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[Richard Wade]

I have a home network and 3 computers in
different rooms. I want be able to access
the CM15A from any computer in my house,
not just the one its pluged into.

[Brad T K]

There's probably a better way to do this
but you could get some free software called
VNC from http://www.realvnc.com/.  This
allows you to use a computer in another
location from a different computer.
Basically, the computer you are sitting at
acts as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and
the other computer acts as the CPU.  This
requires that you install VNC server
software on the computer with the CM15A and
VNC viewer software on the other two
computers.  Good luck.

[Bruce Fischer]

Try looking into Keyspan's "USB Server" that
connects to your LAN.
http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/server/

It has an RJ-45 to connect to your network
and then 4 USB ports.  Load a simple piece
of software on each computer that you want
to be able to talk to the "server", and then
you can remotely attach to any of the USB
ports from those computers.  I've tried it
with remote keyboards, mices, storage
devices, etc. and it works well.  Haven't
tried it with the CM15a as I've not yet
purchased one.

Used to use the old, serial CM11 but
switched to the PowerLinc USB earlier in the
year and love it!
http://www.smarthome.com/1132cu.html

Although it costs a little more than the new
CM15, it already comes with many features
the CM15 software is lacking (such as
conditionals, flags, supporting multiple
module types on the same unit code, etc.)
I'm still thinking of trying the new CM15
just to compare.

[Bruce Fischer]

Correction to earlier post...

The unit I currently have is the PowerLinc
Controller (*with* built-in memory, clock &
timers, USB interface and will run stand-
alone without a PC)
http://www.smarthome.com/1132cu.html

and not the more simple PowerLinc USB (which
needs a PC to run).
http://www.smarthome.com/1132U.html

Sorry for the mixup.

[X10 Pro]

We have a network/Internet plug-in planned
that will do control over a home network or
the Internet in a couple different ways. It
should do what's desired here.

[Bruce Fischer]

A software plug-in won't address the current
limitation that requires the CM15 to be
connected directly to a PC via the USB port,
and then that particular computer being
always powered up.

What's needed is a way to connect the
controller (CM15) directly to a home network
so it can be placed in the best location and
away from any computers or powerline filters
(ie: UPS, surge protector, etc.).  The
Keyspan "USB Server" (actually a USB hub via
ethernet) helps to address that limitiation.

Is the new CM15 considered an HID (Human
Interface Device) so can use the standard
Windows USB HID driver, or does it require
loading of a custom driver?  If it's a
custom driver, that's a real shame.

Another solution would be for X10 to come
out with a version that has an ethernet (RJ-
45) connection rather than USB as most
people doing home automation already have a
home network/LAN and would probably rather
connect it directly to the LAN as any other
network appliance.

[steve]

Will the plug-in require an additional fee?

[king ken]

BRAD TK-
Thank you so much for your input.  VNC is
exactly what I was looking for!  Not only
can I control my AHP interface from my
laptop, but now I can keep an eye on what
the kids are up to on the other computers!
Thanks again!

[king ken]

BRAD TK-
And the best part?
It was all FREE!!
Thanks again!

[bebop]

I use VNC as well and have for a couple
years without any problems. Just be sure to
setup a good password scheme and I'd use a
non-standard port ( you can define this in
the VNC server setup )as you don't want
other people dropping in on you
unexpectedly! On the other hand you could
wait for x10 to come up with a plugin but
then we've all been waiting for the
elusive "conditional macros" plugin and
haven't seen that yet either!!!  LOL

[cf]

So has anyone tried using a CM15A via a
USB/ethernet hub?  That would be the way to
go for me.  I don't like leaving my desktop
on 24x7 so it would be handy to use the
laptop via wireless and control lights that way.

[steven r]

"So has anyone tried using a CM15A via a
USB/ethernet hub? That would be the way to
go for me. I don't like leaving my desktop
on 24x7..."

Ditto here but I think there are hardware
limitations.

[jt]

How about an 802.11g interface (or maybe even
bluetooth?)  The x10 system would act as a
node on the network, addressable by LAN or by
Internet.  They make Video Cameras that do
this already and this would allow integration
w/ x10 modules.

[jt]

Actually, both an ethernet cat5 connection &
WiFi (802.11) would be superior to usb...

ALSO, the AHP software could be eprommed into
the controller module (aka cm-15?) and be
addressable via tcp/ip. Any web browser could
link up--No more Mac / PC compatability
issues. (I'm a Mac man, myself).