HAM Radio 1/HamRadio.cdr/control/homecon/bbsmsgs4.txt

Text File | 1988-06-22 | 33KB | 759 lines

---------------------------------------------
  Discussion on Converting a BSR module
  into a momentary contact module

  Circuit Cellar BBS
  203/871-1988

  March 1988
---------------------------------------------

Msg#:  742 *PROJECTS*
03/01/88 00:21:19
From: RICHARD DOERING
To: ALL
Subj: X-10 MOMENTARY CONTACT
Has anyone ever taken an X-10 receiver module and converted it to a isolated
contact momentary contact?  Such a "garage door opener" is lacking in the X-10
lineup.  I converted an X-10 appliance module to momentary contact the other
day by disassembling the latching relay and machining the little plastic cam
inside.  This works well but, unfortunatel y, only about 90% of the time.  Has
anyone ever tried such a feat electronically rather than mechanically?


Msg#:  754 *PROJECTS*
03/01/88 09:02:33
From: KEN DAVIDSON
To: RICHARD DOERING (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 742 (X-10 MOMENTARY CONTACT)
There was a letter in Electronic House magazine a few months ago from one of
the members of the team who implemented the HCS (Leo Taylor) on just that
topic.  Unfortunately, nothing more came from it than "Yea, X-10 should get on
the ball and make one."  I can look up the exact issue if you'd like.


Msg#:  770 *PROJECTS*
03/01/88 22:21:04
From: RICHARD DOERING
To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 754 (X-10 MOMENTARY CONTACT)
I'll look at the more recent back issues I have of Electronic House.  Was the
discussion in their Mr. Module section?  In any event, I asked someone at X-10
about coming out with a momentary contact and I got a response along the lines
of "we've done one but we decided not to release it because of potential
liability problems".  He seemed to be worried that the receiver might false and
cause a garage door to close on someone.  Of


Msg#:  786 *PROJECTS*
03/02/88 08:54:58
From: KEN DAVIDSON
To: RICHARD DOERING (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 770 (X-10 MOMENTARY CONTACT)
It sounds more like a REliability problem if they're worried about false
triggering.  :-)  Yes, it was in the Mr. Module section.





----------------------------------------------
  Discussion on BSR codes and receiving/
  transmitting units

  Circuit Cellar BBS
  203/871-1988

  March 1988
----------------------------------------------

Msg#: 1130 *PROJECTS*
03/16/88 09:12:02
From: ROBERT MCILVAINE
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: BSR CONTROLS
Steve, I've been working on BSR control things ever since I built your original
ultra sonic interface a long time ago. I heard you are doing some articles on
controllers and things now so I thought I'd let you know some of the things
I've been working on. I have recently completed a stereo control system which
uses BSR carrier signals for control functions. I'm currently working on Rev2.
It will control speakers, volume, and on/off now and will control source select
at next rev. (plans complete, just have to get enough time at the bench to
implement.) I've also experimented with control of the whole system (BSR
modules, stereo, etc.) from any touch tone phone in the house. I also have some
tips on solutions for power line problems which occur in carrier current
systems. If you're interested in any of these topics let me know.  I can be
reached at 603-673-5861 H or 617-276-1288 W


Msg#: 1140 *PROJECTS*
03/16/88 14:36:58
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: ROBERT MCILVAINE (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1130 (BSR CONTROLS)
I'd be very interested in your project for INK. If I din'r have so much wire
strung through my house I'd probably be doing the sam thing. Be warned of
something. I had planned to present a X-10 (BSR) code receiver as part of the
INK transmiter project. When X-10 found out about it (I told them) they went
B___S__T !  They started screaming about patent violations and junk about using
their codes and especially zero crossing transmission and reception as theirs.
Now we all know that I can publish anything I damn well please, patented or
not, but I usually try to have the more popular stuff manufactured as kits. A
legal shootout with them would have eliminated manufacturing anything and left
an audience primed for something I can't deliver.

