Frostbyte's 1980s DOS Shareware Collection/floppyshareware.zip/floppyshareware/GLEN/HMS.ZIP/MANUAL.DOC

Text File | 1991-07-26 | 148.1 KB | 3,530 lines

                                   AUTOMATE

                       Home Automation Using a Personal Computer


                            by    Boyd W. Penn



                                  91 Navarre Street
                                  Hyde Park, Ma. 02136

                                  [phone]


                                 August 8, 1991
                                  Version 2.0


                                  Shareware Version


                           (c) Copyright 1991 Boyd W. Penn

                               All Rights Reserved


                       Permission is granted to distribute
                       exact copies of this document with its
                       source referenced







          











   AUTOMATE - Home Monitoring and Control Shareware Version 2.0


                      AUTOMATE INDEX

                                                                Page No.

1.  INTRODUCTION  .............................................    1

2.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR  .........................................    3

3.  LICENSE  ..................................................    5

4.  APPLICATIONS  .............................................    7

5.  HOW TO DO AUTOMATION AND CONTROL   ........................    10
    USING A PERSONAL COMPUTER

6.  DEMONSTRATIONS  ...........................................    14

7.  SENSORS  ..................................................    24

8.  FILES OF ACTUAL MONITORING  ...............................    28

9.  GAME CARD   ...............................................    29

10. X-10 POWER LINE INTERFACE SYSTEM  .........................    33

11. GENERAL AUTOMATION AND CONTROL THEORY  ....................    37

12. AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS LAB  ..............................    41

13. MURPHY'S LAW ACCORDING TO CONTROL THEORY  .................    42

14. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PERSONAL   ..........................    44
    COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM

15. PROBLEM AREAS AND LIMITATIONS  ............................    46

16. WHAT DO I GET IF I REGISTER  ..............................    48

17. QUESTIONS  ................................................    51

REGISTRATION AND ORDER FOR








  INTRODUCTION


  1.  This software offering  is probably a  little different than  most you
  have seen.  Its about doing things with your computer. Not just databases,
  word processing,  games and all  that sort of  thing but doing  real stuff
  like turning on lights,  making the coffee,  monitoring the house in short
  getting out  of the  computer world and  bringing the real  world into the
  computer.

  2.  Home automation, monitoring and control has been the dream and goal of
  many folks but until recently it has  not been practical for many reasons.
  Number one,  the cost of  real computer  automation was out  the financial
  reach of most people in their home environment.  Number two, you needed to
  be a  programmer,  electrical engineer,  control engineer  and  just plain
  lucky to get your brilliant buzzing  computer box to do anything practical
  as far as  the rest  of the world  was concerned.  Number three,  the real
  world runs on high voltage,  like 115 VAC for lights, dishwashers, etc and
  220 VAC  for  larger appliances  like dryers  and  air conditioners.  High
  voltage and computers  don't mix,  put high  voltage (except  for the wall
  plug to  power it)  anywhere near  your  computer and  you have  one fried
  machine that is in bad need of a repair shop.

  3.  That has all changed.  The hardware is now available  on the market to
  allow  the  average  computer  owner  to  have automation,  monitoring and
  control  of  the  home environment.  This program  explains  it in  simple
  terminology,  shows what is possible, tells you how to get the information
  into and out of the computer and  for registered users provides details on
  building  equipment,  design  of  control  programs,  lists  of  equipment
  manufacturers,  references  to  all  sorts  of  information,  more  sample
  programs,  how to get analog signals into  the computer and write programs
  to manipulate or control  from the data.  And as the sales persons like to
  say and much, much, more.

  4. In short this software is about information. I have found most software
  and for  that matter  most things in  life don't work exactly  the way you
  would like.  The best software is always that which you write yourself. It
  has  your  particular  wants  and  desires  built-in.  You don't  need any
  programming knowledge to  use most of  the included information and I will
  try to  present things  in a non-technical  way and build  toward the more
  complex subjects as we go along.  I will show you how to build automation,
  monitoring and control systems to  do what you want,  not what some genius
  decided you wanted.

