X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Other Automation Systems => Smarthome & Insteon => Topic started by: Brian H on April 12, 2022, 01:23:55 PM
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There is a thread on the UDI forums about Insteon and Smarthome being gone.
At least as we know it.
The UDI Administrator indicated it was gone a few week ago,
https://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/35676-smarthome-forum-appears-to-be-offline/
Forums gone. Main pages have no new modules.
Nokia seems to be where Insteon technology has gone. Their modules do show the six digit ID Number we are use to seeing. Though no comment on if they will support the present Insteon devices. IMHO I don't think they will
Update.
The HUB severer starting to work again.
It was announced that a few of Insteon team has taken over the Insteon line and hopes to get Insteon back running.
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It's tough for a company to survive when they can't sell new product. Without new customers there's no money to support old customers. For better or worse, X10 and Insteon are not on the radar of anyone looking to set up automation in their homes today. There are cheaper, easier and just as, if not more, reliable options albeit mostly cloud based. But that issue doesn't faze those who run their whole lives in the cloud already.
Let's face it, I you moved into a brand new home and the moving truck containing all your X10/Insteon stuff was stolen (that actually happened to my parents 40 years ago!) would you start fresh by buying either of those? I wouldn't. If it weren't for my Stargate controller I'd have moved on completely from X10 by now. I had a house full of Insteon stuff at one time with a UDI controller that worked well and I left that for the new owners.
Technology marches on!
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That's disappointing.
When Insteon was a new offering, I was really impressed with the performance, the longstanding X10 PLC issues addressed in its design, and the X10 backward compatibility. I was hopeful that it would eventually match or surpass X10 in terms of low cost, support by other manufacturers, and making the standard more open and accessible to hobbyists and hackers. From my perspective, that never quite happened. I did buy a couple dozen Insteon modules and used them strictly with X10, still hoping to get more out of that investment in the future. Eventually, they started removing X10 compatibility from their module designs, ceasing X10 support, and/or crippling the X10 compatibility in some way. That was the end of it for me.
Insteon was introduced at a critical point in the boom of a new generation of home automation technologies. I feel like it never gained the momentum it needed early on to ride the wave. Regardless, I'm not sure that the protocol design was forward-thinking enough to continue to compete with modern tech in all areas of home automation. It started off strong as a superior alternative to X10 PLC, but that's just not what the industry wants anymore.
FWIW, I'm still hoping that Insteon has some kind of a future in the low end market. But I don't know how accessible it will be to the kind of manufacturers who would pick it up for that purpose in the short term if patents are still in place. And official licensing could be messy or impossible, at least for a while.
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You know you're getting old when you read the obituary column looking for people you used to know.
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All protocols have issues. The primary issue with both X10 and Insteon is they are based on 1970's technology which can be used as a negative when competitors are selling the new IoT modules. RF has its own issues though, so I don't really think it's as black/white as those comparisons would suggest. I've read a number of posts around the internets that shows others with different style systems have the same types of problems with reliability and setup.
In my mind, X10 never got over the company that had popups take over your screen to try to convince prospective buyers of the merits of bugging your bedroom for the impending sexy rondevue with the lady in the red dress. Good thing they haven't used those ads in a while or they would be cancelled (why couldn't it be a man in a red dress?).
X10 sold all those units at a $5/module price point to get market share which worked great for that. But then what? They certainly don't keep the doors open at that price as we saw. And competing systems sold for $50/module. I had hoped Insteon would bridge that with quality modules in the $15-20 range...but that only happened with a few modules for a short time from my memory.
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For the record...I'm happy I got the Smartenit Harmony P2 - Base System plus a SmartLabs 2412U PLM or for control of INSTEON and X10 devices via powerline ONLY
I would never have been interested in any Insteon stuff since I just have a simple X10 lighting system run off a CM15a, but it's turned out nice for us to have the Alexa integration...so i'm glad they still included X10 in the 2412 PLM
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Keep an eye out on ebay for a spare 2412U or a 2413U (the 13 also does Insteon RF but is more prone to failure). The 2412S and 2413S also work with a serial to USB adapter. Always good to have a spare!
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One thing to verify on a used 2412 units.
The 2412U and 2412S came in two versions. Early hardware was 417 link database and the later ones >2000 link database. That is if your setup uses the link database to store Insteon ID numbers and should not effect X10 signaling.
The 2412S units also have a 12 volt unregulated power on two of the serial port wires. Around 18-20 volts DC.
Awhile back. Smartenit was selling surplus 2412U and 2412S modules. Just keeping enough to satisfy the P2 and maybe G2 units they still have.
Just looked. The P2 units are all sold out. The G2 are still available.
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The folks using the Insteon HUB units are all cut off from doing much.
Seems the Insteon HUB servers are also off line.
From what I have seen posted. If you do a factory reset as the manual suggests. You now own a brick!
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This is precisely the problem with cloud based systems. Everything is wonderful until the company fails or just decides to turn off the servers that support the investment made by it's customers. Amazon will likely keep it's Alexa ecosystem alive for many years but smaller companies rely on revenue from new sales to keep the servers running. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed!
Years ago I had several ReplayTV units which were similar to Tivo DVRs. ReplayTV was sold and the new company never developed a product with digital tuners so sales dried up. Even though the users had purchased lifetime subscriptions or paid monthly the company decided to shut down their servers turning the units into doorstops. Fortunately the company gave the software to a dedicated group of users who created their own server to support the remaining base.
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Let's face it, I you moved into a brand new home and the moving truck containing all your X10/Insteon stuff was stolen (that actually happened to my parents 40 years ago!) would you start fresh by buying either of those? I wouldn't.
Actually, I probably would stay with X10. The stuff is incredibly cheap. And I know how to make it work reliably. Will alternatives still be viable a decade from now?
Jeff.
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Keep an eye out on ebay for a spare 2412U or a 2413U (the 13 also does Insteon RF but is more prone to failure). The 2412S and 2413S also work with a serial to USB adapter. Always good to have a spare!
As I recall, the Smartenit Harmony uses an Insteon powerline interface. Is there an alternative if the supply of those dry up? If not, I wonder if the XTB-232 could be modified to fill that need? The baud rate is 19,200 versus the 4800 for the CM11A protocol. Is the 2412/2413 protocol defined somewhere?
Jeff
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I don't know of any alternatives and the prices on ebay have recently jumped to over $100 for a used one (lucky I have a stash of spares!). Adapting the XTB-232 sounds like a great idea!
Here's a link to the protocols (page 24):
https://cache.insteon.com/pdf/INSTEON_Modem_Developer's_Guide_20071012a.pdf
The folks at Smartenit might be very interested in collaborating with you on this. It might be worth an email to Al Choperena, the company's Pres/CEO: alchoper@smartenit.com
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Let's face it, I you moved into a brand new home and the moving truck containing all your X10/Insteon stuff was stolen (that actually happened to my parents 40 years ago!) would you start fresh by buying either of those? I wouldn't.
Actually, I probably would stay with X10. The stuff is incredibly cheap. And I know how to make it work reliably. Will alternatives still be viable a decade from now?
Jeff.