In exchange for NOT messing up their market right now, CCI will have access to
the new X-10 transmitter module that will undoubtedly hard to get and we'll
have a good project. After the dust settles, we'll check their patent and see
about that stuff. Just becareful that you aren't X-10 test case for holding
onto their patent.
-- Steve


Msg#: 1156 *PROJECTS*
03/17/88 07:21:14
From: ROBERT MCILVAINE
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1140 (BSR CONTROLS)
Steve, I would be intereseted in writing about the BSR stuff for INK. I'm not
sure how much hold BSR has on signals once they enter the transmission medium.
Never the less, I believe the actual control portion of my design
would be of interest to the audience. It would probably be possible to replace
my decoder circuits with BSR's chips (it would actually reduce the chip count
by 4 or 5), but when I originally designed the thing they were in the throws of
the formation of the new company and they weren't making any promises about
availability. As I said above, I'd be interested in doing
an article, where do we begin. Regards, Bob McIlvaine


Msg#: 1171 *PROJECTS*
03/17/88 17:23:43
From: RICHARD ANDREWS
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1140 (BSR CONTROLS)

.       I wonder if these geniuses at X-10 remember the Sony Betamax.
Sigh...some people just have to learn the hard way.  Do you have a name and
address and/or phone number of someone at X-10 whom we can pester about this?


Msg#: 1184 *PROJECTS*
03/17/88 21:25:45
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: RICHARD ANDREWS (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1171 (BSR CONTROLS)
I'm not in my office right now. Email me again Monday and I'll give you a name
and phone number. You aren't planning on burning my bridges are you?
-- Steve


Msg#: 1185 *PROJECTS*
03/17/88 21:33:25
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: ROBERT MCILVAINE (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1156 (BSR CONTROLS)
I believe you have a right to use and publish any technology (not deeemed as
classified, at least) you want. You can still write an article and if it is
well written and offers something useful to the CC INK readers, it will be
published. Only if you manufacture something receiving X-10 codes will I expect
that the X-10 people will get excited (the key word is manufacture). They got
concerned when i told them I was presenting a receiver because I have a history
of licensing my designs for manufacture and because they remember that 2
articles that I did back in '76 and '77 virtually created their market for
them. I guess they don't know whether to love or hate me. :-)
-- Steve


Msg#: 1456 *PROJECTS*
03/28/88 11:30:40
From: ROBERT MCILVAINE
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1185 (BSR CONTROLS)
Steve, As it turns out, I remember those articles quite well. I think I even
have a copy of them hanging around in my files somewhere.  I have a question on
a different topic. I'm looking at a control and monitoring application and
would like to get some detailed info on the  Micromint Z8 system. Specifically,
about the facilities for storing the programs in ROM. Can you give the low down
or can I order info from this BBS? Thanks, Mac


Msg#: 1457 *PROJECTS*
03/28/88 12:24:17
From: KEN DAVIDSON
To: ROBERT MCILVAINE (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1456 (BSR CONTROLS)
Give Micromint a call at 800-635-3355 and ask for BCC-series literature.  If
you have specific questions, feel free to ask here.


Msg#: 1476 *PROJECTS*
03/29/88 09:28:44
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1457 (BSR CONTROLS)
Yess Ken is right the best way is to call Micromint (203-871-6170) and ask for
a series manual set. For the BCC11 (Z8), the package is called the BCC99/11 for
$39. Similarily, for the BCC52 (8052) it is the BCC99/52 and it is also #39.
There are about a dozen manuals in each set including all manufacturer doc
(Zilog Z8 manual or BASIC-52) is included where necessary. Finally, a new
manual set is being readied for the BCC180 (64180) called the BCC99/180. It
includes not only the appropriate BCC expansion board manuals with the BCC180
user's manual, but also the all the SB180 stuff and BASIC-180 doc (200 pages
alone). This one weighs POUNDS and costs $59. If you ever wanted to build any
of this hardware, these manual sets are the way to go.
-- Steve




-------------------------------------------------
  Discussion on Home Control with Steve's HCS
  and the Amiga PC

  Circuit Cellar BBS
  203/871-1988

  March - April 1988
-------------------------------------------------

Msg#: 1384 *PROJECTS*
03/25/88 05:27:54
From: ERIC HEUPEL
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA

I'm fairly new to hardware design (good at putting them together though) and
need to get some info... Im trying to finish the design of my parents house
(just recieved my degree in architectural design). They have 2 amiga computers
and an old RS model 3. My questions come in that they want an automated house
with BSR type controls and a survailance/security system all computer
controled. Also my father has 4 video machines (2 beta 1 vhs and a Vid -8) plus
cable etc...so an AVMUX would be perfect for his Audio Video dreams (you should
have seen the mess of AB selector and wires befor I moved out) I would like to
control all of this through one of the Amiga computers (one 1000 the other a
2000) or maybe a better route have them controlled by a BCC52 or SB180 with a
serial link to the Amiga. Any suggestions ??? Also how long of a run would the
AVMUX drive before signal noise/loss started taking an appreciable toll ?
Thanks
:)   Eric

PS -- Any good books to actually teach  myself about hardware design (theory )
I have learned a bit by reading Byte and on this board just observing.




Msg#: 1417 *PROJECTS*
03/26/88 14:36:32
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: ERIC HEUPEL (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1384 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)

You have quite a list of goals there :-) , but I suppose you wouldn't have
asked if you were an electrical engineer like most of the rest of us. Education
and experimentation is the route to achieving your goal. There is no single
source book that will teach you to be a designer. That ability comes from many
sources and takes time. Most of us just started reading a bunch of magazines
and communicating with other people with similar interests.  Sounds like you've
done that much but it might be advisible to sit down with someone who knows
your background and interests in more detail to plot the right future course.
Regarding the AVMUX (which seems to be of continued interest. Perhaps it's time
to design a new one.), I am driving 25' cables and it seems OK but  it depends
upon the termination impedance (what you have it connected to).
-- Steve


Msg#: 1418 *PROJECTS*
03/26/88 19:17:42
From: KEN HOWELL
To: ERIC HEUPEL (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1384 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)
Well -- glad to see another Amiga user interested in hardware!  For starters,
you might consider abandoning any hardwired approach to coupling the amiga to
the avmux and/or the bsr type modules.  I think there's a controller that
accepts touch tones as inputs.  The Amiga can *easily* produce touch-tone
frequencies, with which you can control the bsr modules, and perhaps thereby
the avmux.  A letter to the editor in AmigaWorld listed the proper frequencies
to use in AmigaBasic.  I wrote a small program to dial my telephone using those
frequencies, and it worked fine.  This way, your parents could also use their
radio telephone as a controller!
--Ken.


Msg#: 1491 *PROJECTS*
03/29/88 23:36:23
From: ERIC HEUPEL
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1417 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)
Thanks for the info... I have invested in a few intro type books and some more
specific to computer hardware.. They seem to be getting me some knowledge..
Most of my present experience is from reading (unfortunately not by doing) your
projects from Byte. Anywho....Thanks for the projects maybe now that I have
time and some money I'll learn by building more than just a simple hi-lo logic
probe, and a midi interface.

Eric


Msg#: 1493 *PROJECTS*
03/29/88 23:43:32
From: ERIC HEUPEL
To: KEN HOWELL (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1418 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)
Thanks ... Which issue ?(amigaworld) I am still interested in some good
hardware hacks for Amy. I would like to build a card for the 2000 (I am getting
a asdg 2000 & 1 box ) which would provide 2-3 extra par. ports and 1 or 2 extra
rs-232 ports.  Oh well dreams are nice to chase but once you catch them you
need something better and bigger to chase (ami3000?).


Msg#: 1571 *PROJECTS*
04/01/88 22:32:13
From: KEN HOWELL
To: ERIC HEUPEL (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1493 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)
I'll look it up and leave another message.  I've designed a parallel port
expander for the Amiga, using a 8255 chip.  It allows up to about 256 parallel
ports to be added.  I've written a preliminary softward driver for it, but have
yet to actually construct the board.  It attaches to the existing parallel
port, so high speed transfer among all ports is definately limited.  I designed
it to make a 68701 programmer, though, so speed is not one of my concerns. A
hardware solution is much better.  I have the Micron 2 meg expansion board with
my A1000. I got the powered 2 slot chassis, and so have one extra slot.  I hope
to have some neat boards to drop in there.  Maybe yours when its finished!
--Ken.