  5.  This program is the  start of many  I hope to write on these subjects.
  The  intent  is pull  together many  subjects,  computers,  energy related
  subjects,  automation and control, tinkering in general, inventing of just
  about anything,  more computers,  information (where can I find this)  and
  maybe roll  it into  a newsletter  and  idea exchange  where  you can  get
  support for not  just computer subjects.  For more on this  see (about the
  author).

  6.  It will  probably make  more sense  to  just go  through  the items as
  numbered  on  the  menu.  There  isn't  that  much  to  play with  in this
  presentation.  The ideas should  start popping up  all other the  place on
  things you can do  as we go along.  There are demonstration files but they



                                                                      PAGE 2

  probably  will  make  more  sense  if  used  in  the  area  that they  are
  introduced.

  7.  The offering is divided into two issues. This the shareware version is
  a  discussion  of  what  is  possible  and demonstrations.  The registered
  version is  an completely  different set  of files,  devoted to the actual
  control and monitoring applications.

  Welcome to the  exciting world  of computer monitoring  and control.  This
  version  introduces  the  concepts,  provides  background  information and
  education in the overall  field and allows  for a "test drive" to show and
  demonstrate what monitoring and control  using your personal computer will
  look like.

  Imagine  pressing  a  key on  your  computer keyboard  and  turning on/off
  lights, appliances, dimming/brightening lights, setting the lighting mood,
  monitoring  temperature,   alarming  when   the  temperature  drops  below
  freezing,  total automated control and monitoring  of the home environment
  and all those other  things folks have  promised for years but where never
  really available to the average personal computer user.

  AUTOMATE is written  and developed  by an experienced  instrumentation and
  controls  engineer  with  extensive  background  in  automation  of  large
  projects.  AUTOMATE brings  many capabilities  enjoyed by industrial users
  and the  specialized  individual users for  years to the  average personal
  computer user.  AUTOMATE allows for a level of control that until recently
  cost in  tens  to hundreds  of thousands of  dollars range.  AUTOMATE is a
  tutor,  equipment selection guide, provides a complete engineering working
  method for achieving  your goals.  In addition it  is fun,  maybe the best
  computer fun ever,  with that  elusive quality  of vastly  increasing your
  computer skills while enjoying the experience and having a ball.

  More important AUTOMATE'S  instruction manual is  written to the  level of
  the average computer user and assumes no engineering,  electronics or math
  background.   The   registered   version  contains   a  huge   manual  and
  documentation written to  be very  detailed instructions to accomplish the
  goals  of  home  monitoring  and  control.  The  instructions  provide the
  background and  step  by step instructions  to allow the  average computer
  user to develop their dream home automation systems.

  8.  The AUTOMATE  menuing  system is provided  to allow for  access of all
  areas and functions provided  by this offering.  To use the  AUTOMATE menu
  system the program MUST always  be started by typing GO.BAT.  The menu has
  control of all demonstration files,  printing functions,  and all required
  DOS functions.














                                                                      PAGE 3




  ABOUT THE AUTHOR



  1. Most software I have used brings to mind the question, who is the idiot
  who did this monstrosity?  If you buy  a book,  there is usually  a little
  section on the  the back cover  that tells you about the author,  then you
  can decide to believe what they say based on what they have done. Software
  isn't  like  that,  something about  computer stuff  that says  you better
  believe it and  if it don't  work it must be your fault.  I said if I ever
  wrote anything for the  general public I  would at least  include a sketch
  about the author.

  2.  I spent about  twenty years working  as an instrumentation and control
  engineer building big things like power plants,  industrial plants, energy
  projects, etc.  Basically I did the engineering for all sensors to collect
  data,  the control room, computer systems, monitoring systems, controls of
  all types, programming for industrial type computers and the like. This is
  my first software ever released to the general public,  mostly because the
  bulk of  what I  write is very  custom and  I wanted  something general in
  nature.  Plus something useful  and that could  be modified by the user to
  their  needs.  So  no  fancy  flashing  graphics,  windows,  gimmicks  but
  something you can use and develop further.