Great point! I'm still using the Radio Shack 'plug n power' modules and controllers I bought in 1980 or so!
How many of the cloud versions of home automation so prolific now will last that long?
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I don't know of any alternatives and the prices on ebay have recently jumped to over $100 for a used one (lucky I have a stash of spares!). Adapting the XTB-232 sounds like a great idea!
Here's a link to the protocols (page 24):
https://cache.insteon.com/pdf/INSTEON_Modem_Developer's_Guide_20071012a.pdf
The folks at Smartenit might be very interested in collaborating with you on this. It might be worth an email to Al Choperena, the company's Pres/CEO: alchoper@smartenit.com
Thanks, that is exactly what I was searching for.
Note however, a XTB-232 mod would strictly support X10 as Insteon uses a totally different protocol that would not be compatible with the XTB transmitter.
The X10 protocol looks simpler than the handshaking used by the CM11A, so a firmware mod certainly looks feasible.
Jeff
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I don't need Insteon so put me down for one. I'll bet yours puts out a stronger signal!
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I don't need Insteon so put me down for one. I'll bet yours puts out a stronger signal!
Yes, just like the XTBR and XTB-523, over 20Vpp into a 5 ohm load.
I was looking for a Smartenit Harmony P2 for testing, and they appear to have been discontinued. It looks like they are moving away from X10/Insteon support, probably because the powerline interface is no longer available.
Jeff
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The G2 is still available albeit at a higher price. The G2 has built in WiFi but other than that there's no practical difference. How long do you think you'd need the P2 if I lent you mine?
An email to Al about what you're planning might get you a unit for testing too.
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The PLM module supply has been dried up for a long time now.
Just look at Ebay some are >$400 if there are any there. With no guarantee they didn't have cap issues.
That is why we have a very long thread on the UDI forums on replacing them with good low ESR parts.
Many of the Smartenit modules where built on the base 2412 or 2413 main boards.
When we started seeing switching power supply cap problems.
They had Smarthome make them more of the 2412 boards. Adding their own custom daughter boards.
They where dumping extra 2412U/S modules on Ebay a while back.
Right now almost all their modules are marked as sold out.
The users of the Insteon HUB units are really behind the 8 ball. It used servers to do all the things. Although I have seen a few users use a TTL to RS232 board and get their ISY994i working. Some third party software also can use a HUB as an interface and by pass the missing PLM.
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The P2 was originally a Pogo Plug Personal Cloud unit.
When they went out of business. Many units where on places like Ebay. Though the sellers didn't tell you you needed the servers to use it. As it tried to phone home to a dead server.
Smartenit found the way to reprogram it for use with the USB version of the PLM.
The P2 kit had an optional 2412U you could buy with it.
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The G2 is still available albeit at a higher price. The G2 has built in WiFi but other than that there's no practical difference. How long do you think you'd need the P2 if I lent you mine?
An email to Al about what you're planning might get you a unit for testing too.
Yes, I saw the G2, and that may be the option for a test unit. I never bought a P2 because it did not support X10 extended commands.
I might need a test unit for a few months, depending on how much time I could devote to the task.
I'll follow up and contact Al Choperena.
Jeff
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The way I got around the extended commands was to have the P2 send an X10 on or off trigger command to tell the Stargate (Ocelot in your case) to do whatever needs to be done. So to turn desk lamp B-2 on to 54% I use an X10 trigger code of N-2 ON. Of course that's only good for pre-defined settings.
In the P2:
N-2 is defined as 'Desk Lamp'
When Alexa hears 'Turn On Desk Lamp' the P2 sends 'N-2 N-ON'
In the Stargate:
IF N-2 N-ON is received
THEN Set B-2 to 54%
(add additional THEN statements to create scenes)
IF N-2 N-OFF is received
THEN Turn B-2 OFF
Note: that I use the actual signals received as opposed to the on/off status.
Since my Stargate no longer reliably sends emails I do the reverse to have the P2 send them:
In Stargate:
IF 'Digital Input 3' (Mailbox Sensor) turns OFF
THEN Turn N-16 ON
DELAY 5sec
Turn N-16 OFF
In the P2:
IF N-16 is ON
THEN Send email...
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As you found out.
Smarthome chose to use the standard X10 and %Dim commands and not the Extended Commands.
It just returns the command sent to it and requested data. With an ACK if accepted or a NAK if rejected.
The PLM used an FTDI interface chip for USB communications.
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As you found out.
Smarthome chose to use the standard X10 and %Dim commands and not the Extended Commands.
It just returns the command sent to it and requested data. With an ACK if accepted or a NAK if rejected.
Interesting... The XTB-232 mod could convert a %dim into a reduced resolution extended command as a mode option. Our Leviton switches accept extended commands, but not %dim.
Jeff
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Interesting... The XTB-232 mod could convert a %dim into a reduced resolution extended command as a mode option. Our Leviton switches accept extended commands, but not %dim.
Would this work with, or could it be retrofitted to, an unmodified XTB-232 already in use with X10 only (the CM11A protocol at 4800 bps)? Could the conversion occur in both directions (send: extcode to preset dim; receive: preset dim to extcode)?
I have several Insteon SwitchLinc dimmer switches still in use that use only the preset dim commands, which I have tried to cater to in my own code on the PC. Sending a preset dim command is the easy part and usually works fine. The problem, for me, is when the switches send their preset dim level back and I have to decode the virtual house code nonsense into usable information, using an asynchronous interface and scheduling scheme which could hardly be called "real time". I would be very happy if this problem were solved for me. :)
As I see it, there are a few problems with the preset dim arrangement of the (unofficial) protocol. But besides being weird and messy, the most significant one is that the sequence is not transactional; it is sent as 2 completely separate and independently valid commands. If you have line noise or interference by an "impolite" transmitter, whichever command was not corrupted now means something different. If you add collision detection or avoidance, the two commands could arrive intact but nonconsecutively; there could be 1 or more unrelated commands from another transmitter in the middle, again changing their meaning. If you're trying to send preset dim commands, you accordingly have to pay special attention to other activity on the line and resend the entire sequence if another transmission interferes. If you're trying to receive preset dim commands, the only thing you can do is try to sanitize your inputs, correlate the pieces together as best you can, and discard data that is obviously wrong.
I'm sure you realize all of this already. But I'm just trying to illustrate why this is a problem for me. And if you endeavor to decode incoming preset dim commands, this complexity may come with it. Unless I'm just totally missing something, which is quite possible! ???
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Interesting... The XTB-232 mod could convert a %dim into a reduced resolution extended command as a mode option. Our Leviton switches accept extended commands, but not %dim.
Would this work with, or could it be retrofitted to, an unmodified XTB-232 already in use with X10 only (the CM11A protocol at 4800 bps)? Could the conversion occur in both directions (send: extcode to preset dim; receive: preset dim to extcode)?
The XTB-232 supports both transmitting and receiving extended commands using the CM11A protocol. Obviously, it also supports transmitting and receiving preset dim commands too because they are included in the normal command set. Of course it is possible to convert one to another, but at this stage I cannot justify the effort for perhaps a handful of people who would use that feature.