Msg#: 1589 *PROJECTS*
04/03/88 03:58:59
From: ERIC HEUPEL
To: KEN HOWELL (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1571 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)

Right now I'm running with two boards on my expansion chassis...an Easyl (1000)
and a Starboard 2 meg. I plan to get one of ASDG's 2000 and 1 expansion
chassis' and put the boards in there....but as the main dif between the zorro
bus for that chassis (A2000) and anything else is size it shouldnt be to hard
to convert it. Dont hold your breath though cause unfortunately I am not very
learned in hardware design and have found virtually nill in help for passing
the ports out. It shouldnt be that hard ...pull power and the neccessary lines
off the buss ... run through drivers etc... the big question is will it work to
mount a new parrallel port as say "par.01" as device type Parrallel.device work
or do I need to write a new device driver also ?


Msg#: 1856 *PROJECTS*
04/09/88 20:47:21
From: KEN HOWELL
To: ERIC HEUPEL (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1589 (HCS/AVMUX & AMIGA)
I wouldn't think you would need to re-write the parallel.device, but if so you
could probably disassemble the existing device and modify it to work.  I know
there's been a lot of talk on bix and the like to add extra serial ports, so I
think it's possible. By the way, the AmigaWorld issue you want for the
touchtone frequencies is Sept/Oct '87.  Also, the last Amazing computing
advertized a pre-built interface for BSR modules, complete with intuition
interface.  You might find it interesting.
--Ken.




------------------------------------------------
  Discussion on X-10 Transmitter and Receiver

  Circuit Cellar BBS
  203/871-1988

  March 1988
------------------------------------------------

Msg#: 1490 *PROJECTS*
03/29/88 22:59:33
From: REZA POURZIA
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: MORE ON X-10
Dear Steve, Any suggestions where I might be able to find the schematics for
the new X-10 rf transmitter and receiver units?


Msg#: 1514 *PROJECTS*
03/30/88 11:19:16
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: REZA POURZIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1490 (MORE ON X-10)
One of the most parenoid companies I have ever dealt with is X-10. I don't have
a copy of the schematic in question and I wouldm't expect that X-10 would make
it easy to obtain. The only reaso they are making this new X-10 line
transmitter and circulating its schematic is that it is a case of "if you can't
beat 'em, join 'em". X-10 saw everyone (including us) using X-10 codes in
products. Now they say that you have to use their OEM line transmitter or they
will sue for violating their patents. Personally, I think it's a crock but the
transmitter module is cheaper to use and I won't fight it.
-- Steve


Msg#: 1528 *PROJECTS*
03/30/88 22:42:07
From: REZA POURZIA
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1514 (MORE ON X-10)
Thank you Steve.  I guess I was pipe dreaming about information as complete as
your September 1980 Radio Electronics article!  Anyway, the reason I want the
schematic is to convert the transmitter unit into an IR receiver and RF
transmitter unit.  This should be fairly easy because they use the NEC 6121G
chip in the transmitter and that chip is fairly well documented in NEC data
books.  The output (pin 5) goes to an rf trasmitter of about 300 MHZ.  I
managed to get my CORE unit learn the code from pin 5.  Now All I have to do is
learn how to is figure out how to make the rf transmitter work indepndantly
with an MC3373 receiver or build my own receiver.  I would appreciate any
comments from anyone who has hacked with the transmitter.  Ever since I
purchased a CORE I've been looking for a way of working the X-10's with IR.
Seems like the only thing that did that was the GE/Radio Shack "Home Minder"
and it is no longer available.  By the way Steve, I haven't seen you comment on
Steve Wozniak's CORE.  I am pretty sure you are using one.  If so, what's your
opinion about the design?


Msg#: 1540 *PROJECTS*
03/31/88 09:48:37
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: REZA POURZIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1528 (MORE ON X-10)
Believe it or not, I don't have a CORE remote control. I have a few others
including the Master Controller that we invented here :-)  I'll look for one
though. I'm gadget happy enough that I probably need one. The upcoming INK
article will contain all the particulars about transmittin g (I suppose that
includes receiving) X-10 codes. If you can find these pulse trains any where
int the box you have with a scope you should be able to intercept them or
introduce them. I know the old ultrasonic remote control unit could be
converted to IR (I did it). Too bad they don't make it anymore. Keep tuned.
-- Steve



-----------------------------------------------------------
  Discussion on Steve Ciarcia's Home Control System (HCS)