  3.  Also had factory jobs,  electronics technician, The Army, Navy nuclear
  power program on a submarine as a reactor operator/technician, worked in a
  power plant and in general kind of knocked  around the world and saw a lot
  of different situations.  I had  one interesting  project of  developing a
  monitoring system based on a personal  computer to monitor a small factory
  operations,  compute and log the data and  transmit it to remote locations
  over the phone lines.  Its not as easy or cheap as many people claim. I'll
  try to present some  ideas and solutions  to some of the  problems for low
  cost solutions relating to the home environment.  I found you could skin a
  cat a lot  of different ways  if you had various different skills.  I will
  try  to  present  some  of  that  knowledge  gained  over  time from  work
  situations,  engineering handbooks, seeing what works and what didn't, how
  to build  complete  systems and give  a complete understanding  of what is
  going on,  not just lots  of little parts,  a little software and then you
  figure it out. Also worked in a calibration lab and did a lot of field cal
  work. Will give some hints on low tech/low cost calibration methods.

  4.  I am not a  computer nerd per se.  Other skills are just as important.
  These days I run a general home repair business.  In short I fix,  repair,
  build,  modify,  design and just  about any other  thing anyone asks me to
  tackle. It runs the gamut of just about any type problem found in the home
  environment plus new type work. The idea is to get a creative solution and
  to be results orientated.  That is the approach  to this work.  Having and
  developing many other skills really can enhance  what you can do with your
  computer.  Many of the  programs I look  at these days leaves me wondering
  what was the real intent of the effort.

  5.  Any programming  examples  will be  done  in modules with  each module
  explained.  The shareware version does not have any real world application



                                                                      PAGE 4

  programming examples.  All demo programs in this  version use the joystick
  to simulate computer  monitoring inputs.  The registered  version includes
  program examples for monitoring using real world inputs.

  6. My software philosophy is simple. It is:


      a. Software should be of use to the user.

      b. Be tunable to their needs.

      c. Be understandable

      d. Be fully disclosed, with no "hidden secrets".

      e. Rights to use the results generated from use of that
         software should be included in the purchase.

      f. Folks should be willing to pay for what they get.

      g. And finally it should be enjoyable, fun and hopefully
         have some humor.  Enough of this white knuckle approach to
         things.




































                                                                      PAGE 5





  LICENSE AGREEMENT


  AUTOMATE is developed and published by Boyd W.  Penn of 91 Navarre Street,
  Hyde Park, Ma. 02136.

  The information  presented therein  is for  educational,  experimental and
  hobby  purposes  only.  NO  direct  applications for  home automation  and
  control have been provided as part of this program, in whole or in part.

  Although extra  efforts  have been  made  to ensure  this  program and its
  documentation are accurate and precise, they are provided to you on an "as
  is"  basis.  No warranty  of any  kind (direct  or implied)  is made  with
  respect to this program and its related files.  The author of this program
  is expressly not liable for any damages to computer hardware,  software or
  any other equipment.  Also there shall  be no  liability to the  author of
  this  program  for  lost  profits,  lost revenue  or  other incidental  or
  consequential  damages  arising  out of  the  use or  information  of this
  program.

  The  user  assumes  ALL  risks  with  respect  to  the accuracy,  quality,
  reliability,  performance  or  otherwise  use  of  this  program  and  its
  information.

  A limited license is  granted to all  users to this program to make copies
  of the program files and its related documentation, and to distribute them
  to other users subject to the following conditions:


          1. The program, its related files and documentation are
             not modified in any way and all files are distributed
             together in their original form.

          2. No fee is charged for the software and documentation,
             except for a small distribution and media fee.

          3. The program, its related files and documentation may not
             be packaged with any other software (except as part of a
             shareware software distribution program as stated in items
             1 and 2) or hardware without written agreement from the author.

          4. Any for profit, business or commercial use of this program,
             its files and information is expressly prohibited.

          5. The software contained herein will be used in a "shareware try
             before you buy mode", without continuous or useful daily use.