Looking at the XTB-XM (for X10 Modem), this is not quite as simple as I first thought. Years ago I developed a 1132 protocol converter for the PSC05/TW523. I thought I could adapt that to this application, but SmartHome used a different protocol for the Insteon modem. And it runs at 19.2K Baud rather than the 9600 for the 1132. To keep both the 120KHz and 19.2K close to the correct frequency, the PIC clock has to go up to 16MHz (actually tuned to 16.32MHz). So that means all timing values will have to be adjusted too.
Since this is a more extensive effort that I first thought, I need to see if there would be sufficient interest to make the effort worthwhile. There are only about 20 XTB-232's left. I have not heard back from Al Choperena to see if he had any interest, but perhaps my email was intercepted as spam.
Jeff
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I cannot justify the effort for perhaps a handful of people who would use that feature.
That's what I thought you would say. I would gladly pay for a firmware update that does preset dim translation, but I expect I'm still in the extreme minority (perhaps even moreso when offering to pay!).
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I did hear back from Smartenit, and they would consider resuming production of their own PLM before a modified XTB-232.
But since I was already working on the mod, I may continue to a beta version as a retrofit for existing XTB-232s.
Jeff
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I don't think Smartenit can produce more 2412 PLM modules.
They used a base 2412 PLM from the now gone Smarthome and unless they got a firmware licensed for Insteon. They can't legally make their own.
Since the company just disappearing with out an official statement.
The management erasing all references to the company in their professional information.
Some of the trade related web sites just now posting on it.
Smartenit may not have known yet of the situation.
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There maybe a slim ray of hope.
Due to an NDA. They can't say much but have indicated UDI maybe interested in acquiring the Insteon protocol rights.
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They finally made a statement on it being gone.
https://www.insteon.com/news2022
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but have indicated UDI maybe interested in acquiring the Insteon protocol rights.
:D
They finally made a statement on it being gone.
:(
The statement seems a bit open-ended and indicates that the company is still looking for a buyer. But "optimize the assets of the company" seems likely to lead to "liquidate the assets of the company".
If UDI ends up as the buyer of even the protocol, it will be interesting to see what they do with it. The Insteon PLC/RF "dual mesh" protocol and implementation could never be everything to everyone, but I've always found it fascinating and think it still has life left in it. Tech that can build a network out of nothing, over two mediums simultaneously, with built-in message repeating, recovery, and fallback, is nothing to sneeze at.
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I suppose this should have been obvious, but it turns out that the Insteon protocol, at least the PLC part, has already been reverse-engineered. This is what has allowed open source projects like Home Assistant and OpenHAB to add Insteon support. Beyond a legal formality for commercial development, I don't see why UDI would be seeking rights to a protocol specification that is already out in the wild and DRM-free.
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Despite the servers for their mobile app having gone offline, the Insteon user forum having vanished, and the company disappearing...
https://www.insteon.com/systemstatus
B:(
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The issue at the time was the programmed chips from Smarthome for their PLM in 2017.
The we are still operational statement was dated years ago. From what I have seen.
I have seen Home Assistant with Insteon support added can use a HUB as an interface.
I know that many of the once a NDA needed information. Where released on their site so I am not surprised others have started using the message format.
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Since I don't have a Harmony to test with, I need some info regarding startup. When first powered up the CM11A sends a query to the host once a second for initialization. It doesn't look like the SmartHome devices do that. But the host may still communicate with the IM regarding its configuration, version, etc. Obviously, any mod to the XTB-232 must support that communication just like the present version supports the CM11A initialization.
Jeff
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I am not sure of what is does at power up.
It uses an Ethernet connection and their APP. I never looked at the network communications.
Isn't the XTB-232 a serial type connection?
On the chance you didn't get it. The P2 Quick Start Guide.
https://docs.smartenit.com/gateways/harmony_p2_quick-start.pdf
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It uses an Ethernet connection and their APP. I never looked at the network communications.
Isn't the XTB-232 a serial type connection?
On the chance you didn't get it. The P2 Quick Start Guide.
Yes, I downloaded the Quick Start Guide from the earlier link, but it doesn't get into any communication details. The Modem Developers Guide does that.
What isn't clear in that document is whether there is handshaking with the "02" on transmission before the other bytes are sent. And it appears there is no handshaking at all on receiving. The IM just sends a 4-byte burst and assumes the computer received it properly.
In addition to the X10 transmit and receive, there are other commands associated with the IM configuration. I wondered which of those commands must be supported.
The XTB-232 is not a network device. It emulates the same serial port communication used by the X10 CM11A. The IM uses a typical Ethernet cable, but it is actually configured for a 19.2K Baud serial port. So the cable used for the XTB-232 mod would have to be custom made using the 3 serial port lines - TX, RX, GND.
I don't have any information on how the SmartHome IM connects to the Harmony. I had assumed that would be the 19.2K Baud serial link, but I have not found any documentation on how that is actually implemented. Does one use a USB to serial adapter plugged into the Harmony? If so, then the same USB to serial adapter should work for the XTB-XM except the cable would have to be modified from the 8-wire to the 4-wire connector used for the CM11A / XTB-232.
Jeff
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Jeff, FWIW, I've used a USB to serial adapter between the Harmony and a 2412S PLM without issue.
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Yeah, "optimize the assets" definitely feels like code for sell off for as much as we can get. If one company bought it all, that would be great, but most likely they will sell the tooling and IP separately to whoever can use it.
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Jeff, FWIW, I've used a USB to serial adapter between the Harmony and a 2412S PLM without issue.
That's great to know. It must have a RJ45 to plug into the IM. The CM11A / XTB-232 uses a 4P4C, so either it would need a different cable or an adapter.
Jeff
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Here's some more info on the 2412S pinout:
https://images.app.goo.gl/wjDfKc3eALEYH4ts7
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Here's some more info on the 2412S pinout:
https://images.app.goo.gl/wjDfKc3eALEYH4ts7
Yes, that's the same as for the 2413S. The CM11A / XTB-232 use a 4P4C with just the serial I/O and Ring Indicator.
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Looks like they are officially gone.
A few have started receiving a notice the creditors on it going out of business and how to process a claim on Smartlabs.
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That's what "asset optimization" means, so no surprise here. Too bad.
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Looks like it might be time to optimize some of my assets by selling off my Insteon inventory. The prices on ebay are crazy!
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OH yes. The Ebay prices are outrageous.
Those with the now almost useless HUBs. Do have a few options. There are a few programs that can use a HUB to control and setup Insteon.
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The XTB-232 conversion has turned out to be both simpler and more complex than anticipated.
Simpler because there is no handshaking with the computer. It receives an X10 command and just fires it off to the computer at 19.2Kbaud, so that takes place in the half cycle after the command is recognized. The SmartHome protocol just assumes the computer is ready to accept it whenever it is sent, and that it receives it correctly.
More complex because the XTB-232 was built for the CM11A protocol, which handshakes with the computer to establish communication and verify data was transferred correctly. This process can take seconds when the computer is in standby, and the code is set up accordingly. So all of that must be eliminated.
Also more complex because there is no handshaking on incoming commands, so it must be ready to receive a burst of serial bytes anytime, regardless of what else it is doing.