  Circuit Cellar BBS
  203/871-1988

  March - April 1988
-----------------------------------------------------------

Msg#: 1074 *PROJECTS*
03/13/88 23:10:41
From: EVAN HOLLANDER
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: HOME CONTROL SYSTEM
Steve,
I am using one of your HCS boards and I am planning to connect a printer to the
expansion connector to monitor the system in my absence.  When I  am at home
will it cause the HCS any problems if the HCS software has the  printer enabled
and I have turned the printer off.  I am curious if this might cause the HCS to
hang indefinetly.  P.S. The board has been installed and working perfectly for
about 6 months now.  I am very pleased with it's operation.           Thanks,
Evan


Msg#: 1089 *PROJECTS*
03/14/88 10:35:43
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: EVAN HOLLANDER (Rcvd)
Subj: HOME CONTROL SYSTEM
At one time I had a printer hooked up exactly as you describe. All I did was
leave the printer connected to the HCS port all the time and let the HCS
control the power to the printer through an appliance module. When I left the
house (alarm system on) the HCS turned on the printer power and when I was home
(alarm system off) it turned off the power. Worked fine for the 2 years it was
installed.
-- Steve


Msg#: 1091 *PROJECTS*
03/14/88 13:37:55
From: EVAN HOLLANDER
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: HCS
Steve, I received your message about the printer connected to the HCS. Just
curious but you said that you used to have a printer connected. Does that imply
that your also no longer using the HCS?                  Evan.


Msg#: 1137 *PROJECTS*
03/16/88 14:14:19
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: EVAN HOLLANDER (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1091 (HCS)
Quite the contrary! My house would grind to a halt and be pitch black without
the HCS. No, the HCS is still used but the printer is not. Because of the
lightning problems where I am, the printer cable sometimes would pick up noise
and glitch the system. The HCS would still be controlling everything perfectly
but I'd find a ream of useless printout on the floor next to it. This only
happened a few times but I said forget this and instead parallel monitor the
system with a BCC52 and a time-lapse video recorder. When I get home I can view
the control operations on a crt rather that on paper. Think of it as a giant
printer buffer with no paper.
-- Steve


Msg#: 1604 *PROJECTS*
04/03/88 23:02:10
From: EVAN HOLLANDER
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: HCS
Steve,   I have two of your HCS boards and one of them is currently controlling
the lights in my home.  A cable which carries two seperatly shielded pairs
connects an IBM XT clone to the terminal port of the HCS.  The cable run is
about 20 ft.  For whatever reason I cannot get the EXEC program from Robin
Computing to download to the HCS (or upload) at a speed greater than 1200 baud.
To see if the cable length was a problem I took the second HCS board that I
have and connected it up to the PC via a 3 ft. commercially made cable.  The
same problem seems to exist.  I then connected the video out port to a monitor
so that I would be able to see what is occurring.  It appears that the EXEC
program is missing the prompt from the HCS at speeds over 1200 baud.  Is there
any known fix??  I would appreciate any help. My event table is 77 events and
it takes about 30 minutes at 1200 baud. (Whew!)        Thanks,      Evan P.S.
I'm looking forward to the March/April issue of INK....


Msg#: 1626 *PROJECTS*
04/04/88 10:13:19
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: EVAN HOLLANDER (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1604 (HCS)
Coincidentally, I have about a 35 foot run between my PC and the HCS. I
remember that for a while I had tremendous problems doing downloads at anything
faster than 1200 bps too (sound familiar). Finally, I rerouted the connecting
cable, hardwire earth grounded the HCS, and changed the serial I/O card in the
PC. I made no software changes and everything now works fine at 4800 bps. Oh
yeah, I also changed the RS-232 chips in the HCS. There were no software
changes and to my knowledge there are no bugs of fixes. Check the wiring and
the grounding. That's all I can suggest.
-- Steve


Msg#: 1749 *PROJECTS*
04/06/88 19:44:18
From: EVAN HOLLANDER
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1626 (HCS)
Steve,  Well I changed the serial card to a genuine IBM serial card and lo and
behold the problem went away.  I can download error free up to  4800 baud.  I
have used the other serial card for other projects withoud problems.  I would
really like to understand what is different between the two. Thanks for the
suggestions.   Evan...