  Additional restrictions  and  terms are  contained  in chapter 16  of this
  version for the right to purchase this software. In signing the order form
  agreement,  the purchaser is acknowledging reading and understanding those
  additional restrictions and terms in addition  to an understanding of what
  is being offered in the registered version.



                                                                      PAGE 6


  Note: X-10 is registered trademark of X-10 (USA) INC.

























































                                                                      PAGE 7


  WHAT CAN I DO - APPLICATIONS USING YOUR COMPUTER



  1.  What kind  of things  can a  home automation,  monitoring and  control
  system based on using a personal computer do?

  2. These applications come to mind and I'm sure its far from complete:


          A. Burglar alarm

          B. Security systems
                  1. Control lights in responds to motion
                  2. Control surveillance video systems
                  3. Calls if fire/break in
                  4. Extra smart garage door control
                  5. Door entry control
                  6. Night light control
                  7. Fire alarms
                  8. Outside parameter monitor
                  9. Counting events, people passing, etc.
                 10. Smart doorbell(s) (rings where you are)
                 11. Basement/cellar flooding monitor
                 12. Crib/area/room monitor
                 13. Oil tank level low monitor
                 14. Pool area monitor
                 15. Event logging
                 16. Panic/Help buttons
                 17. Sump pump control

           C. Energy systems
                  1. Solar energy (a big one, more to come)
                  2. Attic fan
                  3. Thermostat control
                  4. Air conditioning
                  5. Heating
                  6. Hot water
                  7. Jacuzzi
                  8. Greenhouse temperature control
                  9. Snow melting
                 10. Auto warming
                 11. Environment control, air cleaners, humidity
                 12. Exhaust fans
                 13. Swimming pool temperature/level/pump control

            D. Appliance control
                  1. Make coffee in morning
                  2. Dishwasher
                  3. Wake up service
                  4. Stereo
                  5. TV
                  6. Ceiling fans
                  7. Window fans
                  8. Light bright/dim control



                                                                      PAGE 8


             E. Communications
                  1. Phone answering machine
                  2. Remote control of home over the phone
                  3. Home status over the phone
                  4. Home based switchboard/paging/call forwarding
                  5. Telemarketing dialing
                  6. Voice mail
                  7. Remote door answer over the phone
                  8. Security calling features
                  9. PBX features through out house using one phone line
                 10. Communications/TV dish/antennas
                 11. FAX monitor
                 12. Phone/communications charges/time/logging monitor

             F. Convenience/Monitoring
                  1. Lawn watering
                  2. Freezer thaw alarm
                  3. Automatic plant watering
                  4. Pet entry/exit control
                  5. Outdoor/Indoor temperature monitoring
                  6. Snowfall/rainfall monitoring
                  7. Mailbox monitor (did the mailman cometh yet)
                  8. Gate monitor (Is it open/closed)
                  9. Dawn/dusk light control
                 10. hallway/bathroom nighttime light control
                 11. Drapery control
                 12. Voice/motion activated control
                 13. Aquarium monitor
                 14. Freeze Alarm
                 15. Automatic timed computer operations
                 16. Automatic weighting and data entry to weight control
                     program
                 17. Fitness program monitoring


  2.  As you  can  see security,  energy systems and  communications are big
  areas for home automation.  But there are already systems on the market to
  do a lot of those things, why mess around with a computer?

  Number 1 -  Most stand  alone systems  are "dumb".  They blindly  do their
  thing  no  matter what  is happening  around them.  Basically you  want an
  integrated system.  Most stand alone systems  work on time.  Why water the
  lawn just because  its 6 O'clock  in the morning and raining.  Or why turn
  off the  window  fan at  three  in morning when  its still hot.  Using the
  information developed by  one system and  then shared by all other systems
  is very powerful, cost effective and provides systems that are very useful
  and easy to live with.