The XTB-232 is set up to both receive and transmit extended commands. Nothing in the SmartHome protocol supports that, so extended commands will be ignored. I may include an option to turn a preset dim command from the computer into an extended dim command with reduced resolution to allow it to work with Leviton dimmers.
I still need to know what the Harmony does at powerup to verify it is connected to the IM.
Also, is there a problem if the Harmony receives an upload for each half of the doublet? Does the second serial transmission have to be suppressed when both halves of the doublet is received? ( A1, A1, A_ON, A_ON.) If so, I assume it would still need every bright and dim command in a sequence.
Jeff
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What would I gave to do to observe that?
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What would I gave to do to observe that?
Maybe all that is needed is to connect the Harmony serial port to a terminal emulator on a PC and log (in hex) what it does when power is cycled.
If that isn't sufficient, you can split off the RS232 into the terminal emulator to log any interaction between the units. It could be done twice - once to log what the Harmony is sending, and once to log what is coming back from the IM. That method could also check whether the IM sends both halves of the incoming X10 doublet.
Redundant commands should be the same as holding a button down too long on a manual controller, so I suspect it would be OK.
Jeff
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I'll see what I can do on that.
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Actually the PLM is supposed to receive the command and sent the message back to the sender. With an ACK if it was OK or a NAK on the end of the command for a sort of a handshake.
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There may be more info in this document (different from the PLM doc): http://cache.insteon.com/pdf/INSTEON_Developers_Guide_20070816a.pdf
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Actually the PLM is supposed to receive the command and sent the message back to the sender. With an ACK if it was OK or a NAK on the end of the command for a sort of a handshake.
Yes, that is true on transmission. But the ACK or NAK echo can only be issued if the command is received. The CM11A handshaking lets the computer know when it can accept data. That is not true with the SmartHome protocol. An incoming burst of data may happen anytime. There are routines that cannot be interrupted, and I have to make sure the serial port buffer will not be overrun or the command could be corrupted.
Perhaps the Harmony would re-issue the command if it does not receive the echo back within a second or so?
There is no conformation on receiving an X10 command that the computer actually accepted the command.
Jeff
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There may be more info in this document (different from the PLM doc): http://cache.insteon.com/pdf/INSTEON_Developers_Guide_20070816a.pdf
There is a LOT more in there on Insteon, but the X10 section is the same - basically just transmit and receive.
The Harmony might use Insteon commands to establish communication. There are messages to get version, reset, etc. that might be used by the Harmony to determine if the IM is connected. Monitoring interaction with a Harmony is probably the only way to determine what is needed.
When HomeControlAssistant connects to a CM11A, it reports its firmware version as part of the status request message. The XTB-232 supports the CM11A status request, and it is probably how HCA determines a CM11A (or XTB-232) is connected.
Jeff
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Earlier this evening I sent a message to Smartenit asking whether the P2 is just "out of stock" or discontinued. I got a quick response:
"We might be getting a small batch within 4 weeks and then it will be gone for good. The issue then becomes availability of the PLM. Either way, because the few PLMs out there are now so expensive, the P2 will be a lot more."
Maybe not so bad for those who have a PLM already. I don't know if they're taking backorders but might be worth a call.
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Earlier this evening I sent a message to Smartenit asking whether the P2 is just "out of stock" or discontinued. I got a quick response:
"We might be getting a small batch within 4 weeks and then it will be gone for good. The issue then becomes availability of the PLM. Either way, because the few PLMs out there are now so expensive, the P2 will be a lot more."
As you know, I'm working to address the PLM issue for X10 users. But that reply indicates they are not going to produce their own PLM.
Jeff
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Universal Devices had their own serial PLM designed maybe 10 years ago. With the needed programmed chips promised by Smartlabs. After getting to the prototype stage ready for for engineering stage. They abruptly changed their minds. Leaving them with the cost. I believe of 10 prototypes.
Now that they are gone and a creditor company for the remaining assets and intelligent property is controlling the way thing are going to happen. With a September 18 2022 cutoff date. I don't think anyone is going to be making any Insteon devices including the PLM any time soon.
I know UDI has expressed interest in maybe at least a run of PLM modules to help the ISY994i members.
Too bad we didn't have a crystal ball. Smartenit was clearing out excess bare, serial and USB PLM on Ebay awhile back.
When PogoPro the manufacturer of the P2 just dropped the server storage service and modules.
Ebay was full of surplus P2 devices. The vendors just forgot to tell you they where almost useless. Unless you found a way how to to reprogram them.
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Update on XTB-232 to XTB-XM conversion:
It is essentially working with a terminal emulator, but there is one problem that occasionally causes a command to be lost. Fixing it is not a simple task.
The XTB-232 emulates the CM11A protocol that negotiates transfer of data between the computer and CM11A. A request to transfer data is issued by the source, and an acknowledge is sent by the receiver when it can accept the data. That protocol works very well.
There is no negotiation with the IM. It must accept a burst of data regardless of what else is going on. The problem occurs when the computer sends an X10 command that overlaps the XM sending a received X10 command to the computer. That could never happen with the CM11A protocol.
The PIC can certainly handle it, but I'll have modify the serial I/O routines so the I/O can be interleaved when this happens. That may require going to interrupt driven I/O with its own can of worms.
I still have to complete expanding an incoming pre-set dim command to an extended command.
I'm beginning to wonder if the demand will be sufficient to make this worth the effort.
Jeff
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If you could add Insteon support there might be some good money to be made. The prices on ebay are crazy - look at this recent sale:
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The prices are out of this world. On some of the Insteon modules.
Especially things like 2413S and 2413U PLM modules. With little information on them like the revision number.
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That's amazing. I never looked at Insteon prices other than the dual X10/Insteon modules SmartHome sold. I assume they were in the $100 price range for that controller originally? Pretty nice windfall to whoever timed their old system sale! If every module that went out of production did this, I guess I'd be able to make some extra cash too. rofl
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The 2413S/U PLM was $79.99. So where the older 2412U/S power line only PLM.
I believe the HUB was around the same $79.99.
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If you could add Insteon support there might be some good money to be made.
Yes, those prices are insane. But there is no chance to convert any XTB hardware to support Insteon because it uses a totally different communication method.
Jeff
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Jeff;
Thank you for looking at the Insteon protocol. To see if it was even possible to do with your X10 enabled devices..
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After being derailed for a couple of weeks on other tasks, I started working on this again. The serial input has been converted to interrupt driven, so that should prevent loss of communication from the computer unless the actual message is corrupted. I have been testing this with a terminal emulator, but it will need to be tested with an actual Smartenit Harmony.
It presently supports receiving and transmitting X10 commands as well as the Reset and Get Version commands in case they are needed by the Harmony. It will ignore and issue the LED serial error if it receives any other command.
Also, there is no double buffering, and it will not accept another send X10 command until the pending send X10 command has completed transmitting.
Note that it will support X10 only. And converting pre-set dim to extended has not yet been implemented.
Jeff
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Happy to test a prototype on mine.
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Happy to test a prototype on mine.
I'm not ready for that yet. I need more info on how the two play together before I'm ready to send off a beta version. I hope borrow or pick up a used unit for further testing.
