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[sroberts]

I've read quite a bit about others' pain trying to get the CM15A working with Linux without success.   Is the CM11A still the best bet for 2-way X10 control via Linux?   I can only find it for $140USD, that's kind of steep!

Steve

[Mel99]

I can only find it for $140USD, that's kind of steep!

Yeah, it is steep - more like a ripoff if you ask me.  I saw the seller on eBay with 4 of them at that price.  I got one with the serial cable I'll let go of for a lot less.  It's used and got put in my 'extras' box when I upgraded to AHP and CM15a.  It was working at the time I disconnected it.

I would prefer some modules and/or motion sensors instead of cash if you're interested.

Contact me at the email in my profile.

Mel

[Brandt]

There are plenty of people on this forum who have cm11a's waiting to be sold as they have upgraded to the newer AHP controller. I got mine from somebody on here for $10 including shipping.

[Brian H]

You are not referencing the International 240 volt one are you?

[Charles Sullivan]

You are not referencing the International 240 volt one are you?

He's referring to the North American CM11A which I just saw listed on eBay at that price.  The reseller is probably down to the last few in stock and is trying to make the most out of them.  (Up until the last week or two the same reseller had them listed for around $90.)

[sroberts]

Correct, the North American version.  Thanks for the replies.  This project of mine is going on indefinite hold - it doesn't seem like there's much life left in Home Automation via Linux.

[Brian H]

OH I believe we have active X10 Automation members using Linux.

[Charles Sullivan]

Correct, the North American version.  Thanks for the replies.  This project of mine is going on indefinite hold - it doesn't seem like there's much life left in Home Automation via Linux.

Not so!

There are at least two HA programs still in active development for Linux, Misterhouse (http://misterhouse.sourceforge.net) and Heyu (http://www.heyu.org).

Misterhouse is a complex installation and includes at least minimal support for the CM15A (send and receive On/Off/Dim powerline X10 signals).

Heyu is a 10 minute installation but for powerline X10 signals is restricted to using the CM11A interface.  All features of the CM11A are supported.

[pconroy]

Is the CM11A still the best bet for 2-way X10 control via Linux? 

That's going to get a subjective response - so here's mine: I think the answer is "Yes".

But how much better?
That's hard to say.
Like others have said - they've reverse engineered the basics out of the CM15A.
That's all I use - so a CM15A would probably be fine for me.

One thing to consider is that the CM11A is a serial port device.
It's getting harder and harder to find a PC with a DB9 on the back these days!
 

[Charles Sullivan]

One thing to consider is that the CM11A is a serial port device.
It's getting harder and harder to find a PC with a DB9 on the back these days!

Yeah, but a USB-Serial adapter fills the bill and works just as well as a built-in serial port.

[sroberts]

Well I found that Automated Outlet carries the CM11A at a reasonable price and I ordered the kit along with a bunch of other stuff.  I also set up Misterhouse on my Redhat system.   That Mister has quite a messy house  and only the savvy would find their way though it, but I was able to.   Haven't tried Heyu yet but I plan to.  MH has way too much junk attached to it for my simple needs (converse with your house via Eliza - really now!) - I expect I'll just set up some basic scripting with a web front end.  However I do like the idea of pulling sunrise/sunset info for light control and some of the other facilities in MH so I plan to incorporate some of it.

Steve

[Brandt]

I tried misterhouse first as well and it was just too bloated and i'm not a fan of perl anyway. Heyu is light and powerful and uses shell scripting  

[pconroy]

I tried misterhouse first as well and it was just too bloated and i'm not a fan of perl anyway. Heyu is light and powerful and uses shell scripting  

my sentiments exactly!!!

[Charles Sullivan]

Heyu is not limited to shell scripts - it can execute any Linux command line, whether it be a shell command,  shell script, Perl script, binary executable, or combination thereof.

[pconroy]

I've really been impressed with HeyU's versatility.  My approach to HA seems to be quite different from everyone else's - and I was wondering if I could coerce HeyU to play along.   With Charles' help - I did!  I think it should be on the top of anyone's list looking for CM11A control under Linux.