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[jmanley]

I can't think of any other cause... There were no other changes in the 24 hours before I noticed that my macro wouldn't work.

I've tried EVERYTHING (well.... obviously not absolutely everything, but you'll see what I mean when I explain it all)

Here's my equipment

Server 2008 x64 with SP2 and all the latest windows update
CM19A
AHP (the latest version)
TM751 set to house code M (on different phase than the computer)
2 Lamp modules set to M2 (on same phase as TM751)
and several other devices (none of which were known to AHP).
I also run autom8 for my Android phone.

I have a macro set to D3 that will issue an ON command to M2 (not a bright 100% - I changed the setting in AHP to issue an ON) then dim to 45%.  This runs 25 minutes before dusk according to the Pittsburgh, PA dawn/dusk schedule.  Then, at 11:30pm, it issues an M2 OFF.

Everything worked fine until I installed ActivePhone... then the DIM commands don't actually do anything when issued from AHP.  If I use the switches - everything works correctly.

What I've tried:
I have tried different CM19A devices (thought maybe it just went bad)
I've turned off the computer several times (completely power off, not just restart).
I've unplugged and replugged the CM19A while the computer is on.
I've removed the device from Device Manager and reinstalled.
I've reinstalled AHP (the version before ActivePhone)
I've changed the drivers of the CM19A to everything else (the only thing that doesn't work is ActiveHome CM15A driver - all others issue on and off commands but still no DIM).
The driver for CM19A is 6.0.0.242, but I've also tried 6.0.0.210
I've erased the Active Home directory (under Program Files) and reinstalled the last version that worked correctly (the one just before ActivePhone) - still doesn't DIM
I've cleared and downloaded into the CM19A many many many many times.  I've even tried clearing multiple times before downloading.
I've set the CM19A to housecode N so that it wouldn't conflict with the TM751.
I've replaced the TM751 with RR501.
I've unplugged and replugged all modules and transceivers.


The only other configuration change that I made to AHP after I installed ActivePhone is that I configured 3 other devices - an XPFM, an inline dimmer for ceiling fan lights, and another lamp module.  I've since removed all those.  I've even erased all the configuration files and created a brand new home with JUST M2 - still no DIM.

Keep in mind... the DIM and BRIGHT commands do actually work from a switch... just not through ActiveHome.

Here's the strangest thing that I discovered........ If I go to http://server:8777 then it brings up the exact same screen as if I go to http://server:8777/ahp ... the big huge difference is that WITHOUT the AHP, the dim button on the web interface does actually issue DIM commands.  However! it issues dim dim dim dim dim dim (and continues until I turn the computer off or disconnect the CM19A).  It never actually 100% DIMs the lamp (it always has a small bit of current going to it)... but that tells me that the CM19A is still capable of issuing a dim command and the computer is capable of processing it... it's definitely something in ActiveHome/Activephone.

I've opened the Activity Monitor and it says that it's issuing DIM and BRIGHT commands, but they're not actually getting sent out.

The only thing I haven't done (that I can think of) is try this on another computer, but given all the troubleshooting that I've done, I've determined that my computer did not stop working, so changing computers can not be the answer to this one.

[anthonylavado]

Hey jmanley

We can work through this a step at a time. One thing to note is that the CM19A doesn't have local memory, only the CM15A does at this point in time. Clearing te interface memory may work To help reset it, but downloading timers and macros shouldn't do a whole lot; it's best just to keep AHP open.

One thing that I would suggest is bringing the two lamp modules on M2 and the TM751 as close as you can to your CM19A for testing.

This is what should happen:
AHP/AP is asked to Dim a lamp module
AHP sends this as an RF Command out from the CM19A
TM751 receives the RF Command, sends PLC out to M2
M2 Dims

Make sure you check your hardware configuration for Monitored and Transcieved House Code settings:
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Monitored_House_Code
(the forums also have a lot of wealth on this topic)

Last but not least, create a new AHX (ActiveHome Pro file) from scratch with all your modules, and test it before you create any macros. This has been known to help before.

Let us know how it goes!

[Brian H]

Since the programs where running OK until you installed ActivePhone {a newer version of AHP}. It is possible X10 programmers broke something.

The CM19A has no internal memory as Anthony pointed out.
The computer has to be running 24/7 for macros to run and they can not be downloaded to the CM19A.
Also there is no power line receiver with the CM19A so X10 signals on the power line can not be used to trigger any macros.