If I have to purchase a new unit, does the basic 6007E come with all the software needed for X10, or do I have to purchase the X10 upgrade even though I'm not going to use the Insteon Modem that comes with it.
Jeff
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All you need is the base unit, all the software is included in the G2/P2. The X10/Insteon add-on is just for the 2412U PLM. You'll need the Smartenit App to interface with the unit which is free and has no monthly charge. If you need to borrow a PLM for testing I have spares.
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All you need is the base unit, all the software is included in the G2/P2. The X10/Insteon add-on is just for the 2412U PLM. You'll need the Smartenit App to interface with the unit which is free and has no monthly charge. If you need to borrow a PLM for testing I have spares.
Thanks. I'll just purchase a new basic unit if I don't hear back from Smartenit. There hasn't been one on eBay since I started this project.
I should not need the Insteon PLM if the XTB-XM will communicate with the Harmony.
Jeff
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Update.
Today the HUB serever starting to work again.
It was announced that a few of Insteon team has taken over the Insteon line and hopes to get Insteon back running.
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Update.
Today the HUB serever starting to work again.
It was announced that a few of Insteon team has taken over the Insteon line and hopes to get Insteon back running.
Well, that's good news. I like the action of the ToggleLinc and SwitchLinc switches over X10's design (press UP for ON, DOWN for OFF - it *just makes sense*). And I found their switches (including the pre-Insteon ToggleLincs from SmartHome) to be much more reliable (in X10 mode) than X10's switches ever were for me (until the capacitor blows - which I know how to replace, or the comm board fails - which is EOL of the unit for me). I hope they start manufacturing them again, as I'd like to stick with X10 (and push off having to change everything over to something new) as long as I can.
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The XTBM-Pro allowed me to capture what is being sent on the powerline for a Leviton extended command. It just has 64 brightness levels from off to full-on. That is only twice the resolution of a pre-set dim command.
Since a pre-set dim command does not include the house or unit codes, it must be preceded by a unit select. The XTB-XM can convert that command pair into the Leviton extended command.
So, the question is how to enable this. I can have the XTB-XM either substitute the extended command X10 transmission for the pre-set dim transmission. Or I can have the extended command "tailgate" the pre-set dim command so that mode would still be supported for modules that respond to pre-set dim commands.
This could be done on a command-by-command basis by following the pre-set dim command with a Status_On command, which the XTB-XM would convert into the extended command. Or it could be done globally enabled by a jumper inside the unit, converting all pre-set dim commands to extended commands.
Suggestions?
Jeff
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Since there has been no feedback on how to enable converting pre-set dim to extended commands, I chose what should be the most universal. When a jumper is added inside the XTB-XM, it will transmit the extended command doublet after the pre-set dim command. The extended commands are sent as a doublet so the XTBR and XTB-IIR will repeat them as it does for the CM11A, CM15A, and Ocelot. And when enabled, the ACK is sent to the Harmony when the extended transmission ends, delaying it about a second. Hopefully that will not be a problem.
I have not heard back from Smartenit regarding a used or loaner Harmony, so I will have to buy a G2 for testing.
Jeff
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FWIW, although I have little to no use for this solution, I would have voted for the jumper option. :)
(I was on vacation for a week and not checking forum posts.)
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The pre-set dim conversion works on transmit only. It will expand the pre-set dim to an extended command only when there is a 2-command sequence of the house/unit select followed by a pre-set dim command. This works for pre-set dim commands sent from HomeVision. Since I don't yet have a Harmony (G2 ordered), I can't confirm that it also sends the house/unit & pre-set dim command pair.
While the firmware includes the left-over code for receiving extended commands, it presently just indicates it received an extended command and the extended portion of the command is ignored.
Jeff
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Walmart said the G2 won't be here for another week. So it would really help if someone could capture what the Harmony uses to establish communication with the IM. I supported the Reset and Get Version commands in the XM. Hopefully that is all the Harmony needs. If so, I'm ready to send out a Beta version.
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Can I capture that with the XTBM? Just let me know what to look for & I'll have it done today.
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Can I capture that with the XTBM? Just let me know what to look for & I'll have it done today.
No, this would be the serial data between the Harmony and the IM at power-up. A simple test would be to connect the Harmony to a terminal emulator (19.2KBaud) and see what it sends at power-up. Hopefully it is just the Reset and Get Version commands. Then an RS232 splitter can be used to see what the Harmony echos back.
Of course, maybe it does nothing to establish communication, and just relies on the echo and ACK/NAK coming back.
Jeff
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It's been a number of years since I've done this stuff. Since I only have USB ports to work with, can I connect the Harmony to a laptop via a USB cable and use an emulator like Putty or MobaXterm to see what's going on?
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It's been a number of years since I've done this stuff. Since I only have USB ports to work with, can I connect the Harmony to a laptop via a USB cable and use an emulator like Putty or MobaXterm to see what's going on?
I haven't used either of them, but that may work. I've been using Termite on my ancient Win98 laptop.
Note that the XTB-232 / XTB-XM emulates the CM11A serial port. So a USB to serial adapter must be used with the Harmony along with a CM11A cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/380474050324
Jeff
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I may have one of those cables already or I can make one if you have the pinouts. No sense in my ordering one since you'll have your G2 before I'd get it.
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I may have one of those cables already or I can make one if you have the pinouts. No sense in my ordering one since you'll have your G2 before I'd get it.
From the CM11A specs:
2.1 Cable connections:
Signal DB9 Connector RJ11 Connector
SIN Pin 2 Pin 1
SOUT Pin 3 Pin 3
GND Pin 5 Pin 4
RI Pin 9 Pin 2
where: SIN Serial input to PC (output from the interface)
SOUT Serial output from PC (input to the interface)
GND Signal ground
RI Ring signal (input to PC)
Obviously, you don't need the Ring signal for this application.
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I've got family stuff going on all weekend so I think by the time I get this sorted out you'll have a G2 in hand. I wish I could be more helpful.
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The serial 2412S and 2413S PLM. Only use three wires from the RJ45 serial port to the DB9S cable in the box.
Pin 1 RS232 to PC pin 2 (Rx)
Pin 7 Common Ground PC pin 5.
Pin 4 RS232 from PC pin 3 (Tx)
Has a set of TTL signals but not used on pin 3 TTL out and pin 6 TTL in.
The 2412U and 2413U. Have a FTDI USB to serial chip and as far as I can see. Only common, serial in and serial out are used internally.
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Progress...
As expected, the Harmony sends the Get Version command to determine whether the IM is connected. That and the Reset command are the two non-X10 commands that the XTB-XM supports.
Unfortunately, the mod is not as simple as a firmware swap. While the XTB-XM responded to the Get Version command sent directly from the computer, it indicated an error when receiving the command from the Harmony through a USB to serial converter. Apparently the "1" is a bit shorter coming from the USB converter than directly from the computer.
The XTB-IIR serial port was designed for the CM11A, which runs at 4800 baud. The Harmony runs at 19200 baud, so opto-isolator speed is more important. Reducing the value of the pull-up resistor on the opto-isolator output improves the waveform fidelity. So this would have to be a "factory mod" when converting existing XTB-232s.