Msg#: 1757 *PROJECTS*
04/07/88 02:12:03
From: ERIC BOHLMAN
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1626 (HCS)
It may be that the other serial card has weaker drivers or less sensitive
receivers (they may have played loose with the voltage specs.  Some devices
will use 0v and 5v rather than two equal but opposite voltages.  That works
just fine when you're talking about a 1-foot cable to a modem, but it doesn't
work very well for longer runs at higher speeds).


Msg#: 1768 *PROJECTS*
04/07/88 10:30:48
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: EVAN HOLLANDER (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 1749 (HCS)
I think the driver chips was really my problem too. Glad you fixed it.
-- Steve




--------------------------------------------
 Discussion on Infrared Home Control Devices

 Circuit Cellar BBS
 203/871-1988

 February - May 1988
---------------------------------------------

Msg#:  632 *PROJECTS*
02/25/88 03:37:59
From: ORRIN CHARM
To: SYSOP (Rcvd)
Subj: HOME CONTROL SYSTEM

This BBS should be very interesting. Is there any data available on the Circuit
Cellar Home Control System, particularly on interfacing it to the infrared
controller?


Msg#:  635 *PROJECTS*
02/25/88 09:01:57
From: KEN DAVIDSON
To: ORRIN CHARM
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 632 (HOME CONTROL SYSTEM)
If you look at some of the recent messages, there's been some talk about the
HCS and home control in general.  While nothing has been said specifically
about I/R control, maybe someone will jump in after seeing your message.


Msg#: 3045 *PROJECTS*
05/10/88 21:23:28
From: MIKE SCULLY
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: I-R HOME CONTROL DEVICES
DEAR STEVE AND COMPANY:
This is my first communication with your bulletin board, and I am grateful to
have access to it.  Without  getting into much personal history, I will
summarize my interest in your work as follows: I am a long-time software user
and developer who knows just enough about electronics and computer hardware to
constantly want more knowledge.  I am really a frustrated engineer at heart who
hasn't the time to get a formal education in computer engineering, but wants to
know more.  That's what makes your BYTE columns so enjoyable to me.  Anyway,
enough of background. I share your interest in home control devices.  I have
had a houseful of BSR units for 4 years, along witan increasing number of IR
remotes for appliances strung throughout the house.  Your remote control device
about a year ago sparked my interest in a similar project.  I have a PC version
of the BSR module that hooks up to a serial port.  With a little work, I can
send software commands to the module to do real-time control of my BSR units
from the PC.  I also have a voice-recognition board with a limited vocabulary
(200 words) and a WATSON board that I hope to integrate into a complete home
control system with my PC.  All I need is a real-time, RS232 device to send IR
commands to a repeater.  Sorry, I can't continue this now, a real RIPPER of a
storm is hitting me.  I'll call back later.


Msg#: 3058 *PROJECTS*
05/11/88 09:50:20
From: STEVE CIARCIA
To: MIKE SCULLY (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3045 (I-R HOME CONTROL DEVICES)
Sounds like all the things you want to build are the things we are making as
regular projects in Circuit Cellar INK Journal.
-- Steve


Msg#: 3075 *PROJECTS*
05/11/88 20:09:34
From: MIKE SCULLY
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3058 (I-R HOME CONTROL DEVICES)
Sounds like a great marketing answer, but I think I know you better from your
work.  Actually, I was going to get to the subscription part of my call last
night, but we had a real blowout of a thunderstorm here and I had to pull the
plug on all my stuff. (Sounds like more ideas for projects: I have never found
low-end commercial surge supressors effective for lightning-induced surges.
Besides, too many things here interconnect to get them all: phone lines, serial
cables, audio inputs, etc.).