  Number 2 -  Most don't work  very well at  their best.  Murphy's Law talks
  about the hidden flaw  and most stand  alone systems manage  to find them.
  Some little  gismo breaks  and the  entire  system no longer  works or the
  set-up is complicated with instructions that make  no sense and can not be
  remembered plus you lost  the written instructions.  Another big flaw many
  require  running  wires   for  power   or  control  through   an  existing



                                                                      PAGE 9

  ceilings/walls or where ever, lots of luck.  The systems I will talk about
  in later  sections  avoid new  wiring  completely or  let  you decide  the
  applications where it is possible.

  Number  3  - Most  don't tell  what they  did or  if they  did it  at all.
  Computer based systems provide data logging  with the event time and date.
  Plus its at no real cost and can be very complete and detailed.




















































                                                                     PAGE 10





  HOW TO BUILD AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM



  1.  Ok so how  do we actually  build one of  these automated systems.  The
  answer is  the  the X-10  "power  line carrier"  technology  that has been
  around  for  awhile.  Basically  its  little  modules  that plug  into the
  standard 115  VAC  wall power  receptacles.  They are  capable  of sending
  signals to  each  other over the  same wiring that  powers the house.  The
  modules talk  to each  other based  on  codes set  on small  dials on each
  module.

  2.  Many are familiar  with the motion  sensing light systems that turn on
  lights when someone walks  in an area.  These sensors are  also capable of
  turning on  remote  lights inside  the  house via  other  modules tuned to
  listen for their signal.  Many manufacturers make these systems,  some are
  Powerhouse,  Stanley and  Heathkit to  name a few.  Many stores  carry the
  basic X-10 modules in the security section.

  3. What type of modules are there?


          1. Lamp modules to turn on/off and dim/brighten lights
          2. Appliance modules to control small appliances
             (15A or 1/3HP motor limits)
          3. Motion sensing modules
          4. Annunciator modules
          5. High voltage appliance modules (220 VAC at 20 amps)
          6. Contact sensing/input modules
          7. Transmitter units to control the modules
             (usually by a pushbutton)
          8. Communication modules
          9. Timer modules


  All this has been around awhile,  the system is programmed by setting dial
  codes and  control is  by a  fixed  base station  or  remote hand  carried
  transmitter.

  4.  What  is  now  different  is  that  hardware gateway  modules  are now
  available to allow your personal computer to talk to the X-10 modules over
  the power line that powers the house.  The power line interface plugs into
  the wall receptacle  and another cable  connects to the computer serial or
  parallel port.  Two way communication is now possible between the computer
  and  the  X-10  modules.  In short  the computer  can now  control lights,
  appliances,  etc.  Also   the  computer  can   read  the  power  line  for
  communications  between  two  modules  or a  transmitter/control unit.  An
  integrated automation and control system is now possible.

  5.   So   what's   the  difference,   the  computer   just   replaced  the
  transmitter/control unit and is  doing the same  thing only it costs a lot
  more.  Doesn't sound  like a  big gain to me.  What is needed is  a way of



                                                                     PAGE 11

  using the power of computer software  to react to the changing environment
  and modify a fixed rigid program (that put in the X-10 transmitter/control
  units - push a button turn something on) to a flexible program reacting to
  changes like what time of the day is it, what day of the week is it, is it
  raining, is it hot/cold outside, is the sun shining. In short the computer
  replaces the human for monitoring and some decision making.

  6.  I have seen all sort of people  get fascinated by high tech solutions,
  race around putting this hardware with that hardware, talking about dreamy
  software lurking  just  over the  horizon  that will solve  all the worlds
  problems,  all very vague and wispy and in the end just doesn't work.  Why
  didn't it work,  most will tell you the software needs a little more work,
  another gismo here, another there.  In truth, they never really understood
  the problem,  good project organization, had reasonable expectations, were
  able to foresee the  hidden flaws and limitations,  the only way  it could
  have worked was  if the  tooth fairy  helped out.  More important  some of
  these poorly thought out projects can be down right dangerous. AUTOMATE is
  written with a  common sense approach.  The why's,  what and  concepts are
  based on  proven  engineering techniques.  AUTOMATE was  written  around a
  concept of what was needed to having a working system.  Those difficult or
  impossible areas  are  worked out  and  presented as  "plug  in" files for
  developing your systems.  There is no experiment with this concept and see
  if  you  can  get  a working  application.  All applications  presented in
  AUTOMATE have been built,  debugged and tested as  working applications by
  the author.