[jmanley]

Thanks for all the quick answers everyone!  Wow!! great to know that we have a good support group going on here.

Ok... so for Anthony...

I did all those things that you said... most of them were described in my troubleshooting steps.  As I said previously, it worked up until sometime in the 24 hours after installing AP.  Great ideas though... we're on the same wavelength.

Brian,  Yup! they definitely screwed something up!

First of all... as for the CM19A not having a memory.  I'm not so sure that's entirely correct.  My timers and macros run great without AHP running (as long as the computer is running).  I do understand that there's an X10 service that runs.  Perhaps that's what's firing off the actions, but in AHP, I select the check boxes for timers and macros to "store in device" and it works without AHP running.

Now!!! as to the solution (not really, but at least we know where the problem lies).

I find that C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files has an X10 directory (C:\Program Files\Common Files for those of you on 32bit windows).  In there are 2 files that are updated with AP. 
ahscript.dll has a timestamp of 9/3/2010 14:48
x10net.dll has a timestamp of 9/20/2010 18:15

If I replace x10net.dll with the one that is installed with AHP (timestamp 5/19/2010 16:12), then dimmers work perfectly.  Of course, the web interface of AP doesn't (500 server error).

So.... now the question is... Do the X10 programmers monitor the forum? or do I need to start a support call/email with them?

[Brian H]

The schematic for it found in the FCC database. Shows no memory on board and I think the small ram in the CY7C63772 controller chip is for the stack and internal variables.

[dave w]

The schematic for it found in the FCC database. Shows no memory on board and I think the small ram in the CY7C63772 controller chip is for the stack and internal variables.

Oh man! I just love it when we talk technical. Makes me vibrate!   

[jmanley]

The schematic for it found in the FCC database. Shows no memory on board and I think the small ram in the CY7C63772 controller chip is for the stack and internal variables.

Oh man! I just love it when we talk technical. Makes me vibrate!   

bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm not trying to get into an argument or anything honest!

I believe that the schematics say no memory.  And perhaps it doesn't have memory... like I said, maybe it's the X10 service that's running... but I JUST witnessed my timer fire off the macro that happens at 25 minutes before dusk to turn the light on (that I'm sitting right next to) and dim it to 45%.  ActiveHome is not running... so maybe it's the X10 service that's running... maybe I got a goofed up CM19A that has some sort of memory... I dunnoooooo I can only speak from experience, not from technical specs (which also say that there is no onboard memory).  Also... if I open AHP and do a Tools Hardware Configuration, it says Memory Usage 1.72%, memory available 98.28% (although timers and events both report 0%), but again... this could just be the X10 USB interface residing in windows and not the actual CM19A.

Anyway...... back to the pressing issue... let's get x10net.dll fixed?  Does X10 monitor the forums directly or do you think I should go through the support route?

[Brian H]

I believe you.
X10 has changed things recently.
I have personally see three versions of the Lamp Module all acting differently. Depending on age.

If X10 is monitoring here. That very rarely speak up.

[Dan Lawrence]

The schematic for it found in the FCC database. Shows no memory on board and I think the small ram in the CY7C63772 controller chip is for the stack and internal variables.

Oh man! I just love it when we talk technical. Makes me vibrate!   

bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm not trying to get into an argument or anything honest!


I believe that the schematics say no memory.  And perhaps it doesn't have memory... like I said, maybe it's the X10 service that's running... but I JUST witnessed my timer fire off the macro that happens at 25 minutes before dusk to turn the light on (that I'm sitting right next to) and dim it to 45%.  ActiveHome is not running... so maybe it's the X10 service that's running... maybe I got a goofed up CM19A that has some sort of memory... I dunnoooooo I can only speak from experience, not from technical specs (which also say that there is no onboard memory).  Also... if I open AHP and do a Tools Hardware Configuration, it says Memory Usage 1.72%, memory available 98.28% (although timers and events both report 0%), but again... this could just be the X10 USB interface residing in windows and not the actual CM19A.

Anyway...... back to the pressing issue... let's get x10net.dll fixed?  Does X10 monitor the forums directly or do you think I should go through the support route?

If you have AHP, then you MUST have the CM15A, AHP is sold with it.   The CM19A needs a transceiver to put signals on the power line.  The CM15A and the CM19A are NOT the same.   X10nets.exe runs with Windows and sends AHP the history it needs to show module status.  If you reboot the PC with X10Nets.exe running, after Windows reboots and you open AHP it will not show status of lamp modules but will show some Appliance Module status correctly.       