After that mod the XTB-XM responds to most commands. There is still an occasional receiving error and sometimes the Harmony misses the acknowledgement. So more work is required to get this rock solid. But this will be an alternate to the IM for X10 systems.
Faster opto-isolators will be used in a newly produced XTB-XM for 19200 baud.
Jeff
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That's great news! It'll be good to have an alternative to the now rare & expensive PLM.
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I think I've tracked down the remaining problem. Using the XTBM to monitor what the XTB-XM was actually transmitting showed it sometimes sending P11 instead of P1. The data patterns are similar but P1 has a string of 3 zeros, P11 has a string of 4 zeros. Hmmm...
So I measured the length of the USB to serial converter transmission, and converted that to baud rate. It was sending at 18.62K instead of 19.2K. A similar measurement on the serial output from the PC was 19.0K. So the errors may be due to the USB to serial converter baud rate being off. Unfortunately, that's the only USB to serial converter I have, so this will go on hold until I can get another one.
(Staples doesn't have local stock, and the one they list for $26 is $6 on eBay with free shipping.)
Jeff
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It's been awhile since I've shopped for one but I know that the Sabrent with a Prolific chipset works best with the Stargate at 19.2. Others had problems.
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While waiting for the alternate USB to serial port converters, I adjusted the XTB-XM baud rate to 18.88K. Now it appears to be rock solid with the Harmony. The Harmony itself is not as rock solid as it often ignores the cellphone tap that toggles the ON/OFF command.
So... I will be able to update an existing XTB-232 to the XTB-XM or build remaining XTB-232 PCBs as XTB-XMs.
Jeff
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Sounds like you've got a winner. I just did some testing and found that as long as there's a 1 second delay between tapping the device on the phone it was 100% responsive. With less than a second between taps it was about 50/50. FWIW, I'm using a Galaxy Z Flip 3 running Android 12. Maybe that's due to latency between the app, the AWS server and the Harmony?
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The XTB-XM appears to work fine with a new $6 USB to serial port converter:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/182297261602?ss
The smartphone "tap" also seems to be more responsive. Whenever the screen responds to the tap, the XTB-XM toggles the appliance module. When the screen does not respond to the tap, no command is issued to the XTB-XM, so the communication link between the two seems to be working fine.
Converting the XTB-232 to the XTB-XM requires a firmware swap (new PIC microcontroller), changing 3 resistors, and possibly 2 opto-isolators to accommodate the baud rate increasing from 4800 to 19,200.
New XTB-XM's will be custom assembled for $10 more than the standard XTB-232.
Now there does appear to be a problem with my cellphone communicating with the G2. I was able to add one X10 appliance module a week ago, which is what I have been using for testing. Today while I can control that X10 module just fine, the app says there is no X10 interface when I try to add another X10 module. That is confusing because it is sending X10 commands through the XTB-XM.
Jeff
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In another thread two days ago, SkipWX10 reported the same problem. I tried it myself then and again today and had no problem adding or controlling modules. I suggested that he reboot the Harmony & try again but he hasn't posted his results. At what point in the process does the message appear? The f/w I'm running is 3.15.0-14 which is the latest (and has been for over a year).
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The G2 has the same firmware version. The Android app is 1.38.1
The app had trouble "discovering" the G2. I tried both WiFi and Ethernet. I even verified that Ethernet connector was active using a computer because the app couldn't find the G2 using it. Eventually after many tries on both Ethernet and WiFi the G2 did pop up as a Gateway with a green dot. Then I was able to set up that one appliance module. That configuration still works today. (I rebooted the G2 at each attempt.)
PROGRESS: I deleted the G2, and this time I started the discovery process again with the new USB converter connected to the XTB-XM. I could see the communication between the G2 and the XM where it sent the Get Version command. Then the discovery process on Ethernet found the G2. After that I was able to set up several X10 modules, including a dimmer.
BUT, there does not appear to be any option to issue a pre-set dim command. It only sends a sequence of X10 dim commands. I know some Insteon modules will respond to a pre-set dim command, but I don't see how to set up an Insteon dimmer module using the X10 house and unit codes.
Anyway, throughout all of this, the XTB-XM worked fine. And another USB to serial converter (Sabrent) was delivered. It also works fine with the G2 and XTB-XM. So we are good to go.
Jeff
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Have you tried adding a device from the web portal? Be interesting to see if that works better.
https://console.smartenit.io/login
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Have you tried adding a device from the web portal? Be interesting to see if that works better.
https://console.smartenit.io/login
I was editing my prior reply when I received your response. It looks like the earlier USB may have prevented the G2 from discovering the XTB-XM during setup.
Jeff
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Have you set an 'Automation Rule' to send a dim command? In the AR setup you can set the dim level between 1-100% and then see what it sends. Press the green + button then select 'Automation Rules' to get there.
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Have you set an 'Automation Rule' to send a dim command? In the AR setup you can set the dim level between 1-100% and then see what it sends. Press the green + button then select 'Automation Rules' to get there.
I had been using the dim level on the Devices screen. It just sent a series of bright or dim commands as I rotated the setting. So I set up an automation rule to set the level to 80%. Rather than issuing a pre-set dim, it sent an ON followed by 4 dim commands. (XTBM-Pro log) Since the Leviton dimmer turns on at the prior dim level, sending multiple OFF / 80% ON commands winds up dimming it down to just a glow. So that is useless.
There doesn't appear to be any way to send a pre-set dim command to a standard X10 module.
Jeff
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Jeff which Insteon Module are you looking for the X0 programming information. I have the manuals and can help maybe. Some had different features depending on the revision level of the module. So I may have a few manuals on different revisions. Sticker on back should give a revision.
The nice X10 programming page on the now defunct Smarthome site had a nice write up. But it is gone now.
Most you used the set button to put it into the programming mode. Pushing in the set button until the set led started flashing.Then used an X10 power line transmitter to send the X10 address (House and Unit Code) and an On or Off. Two or three times depending on the exact model. Set led stops flashing when programming was successful.
Older 2456D plug in dimmer module used an X10 On to set the local control sensing for plugged in modules and an Off to disable it.
This is from an old users post on the way the PLM differed from other X10 message handling.
The Smarthome dim commands are based on an "old" X10 protocol similar to that used by the PCS
Smartswitches. These devices used "preset Dim" and standard "Dim" commands.
X10 brand, Leviton, and other manufacturers conform to a "newer" X10 standard that uses
"extended code Direct Dim" and standard "Dim" commands.
Most of these devices will not respond to the "preset Dim" commands.
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Yes, I had read about pressing the button to identify an Insteon module. But that won't work with the XTB-XM because it is X10 only. So it will not relay any Insteon ID info to the G2. I couldn't find any way to set up an Insteon module in the X10 mode through the Smartenit app or on the the website.
Yes, I know Leviton and newer X10 dimmers support extended commands and not pre-set dim commands. That is why I included the ability to expand a pre-set dim command into an extended command. I confirmed that works sending pre-set dim commands from the Ocelot. But there doesn't seem to be any way to do that with the Harmony.
