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[Brian H]

Indigo on my date code 05C10 as version 2. I
don't think AHP reports the firmware verion
that I can find anyway.

[carmine]

ARF1410
It may work for some, it depends on the
application, I can create macros that will
cause the clock to be overwritten and fail
every time a certain sequence of events
occurs. I have been designing hardware and
firmware for industrial application for
over 20 year. It is impossible to write
code that will never fail, we employ
several techniques to recover and the
instrument keep on working (failure it’s
not acceptable), I would not even attempt
to use a software clock, if the processor
reset (and it will) the clock it’s lost.
Reliable Clock it’s essential for this
application. Based on some test I done if
the cm15 is in the middle of sending
multiple DIM commands, if several motion
detector are triggered it will lock up and
not longer run any macros that depend on
time. If you connect the cm15 to the
computer the clock it’s reset before you
have a chance to se what it was, and in my
case it will work again.
X10 is run by a very smart marketing team,
because the ways the cm15 and smart macros
are bundled it’s not economic to return
them, so most people byte the bullet and
move on; in my case I will use the cm15 as
all house code transceiver, it’s not a
total loss.

[arf1410]

Carmine -
didn't the CM11A also have a software
clock?  It runs essentially flawlessly (up
to the potential of the X10 protocol, which
of course is limited).

[carmine]

ARF1410
You are absolutely right, but the cm11a had
only simple macros, and timers(very limited
capabilities).
If I compare the Chip used for the cm11a(
Microchip) versus the cm15( cypress ) the
cm15 is grossly under power for the
application, I believe the only reason they
selected this part was for the build in USB
capability( let’s call it USB for dummies)
and simple RF interface, by the time these
2 function are implemented there is very
little memory left for anything else.
PS they are several way to lock up the
cm11a , in my book , any macros or timer
the customer program should never ever
crash the cm15; If I my instruments where
this unreliable I would be unemployed or in
jail, considering instrument failure could
cost someone their life.

[X10 Pro]

ARF: You're right -- the CM15A clock design
is based off of CM11A, and they're pretty
much the same.

[carmine pacifico]

None
they are both lemons

[georgep]

Carmine,
With your years of experience designing
devices like this, what would you say the
price point would be for a controller that
would do what the software can pass to it?
I think that all over the forums, everyone
has been coming to the same conclusion: for
the 50 bucks, X10 can never get the
functionality of a real, fully functional,
fault tolerant controller.  When I see
discussions about the other controllers
available, they all seem to have drawbacks.
I'd appreciate your insight.

[carmine pacifico]

GeorgeP

I design instrument for oil and gas and
recently for other industrial applications.
In our industry price can be an issue, but
we have very stringent regulation that we
must meet so quality and safety comes
before price.
Having said that, if X10 would have opted
for a design similar the one I suggested in
one of the forums” Problem with CM15A as
whole house transceiver” it would
probably   add $5 to 10$ to the cost, I
would gladly pay $100 to $200 for a product
that works.
Consider all the effort in attempt to fix
the CM15a how much is costing X10.
In 2002 we faced a similar problem, we had
our new flagship product being certified,
when we tried to add more features
suggested by a large customer we discovered
some serious short coming with Microchip
new flash microcontroller. I suggested to
redesign using a different microcontroller,
by boss reluctantly agreed to allow a
processor change( he thought it would take
many months); a month later I had new
hardware and firmware was converted over.
With new hardware we were able to add
customer features, our sales went trough
the roof and by the end of 2003 our company
had grown 70%; our gross sales probably are
at par with X10, but the company is
privately owned and we do not owe anybody
money.
Listening to customer pays off, after all
they are our real boss.
Our web site  http://www.net-safety.com

[greg]

Carmine:

I would also pay more for something that
works.

[georgep]

X10 Pro:
Listen to Carmine and listen to those of us
who want you to succeed. We have helped you
fix bugs, we have beta-tested software, and
we want this to work. Carmine - Thanks for
the response, sometimes we have to remember
who the real boss is.
X-10: Maybe you should consider a "power
user" controller? I would consider it if it
did everything we needed.