[jmanley]

If you have AHP, then you MUST have the CM15A, AHP is sold with it.   The CM19A needs a transceiver to put signals on the power line.  The CM15A and the CM19A are NOT the same.   X10nets.exe runs with Windows and sends AHP the history it needs to show module status.  If you reboot the PC with X10Nets.exe running, after Windows reboots and you open AHP it will not show status of lamp modules but will show some Appliance Module status correctly.       

Nope... 2 CM19A's.  You're right, the invoice says CM15A, but the label on the bottom of the unit says CM19A.  As for needing a tranceiver - I don't really care much about that.  The package came with a TM751 and I replaced it with RR501 (stated earlier).

Not x10nets.exe - .dll.  It's probably part of the sdk also because it gets locked when i run autom8 as well.

As for the status of the codes in the house... I think you're probably right because autom8 always gets it wrong.  However, status is not the issue (nor do I really care about those).  DIM and BRIGHT are the issue.  with the latest version of x10net.dll 3.0.0.278, AHP won't send DIM and BRIGHT commands correctly.

[Knightrider]

If you have AHP, then you MUST have the CM15A, AHP is sold with it.         

Dan:

I'm calling you out.  Have you researched this fact?  X10 has been selling AHP with the CM19A for a couple of months now.  This is the genesis of version 3.271 which has been posted about ALL OVER THE FORUM.  (Have you already forgotten, or do you not pay attention?)

Please do a little research before making statements like this.

[anthonylavado]

I'm calling you out.  Have you researched this fact?  X10 has been selling AHP with the CM19A for a couple of months now.  This is the genesis of version 3.271 which has been posted about ALL OVER THE FORUM. 

Knightrider is correct on this: It was my first X10 kit I bough on September 5th.
Contents:
CM19A - Wireless USB Transceiver, with AHP (including Smart Macros & MyHouse Online), and a TM751 to talk to the modules it came with.

To jmanley:
My copy of AHP w/AP has x10nets.dll at version 3.0.0.279. It was reinstalled recently, I want to say the 23rd or so. I haven't retested it with my CM19A because I have since bought a CM15A (SD version, Scratch & Dent) so I could have timer memory.
Could I suggest trying one more reinstall of AHP w/AP? The FTP server says this was uploaded on the 24th - ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/applications/activehomepro/sw44a_activephone.exe

[jmanley]

To jmanley:
My copy of AHP w/AP has x10nets.dll at version 3.0.0.279. It was reinstalled recently, I want to say the 23rd or so. I haven't retested it with my CM19A because I have since bought a CM15A (SD version, Scratch & Dent) so I could have timer memory.
Could I suggest trying one more reinstall of AHP w/AP? The FTP server says this was uploaded on the 24th - ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/applications/activehomepro/sw44a_activephone.exe

Gave it a try.  The x10net.dll in this package is 3.0.0.279 and the one in the package I downloaded originally (on release date I believe) was 3.0.0.278.

The one you provided also has the same flaw.

This may be an issue with the CM19A, or it may be a 64 bit issue..... or perhaps with Server 2008 (instead of XP or Windows 7).  Regardless, I'm sure it's a programming bug because 3.0.0.269 works perfectly.

[anthonylavado]

This may be an issue with the CM19A, or it may be a 64 bit issue..... or perhaps with Server 2008 (instead of XP or Windows 7).  Regardless, I'm sure it's a programming bug because 3.0.0.269 works perfectly.

You may be on to something there. I haven't tried it with my Win7 x64 machine, strictly my WinXP x86 one...
I think my CM19A is going on a trip upstairs tonight...

[Dan Lawrence]

If you have AHP, then you MUST have the CM15A, AHP is sold with it.         

Dan:

I'm calling you out.  Have you researched this fact?  X10 has been selling AHP with the CM19A for a couple of months now.  This is the genesis of version 3.271 which has been posted about ALL OVER THE FORUM.  (Have you already forgotten, or do you not pay attention?)

Please do a little research before making statements like this.

You can stop with the negative comments.  What I posted was on the Forums about the CM19A.   

As to the problems with 3.271, that was the FIRST time I tried it and applied it over every past version of AHP since 2005.  I still think the cause was all the remains of all those prior versions.   Since something (not AHP related) caused  my 3.228 to stop working, so I had to totally uninstall it.  Then install 3.271, which is working fine.   As to the CM19A, if it was as good as the CM15A, why does X10 include a TM751 transceiver with  it?