What might work is to first set up an Insteon module in the X10 mode on the desired house code, and then swap it for a Leviton or newer X10 module that responds to extended commands. That assumes the Harmony would send a pre-set dim command to the Insteon module in the X10 mode.
Jeff
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While the Harmony does a great job adding the Alexa function to X10 systems it was primarily designed for Insteon and ZigBee systems. I'm sure the only reason it does X10 is that it's a built in function in the PLM. To use it with your Leviton X10, as I did in another home I've since sold, the Harmony should be used to trigger actions in your existing controller (Ocelot for you, Stargate for me).
All of my Harmony "devices" are just otherwise unused House/Unit codes (I'm using the N housecode). So when I tell Alexa to turn on the bedside lamps, the Harmony sends N-5, N-on. When the Stargate receives N-5, N-on it turns on the bedside lamps (M-1) to whatever level it's been set to. I also use the same method to turn on groups of things with different codes. Bottom line is that I can trigger the Stargate to do anything I want using only on & off commands from the Harmony as triggers.
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While the Harmony does a great job adding the Alexa function to X10 systems it was primarily designed for Insteon and ZigBee systems.
I did interface it with Alexa, and it responds to the "Bedtime" command. But why is that easier than just pushing 4 OFF on the Palmpad when I'm done for the night? Either triggers the Ocelot shutdown sequence. And the Palmpad is a tenth the price.
Maybe with more time I'll find other uses for it.
But the bottom line is that someone with an X10-only system can now use the XTB-XM for their powerline interface as an alternative for the Insteon IM.
Jeff
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Pressing the set button and putting into programming mode. Also would allow you to manually send the X10 information and set an X10 address in it. Besides a manual linking in Insteon.
I never found a way the remotely set the X10 address with out the manual set button starting the process. With a controller.
I never saw a remotely add an X10 address in any module manuals or developers notes. I don't believe they ever had that method in the Insteon protocol.
You can add a module in Insteon if you know its six digit ID and a Insteon controller.
Many of the manuals and developers information was also uploaded by users here. Besides a web search engines findings.
https://github.com/pyinsteon/pyinsteon/commit/2533494a8b13b30b2d0938c9a18afe782b740410
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When I developed the XTBM-Pro a decade ago I used an Insteon module in the X10 mode to verify the pre-set dim code. I'll try to repeat that process and see if the G2 will then issue a pre-set dim command.
Jeff
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Pressing the set button and putting into programming mode. Also would allow you to manually send the X10 information and set an X10 address in it. Besides a manual linking in Insteon.
While that does work to set the X10 address, it doesn't work with the G2. The module only sends out an Insteon command when the button is pressed. Since the XTB-XM does not receive Insteon commands, the G2 does not see the module. And even if I manually define the module in the Smartent app with its device code, there doesn't appear to be any way to specify it is working in the X10 compatibility mode.
Perhaps someone with an Insteon IM can determine whether the P2 or G2 issues a pre-set dim command to an Insteon dimmer in the X10 compatibility mode. I can't do that myself because I don't have an IM for the G2.
Jeff
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Looks correct. When you push the set button only an Insteon message is sent.
If it has a manually added X10 address in it. A PLM can use the 02 63 send X10 command and 02 52 X10 received. Commands from the PLM Developers Guide I believe you have.
I did a test with a 2466D Togglelinc Dimmer and can control it with a 2412S serial port PLM and Busyrats PLM test program.
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If it has a manually added X10 address in it. A PLM can use the 02 63 send X10 command and 02 52 X10 received. Commands from the PLM Developers Guide I believe you have.
Yes, once manually set to the X10 compatibility mode, then define it as an X10 module so it responds to the standard X10 commands. But there does not appear to be any way to have the G2 issue a pre-set dim command.
Anyway, the XTB-XM is available now: https://jvde.us/xtb/xtb_ordering.htm#xtb-xm
Jeff
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Since I don't have a P2 enabled module and 2412U PLM to check.
The Preset Dim and Extended Code commands are listed in the Modem Developers guide. The P2 module may not implement them.
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The P2 module may not implement them.
Kind of like the WM100 only supporting the subset of commands issued by a PalmPad.
Jeff
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Regarding Jeff’s XTB-XM, if the Harmony cannot send out X10 pre-set dim commands, a workaround would be to use X10 scenes. The Insteon 2477D Dimmer Switch, the Insteon 2334-222 and 2334-232 Keypad Dimmers, and several other Insteon dimmers, are capable of storing X10 scene addresses in addition to their primary X10 address.
For example, suppose a 2477D was set up with the X10 primary address A1 at 100%, and X10 scene address B1 at 50%. If the Harmony were to send out a X10 B1 ON command, that would be equivalent to sending out a X10 A1 50% pre-set dim command.
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That works for Insteon dimmers. But the reason I included the ability to expand a pre-set dim command to an extended command was to use the Harmony with our Leviton dimmer switches. They use extended commands to ramp the brightness to a specified level with 64-step resolution. Since a pre-set dim has 32-step resolution, there is just a minor loss of resolution converting the pre-set dim to an extended command with still 32 steps of resolution.
As brobin suggested earlier, I can set up macros in the Ocelot to convert a "trigger" from the Harmony to an extended dim command. But that relegates the Harmony to just an Alexa interface if the Ocelot is still the main controller.
Of course, with what has happened with Insteon, maybe Smartenit would consider enhancing the G2 capability to directly support pre-set dim commands?
Jeff
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Regarding Jeff’s XTB-XM, if the Harmony cannot send out X10 pre-set dim commands, a workaround would be to use X10 scenes. The Insteon 2477D Dimmer Switch, the Insteon 2334-222 and 2334-232 Keypad Dimmers, and several other Insteon dimmers, are capable of storing X10 scene addresses in addition to their primary X10 address.
For example, suppose a 2477D was set up with the X10 primary address A1 at 100%, and X10 scene address B1 at 50%. If the Harmony were to send out a X10 B1 ON command, that would be equivalent to sending out a X10 A1 50% pre-set dim command.
I thought the X10 Scenes feature was removed in the later revisions to add other features.
Do the latest revisions still accept an X10 Scenes address in them?
What are you using to send the need address strings to start and end the processes?
I had a Smarthome 2430 console to send the House Code sequences.
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Jeff the Insteon module use to have a X10 primary address and an X10 scene address feature.
Using a sequence of House Code messages you cold add a second X10 address to them.
At different settings from the primary address.
With the scene address in many modules.
A command to the primary address only controlled the module with that address.
Sending an X10 scene address command would set all the modules together. To what they where set to in the scene address setup.
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Jeff the Insteon module use to have a X10 primary address and an X10 scene address feature.
I understand Insteon modules can respond to a specified dim level. But again my work was intended to allow the Harmony to support Leviton and newer X10 modules that use extended commands.