  AUTOMATE  was  developed  based  on  a  scaled  down  model  of industrial
  monitoring and control concepts.  Safety was and is a prime consideration.
  Safety is  discussed  in detail  and  is a  common  thread throughout  the
  offering.  The  user  is  guided  in  the  areas  of  equipment selection,
  construction and in the overall use concepts.

  7.  Lets stop and see  what we know and  what is missing to allow use of a
  personal computer as a good control device.


          A. The X-10 technology can solve the problem of connecting
             the computer to the high voltage real world.

          B. The X-10 technology is "Dumb". It just does what its told.
             Therefore we need information from another source. Using this
             other source of information we can modify the system operation
             to meet the changing environment.

          C. The status of the X-10 technology devices is not continuously
             reported. The system only reports status when commands are
             given. Therefore in certain situations we may need to verify
             an operation actually happened.

          D. Data logging and event reporting really become a useful possible
             option at little or no cost.

          E. Software design can become a problem if many different pieces of
             software from different sources are used for separate functions.

          F. We are kind of limited to on/off type control output. Example -



                                                                     PAGE 12

             turn on the light, turn off a pump. Analog output, like close the
             the sprinkler water valve another 1/4 turn is going to be tough.

          G. The X-10 technology is modular in nature so you can try a little
             project and then expand as the needs change.

          H. The X-10 technology is not totally "Fail Safe", especially in a
             computer control environment. The local control switches to the
             devices being controlled are still operational but good software
             design is still required.

          I. The X-10 technology can not perform direct operation of many
             systems.  For example a solar energy collecting system would need
             its own control system and maybe the computer system would just
             do the data collection and analog monitoring part. These types
             of situations can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. A lot more
             on these situations in later chapters and in the registered users
             versions. It can not stressed enough that good safe control and
             automation designs are not just throwing some hardware together
             and then writing software to take care of any problems. You can
             get into very sticky situations doing that and maybe a lot of
             legal hot water.


  AUTOMATE is basically  the missing link  to allow the  home monitoring and
  control system  to operate  as an integrated,  smart system.  AUTOMATE can
  measure parameters in the real world, be programmed with the user's wishes
  and exercise the control via a  communications gateway to operate the X-10
  technology.  Those X-10  control/transmitters  are a  very poor  method of
  achieving control  using  the X-10  technology.  First they  are  not very
  powerful in capabilities. Second they make no sense to program and you are
  forced to do it the  way someone else wanted.  Third they do not keep time
  very well, your computer keeps excellent time. Fourth, they cannot measure
  the outside world.  Fifth, the system size is very limited, using AUTOMATE
  it is possible to build huge systems.

  8.  Where do we get  those other sources  of information and how do we get
  them into  the computer?  Plus why who  you really  want to do it?  A good
  place to start is  the game port.  You can buy input/output  boards but my
  experience with  them  has been dismal.  Manufacturers like to  sell these
  boards and make all sorts of claims.  I found few to pan out. They tend to
  be expensive and the software included (if any)  is very cramped and short
  sighted. Usually your into some sort of development program to make it all
  work.  There are input/output  boards for  personal computers ranging from
  around several hundred dollars  to over a  thousand but when  you stop and
  look at  what is  required to  actually  get them  to  perform real  world
  control or monitoring functions, its many of the same things that you have
  to  do  using  my methods.  Only my  methods don't  cost even  one hundred
  dollars,  is totally under  your control,  uses very low  cost sensors and
  input equipment and in the end,  if properly understood and implemented is
  just as accurate or  maybe even more accurate.  I used some of these other
  input  systems  and  found  little  problems,  like  no  ability  to  make
  corrections for sensor errors or inaccuracy in the software,  hardware and
  software  compatibility  problems  and stupid  things like  you  could not
  unplug a sensor  without causing  the entire system to crash.  Another big
  drawback,  you pay them for the input board but they forget to mention the



                                                                     PAGE 13

  amount of calibration equipment required to ever get a working system. The
  board winds up being  only a very small  fraction of the cost of a working
  system.

