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[PhotonDemon]

Hi X10 Users,

I'm new to this X10 forum, so I'm not exactly sure how to do things.  That said, I have written a Windows program that controls a CM19a USB Transceiver.  I had trouble with the available software so I wrote my own.  You can take a look at the help file here: http://www.keystone-software.com/ftp/download/windows/X10/KscX10Controller.html.  One nice feature is its ability to send commands at a given time of day and repeat them on a given schedule.  I won't go into more than that here so check out the help file.

I'm trying to decide whether to try and sell the program or give it away and if I should ask for donations/tips.  Selling or asking for money in any form takes work so I'd like to know if there is enough interest to make it worth the effort.

So please let me know what you think.

Lou

[Tuicemen]

There are several x10 type HA softwares out there with tons of options.
Asking for suggestions will help improve your program.
I'm not sure if your application uses the SDK but I placed it in this section anyways.

[dhouston]

Asking for suggestions will help improve your program.

And, although I've not been asked, I'll offer my $0.02 anyway. Needing a PC running 24/7 for scheduling is a foolish waste of electricity. Porting your program to RPi will greatly reduce energy requirements and offer options for control via WiFi. And, it obviates the need for the SDK.  

[HA Dave]

Welcome to the forums PhotonDemon.

It is always nice to see new additions to the X10 family. I use a CM19a in my setup. Your software looks interesting. Although... it should be noted that X10 is currently involved in a big change in a smart device interface.

[PhotonDemon]

Hi Guys,

I have thought about porting the program to a Raspberry Pi but the development tool I use doesn't work on that platform so it would be a really big effort.

Since X10 is moving to a different device interface I think I will allow everyone to use my program for free.  You can download it from here: http://www.keystone-software.com/ftp/download/windows/X10/KscX10ControllerInstallV1_05.msi.

Enjoy.

Lou

[HA Dave]

Since X10 is moving to a different device interface I think I will allow everyone to use my program for free.  You can download it from here: http://www.keystone-software.com/ftp/download/windows/X10/KscX10ControllerInstallV1_05.msi.

Enjoy.

Lou

Wow thanks Lou! You're part of a small group of selfless code writers that have really made X10 very useable. Thanks again!

[dhouston]

I have thought about porting the program to a Raspberry Pi but the development tool I use doesn't work on that platform so it would be a really big effort.

I guess that makes my advice worth even less than my usual $0.02 fee. Which development tool do you use?

[PhotonDemon]

Hi,

I've created a new version get it here: http://www.keystone-software.com/ftp/download/windows/X10/KscX10ControllerInstallV1_06.msi.  You can read about it here: http://www.keystone-software.com/ftp/download/windows/X10/KscX10Controller.html.

To answer Dave's question (I think it was Dave who asked) I use VA Smalltalk http://www.instantiations.com.  It can build applications for Windows and Linux (it is more at home with Windows) but only for Intel X86.  They are working on a 64 bit version with tools that may allow them to build for ARM but that is a ways off.  I and a friend at Instantiations worked on an interface between VA Smalltalk and LibUSB (it's not quite finished) that I use to talk to the CM19a.  We may port our interface to Squeak (a free Smalltalk http://squeak.org) but that is a ways off and the tools for building GUI's in Squeak and VA Smalltalk are quite different, so it would be a fair amount of work.  It might be a fun project but if the use of the X10 CM19a is waning, it may not be worth the effort.

Lou

[PhotonDemon]

Hi,

Sorry, it was dhouston who asked about the development tool I use and Dave who gave me a nice complement about making the program.  No offense guys and sorry for the mix up.  I'm still getting use to this forum.

Lou

[PhotonDemon]

Hi,

I didn't mention that version 1.06 mentioned above has two new small features that are not covered in the help document (because they are very simple).  Under the Help menu item you can check to see if there is a new version and you can download the latest version.

In that version, you are prompted for a place to put the file and then it is downloaded, which takes about 10 seconds.  I'm thinking about starting the download while waiting for the user to say where it should be saved.  This isn't a big deal but I like the idea and want to do it just for the fun of coding it that way.

Lou

[PhotonDemon]

Hi,

Version 1.07 of my KscX10Controller program is now available.  Not much has changed but the download of a new version now takes place while you are deciding where to save it.

You can find it here: http://www.keystone-software.com/ftp/download/windows/X10/KscX10ControllerInstallV1_07.msi.

Lou

[petrocad3d]

Asking for suggestions will help improve your program.

And, although I've not been asked, I'll offer my $0.02 anyway. Needing a PC running 24/7 for scheduling is a foolish waste of electricity. Porting your program to RPi will greatly reduce energy requirements and offer options for control via WiFi. And, it obviates the need for the SDK. 

i agree with you, but It depends on the own situation.

for example. i have a minicomputer(very old) ran with win XP, feed with 30watts, in my country, it is 4 USD by month. if i bought a RPi, i can spend 200 USD(in my country). I supposed that the  Rpi feed with 1-2watts.

well, 200/4 = 50 month or 4 years & 2 month. I dont know but i preffer the minicomputer.

it is possible you have other situation.

regards,