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[callagga]

Hi

Any recommendations for an X10 controller that comes with an SDK (software development kit) so I canwrite my own programs to monitor X10 traffic and determine and send out x10 commands?

Either VB/c#/java/ruby bindings would be fine.

So this way I can have ultimate control over things. So the computer would need to be on all the time with the X10 interface (eg USB connection) in place.

At the minimum the device would handle X10 over powerlines, but being RF capable too would be nice.

Any recommendations re a model that does this, assuming one exists.

[pconroy]

What operating system?

[callagga]

either Windows (say XP) or Linux

[pconroy]

either Windows (say XP) or Linux

If you can find the older CM11A (and I don't know what the 240V version would be) I can't imagine a simplier, more well documented controller to program. 

I just started reading about the Insteon controller - I have no experience, but right now it's looking like an alternative to the CM11A.
It's well documented and strikes me as easily programmable too.

If X10 would just release the full protocol to the CM15, then I'd expect that one to be a good alternative too.

The new devices are all going to be USB.
If you want to program them, you'll want to either know how to access a USB device, or make sure the SDK handles this for you.

[callagga]

Is this the one you're talking about here:  http://www.insteon.net/12233DB-ISY-99i-PRO.html

It's a bit hard to tell off hand whether it would be used as an interface for a program running on a PC - I'll send them an email to clarify

[Brian H]

They still have a 240 volt model of the CM11 on X10Europe and letsautomate has a CM12 that I believe is also close to the CM11 in characteristics.

I have an ISY99i and 2413S Dual band PLM if you have any questions.

The ISY99i can be run by an external power supply and it is required {in the new DB kits} with the 2413S PLM. The 2412S PLM supplies power through the interface cable. The PLM is 120 volt 60Hz. only and all requests for Smartlabs to make a 240 volt 50Hz unit has fallen on deaf ears. With Insteon timing is critical and 50Hz would through it off.
The dual band part of the interface only does Insteon. So it will not bridge phases with other dual band devices for X10; just Insteon.

I have the add-on software module for A10/X10 to add devices to the My Lighting Tree. X10 devices can be controlled in scenes and programs with out the A10/X10 it is just neater.

Manual for the ISY99i if you are interested.
http://www.universal-devices.com/docs/isy99_userguide.pdf

Data on the PLM and other Insteon related data here:
http://www.madreporite.com/insteon/insteon.html

The 2412S/U {serial or USB} and the 2413S/U can do X10 and Insteon alone if the computer or controller you are using. Is on 24/7 and does all the work.
More PLM data is in the second link.

[Brandt]

The powerlinc version of the tw523



http://www.smarthome.com/1132B/PowerLinc-Serial-TW523-X10-Interface-with-12VDC-Output/p.aspx

[pconroy]

The powerlinc version of the tw523



http://www.smarthome.com/1132B/PowerLinc-Serial-TW523-X10-Interface-with-12VDC-Output/p.aspx

Brandt,

I had the early version of this - it looked like a big black wall wart/transformer.
I stopped programming it because it seemed so susceptible to noise or interference or something.

It almost seemed like a 1/3rd of the bytes I was pulling off the device were NAKs or NULs or other junk chars.

I wonder if my device was flaky, or if it was a known issue with the early models?
If so - I wonder if the newer one, pictured above, was any better?

[Brian H]

I have a few of the newer ones as they where part of the TesterLinc set and Smarthome's custom V572A kit where it powered the V572A and no wall wart was needed.
One has failed with an improper Zero Crossing Detection output, but the rest are fine.
Can't remember how old they are, but not recent. 

[sroberts]

I'm using the CM11A on Linux - good 'ole RS-232 - works like a champ.  You can get the interface alone or with a kit at http://www.automatedoutlet.com/Home/Starter-Kits/X10-CK11A for a decent price.  Once I hit the lottery and can afford some Insteon devices I may spring for an interface that supports that as well.