#TW523 X-10 Gadget
11 messages in this thread
Hi everyone,
I have recently come across a new X-10 gadget. It's model number is
TW523, and it is a basic X-10 transceiver, in that that it receives and
transmits raw X-10 codes through the AC power lines. It is inexpensive and
inherently a powerful piece of hardware, but it requires rather
sophisticated software to make it useful. It is sold with PC software, but
nothing in th eway of Amiga software, or even source code. I was wondering
if anyone knows of anyone planning to write something for this gadget on
the Amiga. It's major advantage over the standard Computer Interface
chiefly used, is that this new device can recognize signals to X-10 modules
sent by other devices, and can theoretically keep a record of the state of
all X-10 units in a house, thereby allowing the user to program other
devices to be triggered by the activation of another device. The "gadget
potential" is great for this thing, and at $29 a piece, it seems a viable
project for some smart programmer….
Anyone hear about any rumors (or should I just start my own <g> )?
-RSL-
Roy, I for one would definitely be interested in more information on the
TW523. I have made a couple of abortive attempts to master the 290. I have
basically given up because I suspect my 290 is somewhat faulty and don't
feel like spending the $$$ for a new one. But $29 for a full tranceiver
might make me want to dust off that Lattice manual again. So where can I
get one and some technical specs for it.
regards,
greg
Home Control Concepts sells them (unfortunately they have a $100 minimum
purchase, but one can always use some extra appliance modules). The CP290
is child's play compared to the TW523. The CP290 takes standard hexcode
output via a standard RS232 interface at 600 baud with simple checksum's to
deal with. I've wriiten (and uploaded) simple ARexx scripts that when
utilized with NazCron (or similar programs) can control all X-10 modules.
Unfortunately it can not sense external X-10 signals by other devices. The
TW523 can receive X-10 signals as well as transmit, but it is MUCH more
complex. Inorder to transmit it must sense the zero point of the AC signal
and use it to generate a complex series of syncronized high or low bit
strings. Receiving is even more difficult. It must be possible to poll
the devices output for a signal, then syncronize it to the zero point of
the AC cycle and decode it into the housecode and device code. The package
came with some broad information and a library that can be linked with PC
code. The library is interrupt driven and runs in the background, and
unfortunately is VERY IBM compatible specific. I would imagine it would
require a rather sophisticated programmer, and some very low level software
that comes close to the hardware. A feat I think I'm not anywhere ready
for. It would require the expertise needed to design a device handler. If
you think that you're up to the task, you can e-mail me your address and I
will xerox the technical information.
Tell me more (like where you saw it, how to get one, etc..)!
I read about it in a catalog from Home Control Concepts. The idea is
very exciting, but they offered little in information, and their sales
staff knew even less. At $29 I thought that I would take a chance, but
it's much more complex than I thought it would be. I've been researching
an X-10 board from Alpha Systems, but that would require a separate control
chasis, operating as a slave to my amiga thru its serial interface, at a
significant increase in cost. I've left more information in another
message. I'm hoping to see if I can spark some interest in a better
programmer here…
Roy:
You didn't leave the address for Home Control Concepts. Maybe I should get
the catalog. Also, you didn't mention how the TW523 interfaces to the
Amiga.
I've been thinking about the X-10 alarm system, but as you've pointed out,
It'd be nice to have direct control over the sensor inputs and modules. Do
you believe that the documentation provided with the TW523 is sufficient to
create a device driver for it?
Just FYI, Greg Halper and I live quite close to each other, and I've helped
him some with serial routines for his CP290 project. If he asks for the
documentation, you can knock both of us out with one stone. 😉
Ariel
Ariel,
First, let me give you the address:
Home Control Concepts
9353 Activity Road, Suite C
San Diego, CA 92126
Tel. 800-828-8537
Second, it isn't designed for any specific interface. The kit I got was
configured to work on a parallel port, but it probably use other ports if
the system/software allowed for the necessary speed requirements.
Third, the documentation will tell you the characteristic of the signals
and the table of code commands, but there's a big difference between that
and a working device driver. It's like saying that with a copy of the
english alphabet I could write a terminal emulator! What they give you is
basic electrical engineering level stuff. If you have a good grasp of how
the Amiga's interfaces work, and a good idea how to write low level code
that polls the selected port in a CPU efficient way, it could be done.
Presently, I don't think I can do it. I'm hoping someone has tried
already, or if not, I can interest someone. If you would like the few
pages of specs, I could xerox them and mail it to you.
I haven't had any problems coding for the CP290, I can do it in C,
ARexx, and CanDo. Unfortunately the TW523 is a totally different (read
user unfriendly) animal!
-RSL-
Roy, checking out the latest Amazing Guide to Products, it lists:
Intruder Alert
by Software Terminal, PO Box 123225, Fort Worth, TX 76121
(817) 737-3297
as a company that makes a home security hardware/software combo for the
amiga, that has support for BSR/X-10 controlling.
I just *know* that I've seen another company that made specific hardware
and software for the X-10 system, controllable via ARexx, etc that was in
the same journal. Couldn't find it when I looked though, sorry. Maybe it
was in the last edition or such. Good luck.
–jp–seattle–
Intruder alert has been out there for a long time (I thought the
company might have folded by now, so many others have). Its more of
a wired alarm system, that can operate a CP290 interface. There are
(or were) two other companies that sold softwar interfaces to the
CP290. This is a nice little toy (I have one connected to both off
my machines), and I have wriiten (and uploaded) ARexx scripts that
can control X-10 devices. Greedy tinkerer that I am, I want a method
to sense X-10 device being controlled by other devices, and being
able to act on that action. The old GE Homeminder could sense X-10
signals, but not react to them, Enerlogic 1400 is a dedicated
computer with software interface to IBM compatibles which can act on
such signals. The TW523 is a very simple device that senses raw X-10
signals and can transmit raw signals. It requires a sophisticated
software to perform these actions, and presently the only software
exist for IBM compatibles only (yech!). The low cost of the hardware
makes it an intriguing idea, if you have the proper skills (which I
regretably do not).
Roy, I *know* that I saw X-10 controlling software like you mention in
an Amiga mag – pretty sure it was the Amazing Guide to Amiga
Products; but for the life of me I cannot locate now. I remember
because I had been considering putting some X-10 gadgets in my home
as well, just to see how I liked it — the futuristic computer
controlled home, right? 🙂
The software I am remembering came with a control module that
read/and controlled various X-10 modules, and had an ARexx port for
programming it. Sounded great to me, but I never moved on it. So,
keep looking; I'm pretty sure there's something out there – I'll keep
looking too…. good luck.
John,
All of the Amiga specific software is for the CP290 interface. I'm
using it now. It transmits X-10 signals but can not receive them. I'm
hoping that someone will be working on their TW523 device, that is capable
of both (although the programming requirements are MUCH greater!).
-RSL-