Just to expound on what I would like to connect as a system.  My voice board
has enough of a vocabulary to respond to most things I could want a home
control system to do if I link phrases together (turn the HALLWAY LIGHT on,
TAPE show at TEN PM WEDNESDAY).  I can design the necessary software to
organize the recognized key words into a command process I have preprogrammed
to do.  If it needs a BSR module, I can direct a data stream to a serial port
on my PC-BSR control module.  I am hoping to get my hands on some of the
third-party software available for the WATSON board to push a voice file
through when I need audio verification.  (Some recordings of John Gielgud as a
butler would be nice...As you wish, sir). If this works out, I would look for
some way to poll a series of microphone connected to the VR board so that I
could identify the location of the caller, and thus know more to make decisions
from (which LIGHT? Ah! he's in the upstairs den.).  Also, one could then open
only the circuit to a speaker in the caller's location, and not broadcast
responses to others in the house.  If you have seen Mastervoice's
BUTLER-IN-A-BOX at the last several COMDEX/Fall show, you will know where I
have developed some of my ideas.  Anyway, the first ingredient I need is a way
to record and retransmit IR patterns, similar to your IR remote replacer, that
works interactively with a computers I/O port.  Enough said.  I will leave you
with this thought, get to the subscription section, and await your next column.

With sincere appreciation,

Mike Scully




---------------------------------------
  Discussion on X-10 BSR Transmitters

  Circuit Cellar BBS
  203/871-1988

  June 1988
---------------------------------------

Msg#: 3597 *PROJECTS*
06/02/88 21:54:03
From: JOHN APPLEYARD
To: STEVE CIARCIA (Rcvd)
Subj: X-10 TRANSMITTER
Steve, I just received the new Micromint Catalog today, and I noticed that they
are now offering a X-10 transmitter that is  capable of being directly attaced
to the BCC-180 parallel port system. Two questions, if you please: 1. Is this
THE TRANSMITTER that you are going to describe in the next INK issue ? If not,
what are the differences going to be? 2. Is CCI going to offer anything like
this, or only available thru Micromint? Thanks for the info and keep the
projects coming!


Msg#: 3614 *PROJECTS*
06/03/88 09:17:47
From: KEN DAVIDSON
To: JOHN APPLEYARD (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3597 (X-10 TRANSMITTER)
I'm actually the one who did the article for the third issue of INK.  The
module, software, and cable in the Micromint catalog are exactly what is
described in the article.  Originally, CCI was going to handle the product.  I
believe Micromint is the only one selling it now.  Individual modules can be
obtained directly from X-10 (they have an ad in the same issue).

While we're on the subject, we just got a 2-way X-10 module from X-10 (a
sticker on the back says "Unit 1").  This thing not only transmits X-10 codes
but will also receive them.  The front end on it filters what it hears on the
power line, confirms that it's valid X-10 code, then sends clean 1-ms pulses to
the computer.  I have to do some software this weekend to see it work.  I'll be
doing a short follow-up article in the fourth issue of INK that describes the
receiver portion.  X-10 also defined some new codes in their protocol that
definitely look useful.


Msg#: 3616 *PROJECTS*
06/03/88 10:28:22
From: JOHN APPLEYARD
To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3614 (X-10 TRANSMITTER)
What possibilities the UNIT 1 conjures up! Is this going to be a real thing in
the future (i.e. should I wait on the current X-10) or is this  just an
evaluation unit with no real future ahead? Please give me some direction, if
you please.


Msg#: 3629 *PROJECTS*
06/04/88 09:17:11
From: KEN DAVIDSON
To: JOHN APPLEYARD (Rcvd)
Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3616 (X-10 TRANSMITTER)
Oh it is definitely a real thing for the future.  I don't know their production
plans or timeframe, but I'm quite sure it will be produced in quantity.  With
the low cost of these modules, though, why bother waiting if you want to start
playing with the transmitter portion now?  You can get your transmitter code
working, then get the receiver when it's ready.  X-10's latest ad says that a
2-way module is coming, so even X-10 is starting to promote it.

The additions to the protocol start me wondering about some of X-10's future
plans.  They've added such function codes as "hail request" and "hail
acknowledge," used by a transmitter to find out if there are any other
transmitters in listening range; "all lights off" (previously there was only
"all lights on" and "all units off"); "status request," "status on," and
"status off," used to query the RF transceiver module to find out whether it's
on or off; and "extended data," used to send one or more bytes of 8-bit data.
Things are starting to look interesting.

I've written some code to support the receiver functions already.  Surprisingly
enough, since the receiver front end does such a good filtering job, the
receiver code is much simpler than the transmitter code.  Works like a charm.
Now I just have to figure out how to make it work entirely in the background.