-insteon-x10-multi-protocol-gateway-hub/
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Unfortunately, the Insteon/x10 PLM has been discontinued and is also out of stock.
Do you know of any other options? Maybe Homeseer or ???
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Look at the Smartenit sales page for the P2.
In the choose options tab add the 2412U (USB) or their own USB PLM. To the order. As it uses a USB port and not a serial port. There are two versions of the PLM. Serial port and USB port.
Making sure you pick the add Insteon with X10 power line PLM option. Not the RF only one that does not do power line and X10.
They have the power line only 2412U PLM made for them. Or their own equivalent.
Sounds like you where looking at the Smarthome web site and I believe {lasts time I looked) the USB 2413U is still their.
The serial version 2413S has been out of stock for a long time now.
Though why for this setup. As it is just more costly and the RF portion is Insteon 915MHz and not X10 310MHz
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I’m surprised to see nobody has suggested, other than yourself that it’s likely to be a failing CM15 at the root of your problem. If you’re happy enough with your current setup it would be simpler to just to replace your CM15.
There are loads of alternatives to AHP you could use but do you really want to go through the learning curve when AHP has served you well up to now. Not having ever used AHP I can see one big advantage that the CM15 has in its favour. The ability to download macros and timers to it’s built in memory and unplug it from the computer. Every other option requires some form of computer running 24/7 for X10 to function.
If you really do need AHP running permanently, as what was suggested, get an old PC with the likes of Windows XP and install it. Leave it disconnected from the outside world and you’re good to go.
X10 is what it is. Old tech. No need to complicate matters here. Stay in your comfort zone is my advice.
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Unfortunately, the Insteon/x10 PLM has been discontinued and is also out of stock.
Do you know of any other options? Maybe Homeseer or ???
Were you told that by Smartenit? As Brian H said they have their own version and I'd be very surprised if they were out of stock. Even if they are, you can find used 2412U and 2413U PLM's on ebay. You can even use the serial version with a serial-to-USB adapter. But do check with Smartenit again. I think you'd be very pleased with the P2 and it's ability to work with Alexa/Google Home.
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There is the possibility your CM15 is failing as Petera stated. However if the CM15 still transmits and works once programed and disconnected from the PC I would try a older OS to run AHP. Saddly AHP is the only software capable of downloading info to the CM15A.
The OP suggests (to me) spam4us runs the Cm15 connected to the PC. If this is indeed the case there is no need to download macros and timers to the interface nor is there need to use batteries. I still use a CM15A both at my city residents and my off grid place. Neither has batteries or info stored in the CM15A memory.
The Smartenit solution is a bit clunky ( just my opinion) but still cheeper then a new CM15.
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Just use care with Ebay and the 2413U.
The 2413U and 2413S have a reputation of their power supplies failing.
Most times after a few years of use.
We actually have a long thread on the UDI forums. On the issue and how we are rebuilding ours.
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The 2412U is rock solid but the 2413U, which has RF for Insteon, can fail from caps blowing. Over the years I've brought a few back to life by replacing the caps. I bought a "for parts only" one on ebay for next to nothing, replaced the caps and it was good to go. All that said, when I add the P2 with the Insteon/X10 PLM to the cart on the Smartenit site it does not say out of stock even though it does if you want to buy the PLM separately. I sent a message to support to find out if they still have them when ordering a P2 and will update whan I hear back from them.
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Well that was fast. When ordering the P2 or G2 from Smartenit the Insteon/X10 PLM is still available as a $20 add-on bringing the P2 bundle to $59.99.
Here's their reply to my query of "Is the Insteon/X10 PLM still available with the purchase of the P2 Hub?":
Hi Bruce - yes it is. The 2412U is a $20 add-on to the Harmony P2 found here.
https://smartenit.com/shop/zigbee-insteon-x10-multi-protocol-gateway-hub/
Best regards,
Suzanne "Sammy" Korotie
Corporate and Sales Administrator
Smartenit, Inc.
1 Technology Drive, Ste D405
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 429-3303 ext. 1
Fax: (949) 238-2552
https://smartenit.com/
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Well, this is confusing. The link brobin supplied has the option for the add on. The description below it says..."Base System plus our choice of either a SmartLabs 2412U PLM or Smartenit EZICOMM for control of INSTEON and X10 devices via powerline ONLY."
If I search for the 2412U on the Smartenit site it returns this page
https://smartenit.com/?s=2412u
If you click on Read More it then says..."Please Note: These are out of stock and discontinued. If you wish to purchase the USB version 2412U, you can find it here on ebay. It is a powerline only PLM (with a pass-through outlet) and appears different than the picture shown."
When I go to the ebay link, the description says the 2412U has been discontinued but they have a limited supply left.
My concern is that I do not want to purchase the 2412U if it's discontinued because if it fails and then not available, I will be in the same place I am now.
brobin….are there any links that show how to setup the software for If,Then,Else conditions? Any links that show/explain how the software works?
Tuicemen...I keep the CM15A disconnected from the PC. Why do you think the Smartenit is clunky?
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Unlike the problem with the 2413U, I've found the 2412U is very reliable as I've had some for many years from when I was using Insteon.
That said, I understand your hesitation to buy something that may not be easily replaced. Between 2412/2413U/S I have a lifetime supply so I'm not concerned (I'm old!). You might reach out to Sammie at Smartenit and ask about replacement availability or including a spare for an additional $20 and see what she says.
The app has context sensitive help but not much in writing as it's fairly intuitive. If you could send me a copy of the If-Then-Else event that you're trying to replicate I'll be happy to try and recreate it as a P2 Automation Rule and send you a screenshot. That'd be easier then trying to explain it.
