Controlling a Ninja PT from computer

[intiha]

I am trying to use a Ninja PT stand (from here http://www.x10.com/products/x10_vk74a.htm) to control a LED or some sort of directional light source at particular areas. What I want to be able to do is control its pan and tilt angle from computer. I am completely new to X10 products, but looking at the amount of home-brew around x10 done, I am sure there would be some way of a) interfacing to a computer (usb/serial) b) code that I can control the pan and tilt of the stand.


any help will be appreciated.

thanks.

[ITguy]

Hi intiha,

The Ninja uses RF commands to control the pan/tilt functions, so you'll need something to transmit those commands - probably the CM15A with AHP would be your best bet.  You might also want to take a look at iHouse, which can also control X10 cameras and Ninjas using the CM15A, and allows more powerful macro functions.  http://www.ihousehomeautomation.com

Regards,

ITguy

[intiha]

Thanks, but that still doesnt give me a fine enough control (or does it). I want something like an API that I can call to control the pan/tilt, from inside a bigger program that is performing a bigger function. Macros wont cut it.

Are there any alternatives to my approach? i.e. other stands etc?

[Brian H]

Not sure if this information on the RF commands used by the MR14A Ninja Remote will be of any help:
http://davehouston.net/cr14a-rf.htm

[HA Dave]

Here at this (my) youtube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gknj0cJkerA  I control a Ninja with a camera on it (connected to a TV) using voice control through my Home Automation Computer. There seems to be very little that can't be done with X10.. and software. Just keep reading.