[Plugin] X10 Home Automation

WileECoyote · 2009-07-10, 16:48

This is the second build of the Server Configuration tool for the X10 Home Automation service. This package contains two parts, the first being the windows service and the second being the MP Process Plugin. Everything can be configured through the Process Plugin now...

NOTE: If you installed the previus version, PLEASE go into MP Config and Stop & Uninstall service before installing this 0.2 version.

Installation Pre-req

1. Install ActiveHome Pro software (if not already done.)
2. Configure your devices in ActiveHome Pro (if not already done.) NOTE: Be sure the X10 Device Network Service service is installed and running.

Installation

1. Download the X10ServerSetup 0.2.zip file.
2. Install the setup file (Be sure to remove everything to do with prior X10 tests we have done.)
3. Go into MP Configuration and configure the X10 Process (See Image 1 below)
4. Click on the Install Service Button (this will install the service)
5. Enter a port number (if you desire a different port number)
6. Enter Room Information
7. Enter Device Information

To test a device, hightlight the row and click the Test On or Test Off buttons.

Please post any issues/questions...

Thanks,
Wile E.

famewolf · 2009-07-11, 03:55

I have one of the x10 firecracker systems you used to be able to get cheap...hooks to a serial port..can be used by the pc to turn items on, off, dim etc....there are some apps to control them on windows...but what I would like to see is when I start a movie having the floor lamps on either side of tv auto turn off...and when movie ends (and maybe is paused)...the lights turn back on....not sure how feasible that is currently.

jmvaughn · 2009-07-11, 22:41

Funny, I was just discussing how neat something like this would be with my wife over lunch (I know, I'm a rather dull lunch companion).

So count me as very interested.

WileECoyote · 2009-07-11, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by famewolf

I have one of the x10 firecracker systems you used to be able to get cheap...hooks to a serial port..can be used by the pc to turn items on, off, dim etc....there are some apps to control them on windows...but what I would like to see is when I start a movie having the floor lamps on either side of tv auto turn off...and when movie ends (and maybe is paused)...the lights turn back on....not sure how feasible that is currently.

Hmmm, does the serial controllers interface the same as the USB controllers?

Yes, turning lights off and off with events would be VERY easy. Sounds like you have a pretty sweet setup too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmvaughn

Funny, I was just discussing how neat something like this would be with my wife over lunch (I know, I'm a rather dull lunch companion).

So count me as very interested.

Yes, in playing around with the software, I think there is a lot of potential with X10 devices. I am starting with a few light switches and recepticles, but I am looking very seriously at adding a Thermostat and other devices real soon.

jmvaughn · 2009-07-12, 03:10

I wonder if X10 controlled motorized blinds are available?

That would be interesting.

WileECoyote · 2009-07-12, 03:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmvaughn

I wonder if X10 controlled motorized blinds are available?

That would be interesting.

There are numerious switches out there. I am looking for a similar switch to trigger my screen, so when I open MP it will automatically drop my screen...

WileECoyote · 2009-07-15, 19:13

I just found this link today -> Basic Home Automation via xAP BSC enabled devices (updated 9-01-2008)

It looks like Patric has a huge head start on this project. I would have to make new skin files, but otherwise it looks like it may have the functionality we are looking for?

jmvaughn · 2009-07-15, 19:45

This does look interesting. I wonder if the plugin still works? Looks like he stopped working on it about a year ago.

I would test, but I don't actually have any X10 devices yet, I have just been considering getting some.

Tophicles · 2009-07-16, 22:38

I don't have any X10 devices, but I would buy some if it meant I could control lighting in my theatre room via MediaPortal. Dimming/switchoff of lights would be a definite plus! I have some cool cove lighting around the top of my room that I'd love to dim when the movie starts and bring up when it's paused/stops.

I'll buy the plugs/switches and controller at the drop of a hat if this gets underway!

Cheers!

WileECoyote · 2009-07-16, 23:26

Just for information, and I dont want to influence anyone's decision on what X10 devices to purchase, but the plugin I have been working on is for the CM15A controller (I purchased from here -> ActiveHome Pro USB Transceiver and Software SW31A and CM15A - X10). The reason I went with the CM15A was simply because it supports all house codes (up to 256 devices.) Im not sure if the plugin will work with other serial controllers as I do not have one to test with...

2009-07-16, 22:38	#9 (permalink)
Tophicles Portal Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	My .02 I don't have any X10 devices, but I would buy some if it meant I could control lighting in my theatre room via MediaPortal. Dimming/switchoff of lights would be a definite plus! I have some cool cove lighting around the top of my room that I'd love to dim when the movie starts and bring up when it's paused/stops. I'll buy the plugs/switches and controller at the drop of a hat if this gets underway! Cheers!

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2009-07-11, 03:55	#2 (permalink)
famewolf Portal Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 86 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Country:	I have one of the x10 firecracker systems you used to be able to get cheap...hooks to a serial port..can be used by the pc to turn items on, off, dim etc....there are some apps to control them on windows...but what I would like to see is when I start a movie having the floor lamps on either side of tv auto turn off...and when movie ends (and maybe is paused)...the lights turn back on....not sure how feasible that is currently.

2009-07-11, 22:41	#3 (permalink)
jmvaughn Portal Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 38 Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Country: My System	Funny, I was just discussing how neat something like this would be with my wife over lunch (I know, I'm a rather dull lunch companion). So count me as very interested.

2009-07-12, 03:10	#5 (permalink)
jmvaughn Portal Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 38 Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Country: My System	I wonder if X10 controlled motorized blinds are available? That would be interesting.

2009-07-15, 19:13	#7 (permalink)
WileECoyote MP Donator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cary, NC Age: 43 Posts: 676 Thanks: 25 Thanked 83 Times in 47 Posts Country: My System	I just found this link today -> Basic Home Automation via xAP BSC enabled devices (updated 9-01-2008) It looks like Patric has a huge head start on this project. I would have to make new skin files, but otherwise it looks like it may have the functionality we are looking for?

2009-07-15, 19:45	#8 (permalink)
jmvaughn Portal Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 38 Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Country: My System	This does look interesting. I wonder if the plugin still works? Looks like he stopped working on it about a year ago. I would test, but I don't actually have any X10 devices yet, I have just been considering getting some.

2009-07-16, 23:26	#10 (permalink)
WileECoyote MP Donator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cary, NC Age: 43 Posts: 676 Thanks: 25 Thanked 83 Times in 47 Posts Country: My System	Just for information, and I dont want to influence anyone's decision on what X10 devices to purchase, but the plugin I have been working on is for the CM15A controller (I purchased from here -> ActiveHome Pro USB Transceiver and Software SW31A and CM15A - X10). The reason I went with the CM15A was simply because it supports all house codes (up to 256 devices.) Im not sure if the plugin will work with other serial controllers as I do not have one to test with...