Another controller option, if it's still available, is a used JDS Time Commander. It uses the same software as the Stargate that I've been running for 20+ years. There's one available as part of a $99 package at https://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=31518.0
The Time Commander runs without a PC but you do need a 32 bit version of WIN to connect. In fact, I have a NIB RCI CS308 w/a TW523 included which is a version of the Stargate that I'd sell for $100+ postage. You do have options!
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Tuicemen...I keep the CM15A disconnected from the PC. Why do you think the Smartenit is clunky?
Just that it takes two pieces of hardware to do what the CM15A could. Three if you count the smartphone needed to program. Kinda like my CM15A Pi setup,l you need two outlets.
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I'd confirm my issue was the Cm15 prior to getting any new hardware.
Test with a PC running a 32bit version of Windows.
If the only issue is downloading to the Cm15 and it works fine otherwise. There are lots of options.
If your CM15A fails to see or send any x10 while connected to the 32 bit Os with the CM15A memory cleared it is toast and new hardware is required.
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Other than the CM15A (and its predecessors) and the WM100, I can't think of any controller that isn't "clunky" as they all use a TW-523/XTB-232 or Insteon PLM. As for using a PC and/or Smartphone for programming, every controller, including the CM-15A, requires that. The only exception that I know of is the old BSR "The Timer" which is the only on-board programmable controller. rofl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e5lzHtxdW4
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I have a few I thought of.
The X10 MT10A,MT13A,MT14A can do about the same thing as the BSR Timer. Table top like the BSR.
The Smarthome 1132CU could also be programmed with a computer and then run stand alone. Is the same case used by the Insteon PLM and PLC.
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I'd confirm my issue was the Cm15 prior to getting any new hardware.
Test with a PC running a 32bit version of Windows.
If the only issue is downloading to the Cm15 and it works fine otherwise. There are lots of options.
I am running 32 bit Windows. The only issue I have is trying to dnload macros or update the hardware interface.
I changed all my macros and timers to run from the PC. They all work just fine. So it looks like the problem could be related to a MSoft update.
You might reach out to Sammie at Smartenit and ask about replacement availability or including a spare for an additional $20 and see what she says.
I'll reach out to Sammie later today about replacement availability.
Since the CM15A still works from the PC, I am looking at the following options.
Do nothing.
Look into the Smartenit hub
Look at other software that can use the CM15A or equivalent.
Right now, I only have X10 around my house but will probably have other non-X10 hardware.
The AHP software has served me well over the years but it takes some trial and error to get thing working correctly. An example is when I just switched to having the macros run from the PC. When they were running from the interface, I had to put delays within them for them to work. Running from the PC, the macros work without the delays. (go figure)
With that in mind, I have been looking at HomeSeer since it works with the CM15A and other hardware to run X10 (ACT TI103 X-10 Computer Interface or others). Homeseer works with a lot of hardware and has a large community base of users.
So....it looks like my analysis will continue for a little while since this is what I do.
Thanks
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I have a few I thought of.
The X10 MT10A,MT13A,MT14A can do about the same thing as the BSR Timer. Table top like the BSR.
The Smarthome 1132CU could also be programmed with a computer and then run stand alone. Is the same case used by the Insteon PLM and PLC.
I guess we could include the GE HomeMinder but that required a TV and a remote for programming - now THAT's clunky! I had one of those for awhile but if the power went out for more than 10 seconds you had to reprogram the whole thing from scratch!
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I'd confirm my issue was the Cm15 prior to getting any new hardware.
Test with a PC running a 32bit version of Windows.
If the only issue is downloading to the Cm15 and it works fine otherwise. There are lots of options.
I am running 32 bit Windows. The only issue I have is trying to dnload macros or update the hardware interface.
I changed all my macros and timers to run from the PC. They all work just fine. So it looks like the problem could be related to a MSoft update.
You might reach out to Sammie at Smartenit and ask about replacement availability or including a spare for an additional $20 and see what she says.
I'll reach out to Sammie later today about replacement availability.
Since the CM15A still works from the PC, I am looking at the following options.
Do nothing.
Look into the Smartenit hub
Look at other software that can use the CM15A or equivalent.
Right now, I only have X10 around my house but will probably have other non-X10 hardware.
The AHP software has served me well over the years but it takes some trial and error to get thing working correctly. An example is when I just switched to having the macros run from the PC. When they were running from the interface, I had to put delays within them for them to work. Running from the PC, the macros work without the delays. (go figure)
With that in mind, I have been looking at HomeSeer since it works with the CM15A and other hardware to run X10 (ACT TI103 X-10 Computer Interface or others). Homeseer works with a lot of hardware and has a large community base of users.
So....it looks like my analysis will continue for a little while since this is what I do.
Thanks
Just a couple of pointers before I finish on this topic. X10 is no longer officially supported in Homeseer. Hasn’t been for quite a while. One of the forum members supports it in his spare time. You’ll have a bit of learning before you’re up to speed too. Most if not all of the other alternatives will require support and learning too.
X10 ownership has fallen off the cliff over the last number of years. Just look at eBay X10 second hands for sale as an example. Support is down to a trickle everywhere. This is probably the last bastion for X10 help.
You’ve two choices here. Dump X10 and move on or get your AHP/CM15 back on track. The CM15 may work attached to your AHP computer as it will with any other computer supporting the CM15 protocol. The problem appears to be when you leave the CM15 to do its job as a stand-alone programmed X10 Controller. That would point to failing eprom/memory.
As I suggested a replacement CM15 new $80 with an old AHP PC to program it and you’re back in business and working completely in your comfort zone. If you do fancy a challenge there’s plenty of info here on Homegenie which can be used in conjunction with a replacement CM15 on your current PC or if you prefer a Raspberry Pi so you won’t be out of pocket in either case.