I did run into a hiccup converting another XTB-232 to the XTB-XM. Converting the prototype worked fine, but the newer unit had trouble receiving commands. Baud rate was correct. It turned out to be the opto-isolators were too slow. The prototype and early XTB-232s used NEC optio-isolators. They discontinued that part and the alternate available at Mouser (same part number) is significantly slower. A different part selected for its speed is on the way. So the XTB-XM should be available in about a week: https://jvde.us/xtb/xtb_ordering.htm#xtb-xm
Jeff
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I purchased a few Insteon 2334-222 Keypad Dimmers V8.0 in May 2018 to keep as spares, and when I bench tested them, they accepted both X10 primary and X10 scene addresses. Same goes for Insteon 2477D Dimmer Switches V8.2 purchased in May 2018. So my guess is that even later versions of these still retain X10 scene capability.
Instructions for X10 scene address programming are here:
https://www.insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/insteon-x10-programming (https://www.insteon.com/support-knowledgebase/insteon-x10-programming)
I just use a maxi-controller to send the string of commands, it’s a lot of tweaking the house-code setting back and forth with a jeweler’s screwdriver, but it works.
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Good to know and thank you for the information.
Seems typical. Remove all X10 information and not officially support it but still do.
Also was a welcomes sight to see that the X10 write up is again on line. When they originally folded all that stuff was gone.
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The new opto-isolators are even a bit faster than the NEC version. So this is good to go:
https://jvde.us/xtb-xm/
If someone wants to mod an existing XTB-232 themselves, the mod requires the firmware swap and changing 2 resistors and 2 opto-isolators to handle the 19.2K baud rate. I could make up a kit for that.
Jeff
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It appears Insteon is back in biz under new ownership. I got an email from them yesterday asking me to let them know if I'd like to be on their mailing list and then a blog post saying the servers are back up and they will soon be producing products. See insteon.com for info.
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It appears Insteon is back in biz under new ownership. I got an email from them yesterday asking me to let them know if I'd like to be on their mailing list and then a blog post saying the servers are back up and they will soon be producing products. See insteon.com for info.
So the XTB-XM development was for naught...
Jeff
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It appears Insteon is back in biz under new ownership. I got an email from them yesterday asking me to let them know if I'd like to be on their mailing list and then a blog post saying the servers are back up and they will soon be producing products. See insteon.com for info.
So the XTB-XM development was for naught...
Jeff
Perhaps, but we don't know when or if the PLM will be included or whether it will continue to support X10. Even if it does, the XTB-XM is a far better choice due to it's superior signal stregth.
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The discontinued replaced by a 2413S/U, 2412U PLM was the power line only PLM.
Made just for Smartent. After it was replaced by the 2413S/U models.
I kind of doubt the new owners would make any more.
Not even sure that any PLM will ever see the light of day.
Even the 2234-222 USB and 2234-223. PLM Plus in the FCC database but never released.
So Jeff your work may not be for nothing. Your equipment is much better than the Smarthome gear was.
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Out of curiosity I tried using the XTB-XM with Home Control Assistant (HCA) and a USB to serial port adapter. It would not establish communication with the XTB-XM. I eventually tracked that down to HCA requiring the GET_IM Configuration and SET_IM Configuration commands. While these bits only relate to Insteon operation, I added a configuration byte in the version 1.01 firmware, and now it is working fine as a 2413S with HCA for X10 devices.
But so far there has been virtually no interest in this project.
Jeff
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I think we've reached a point where anybody still using X10 probably has what they need. When a problem comes up it's just as easy for many to jump ship for a newer option.
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I think we've reached a point where anybody still using X10 probably has what they need. When a problem comes up it's just as easy for many to jump ship for a newer option.
That is probably true - at least for those of us who don't have hundreds of dollars of installed X10 wall switches. But there are continuing sales of the XTB-523 to replace failed X10 devices.
Based on the early interest in this project I had ordered a batch of boards for the XTB-XM, but they will be assembled as XTBR's that are still selling fairly well.
Jeff
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Repair and/or repurpose is becoming quite fashionable now. Once again X10 enters another economic downturn (how many is that now) and surprisingly to some is still managing to hold its own in its field. While there’s people like Jeff around (creatively thinking outside the box) X10 technology will still remain very much part of the solution. Everyone knows you can’t keep a good man (or technology) down.
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I am not surprised that the XTB-523 is still requested.
The TW523 is long gone and you take a chance with the auction sites. On is it working as posted or what description?
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As brobin suggested earlier, I can set up macros in the Ocelot to convert a "trigger" from the Harmony to an extended dim command. But that relegates the Harmony to just an Alexa interface if the Ocelot is still the main controller.
I became frustrated with the poor reliability of the Harmony processing the "theater dim" sequence in response to an Alexa "Theater OFF" command. So I relegated the Harmony to just passing the X10 ON and OFF commands to the powerline (through the XTB-XM), and using that as a trigger for the dim or bright sequence issuing extended commands running in the Ocelot. So far it has worked 100% of the time.
Jeff
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As brobin suggested earlier, I can set up macros in the Ocelot to convert a "trigger" from the Harmony to an extended dim command. But that relegates the Harmony to just an Alexa interface if the Ocelot is still the main controller.
I became frustrated with the poor reliability of the Harmony processing the "theater dim" sequence in response to an Alexa "Theater OFF" command. So I relegated the Harmony to just passing the X10 ON and OFF commands to the powerline (through the XTB-XM), and using that as a trigger for the dim or bright sequence issuing extended commands running in the Ocelot. So far it has worked 100% of the time.
Jeff
That's exactly how I use it with my Stargate - just as a trigger. Keeps it simple.
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I became frustrated with the poor reliability of the Harmony processing the "theater dim" sequence in response to an Alexa "Theater OFF" command. So I relegated the Harmony to just passing the X10 ON and OFF commands to the powerline (through the XTB-XM), and using that as a trigger for the dim or bright sequence issuing extended commands running in the Ocelot. So far it has worked 100% of the time.
UPDATE: Recently the reliability has fallen off, but it seems to be due to Alexa. I'll issue a command. After several seconds Alexa says OK, or sometimes doesn't respond at all. Last night was the worst so far with Alexa taking maybe 10 seconds to issue the X10 command. And Prime video has been very sluggish responding to commands - sometimes taking a minute or more to come out of pause. Netflix is fine, as is our computer internet response, so the problem is Amazon itself. Maybe it is time to go back to local control with the Palmpads.
Jeff
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Recently the reliability has fallen off, but it seems to be due to Alexa.
I don't know if your issues are an upshot of recent turmoil within Amazon. But at the very least, the future of Alexa as a maintainable third-party integration seems uncertain.
INSIDER: Amazon is gutting its voice-assistant Alexa. (https://archive.ph/16osE)
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We use Alexa extensively in our home and haven't noticed the delay... maybe a regional issue? I've noticed that sometimes the command will be executed before hearing the acknowledgement though.
Interesting article about Alexa's future. I'm not crazy about subscription based services but that's one I'd pay for. I can't see them simply dropping support for the millions of devices out there though. The backlash and call for refunds would be crushing.
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Amazon is definitely not monetizing my use of Alexa. I have 5 Dot devices and Smartenit and solely use Alexa to turn on an off X10 devices. When I first got Alexa, my wife and I would sit a recall old songs we loved and play them, but that lasted maybe two weeks. Now she's relegated to lighting commands....I am a Prime member since I joined to get some Blink cameras so I guess they are nicking me annually though...