  The game port is good because usually  its already there at no cost.  Both
  analog and contact status  data is possible.  The software routine to read
  the data is  very straightforward.  Game ports  can be  added at  very low
  cost.  Many sensors can be fashioned that work quite well.  As long as you
  don't try  a  great complex  system  or require  blazing  accuracy it will
  probably serve well.

  The reason for doing it is simple. It is what is known as a hybrid control
  system,  both  analog  and  digital  (contact  type)  are available.  When
  combined with the  X-10 technology you  have all the necessary ingredients
  for a hybrid  control system.  That allows all the  really good stuff like
  direct  control/monitoring  of  systems  such  as solar  energy collecting
  systems to  be possible.  Plus meaningful data  logging is available.  Lot
  more on all this in the other chapters.

  9.  What emerges from all this is the ability to build control systems for
  home automation where equipment, appliances, lights, etc.  can be directly
  controlled  via  a  personal computer.  The control  can  be initiated  by
  signals developed by AUTOMATE, the computer keyboard, time/date as kept by
  the  computer,  computed set  points  by a  program,  signals from  remote
  control stations or  combinations thereof.  AUTOMATE carries  this concept
  through the signal developments, integration into a monitoring and control
  system and  the ability  to control  the  X-10 modules  to  make a working
  system.  AUTOMATE includes no hardware as  part of the purchase.  All X-10
  hardware and some software is by others.  A complete reference is given in
  the registered  version for  purchase of those parts.  The instructions to
  integrate  all  components is  given in  AUTOMATE.  DEMOC5 (the  simulated
  automated  house)  included  as  part  of  this  version  is  a  very good
  illustration of these concepts.

  AUTOMATE approximates the  capabilities of using  a commercial 8 bit input
  card.  The lowest cost card  is in the  general range of $500 for just the
  card.  This method has  no software  development problems and  unlike most
  commercial cards the input have been found  to be extremely stable with no
  drifting of values.

  The systems  built using  AUTOMATE are  very flexible.  They can be easily
  modified or adjusted to compensate for changes. The systems using AUTOMATE
  do not become out of date as the technology changes.  The AUTOMATE systems
  can  be  upgraded  without  scrapping  the  original system.  The AUTOMATE
  systems are very low  cost and powerful  when compared to any other method
  available for home automation, monitoring or control.













                                                                     PAGE 14




  DEMONSTRATIONS OF COMPUTER MONITORING AND CONTROL


  1. Demonstration files have been included to show what computer monitoring
  and control using X-10 modules and the gamecard would look like.  All demo
  files use  the  joystick to  simulate  analog or contact  signals into the
  computer  via  the  gamecard.  The  source  code for  all demo  modules is
  included in the registered version.  Programming of demos is actually more
  difficult than programming of the real control or monitoring scheme.

  In  shareware  version  2.0  all   demonstrations  and  illustrations  are
  controlled from the menu system. The early versions did not have the menu.
  To use the menu system, you MUST start the system by typing GO.BAT.

  None of these  demos require  any real programming skill.  A "brute force"
  approach will solve  most control and  monitoring applications in the home
  environment.  When playing with the demo try to find the flaws in computer
  monitoring and  control  and think  "how would I  do this".  The demos are
  designed to  show  what is  possible,  demonstrate limitations,  stimulate
  thinking of  applications  and solutions and  give a hands  on test drive.
  Demos 1 to 4 source code is not documented but demo 5 is fully documented.


     NOTE:  THESE DEMOS WILL PROBABLY WORK BEST WITH YOUR JOYSTICK IN THE
            "FREE" POSITION. THAT IS THE POSITION WITH NO SPRING TENSION
            AND IT WILL STAY IN THAT POSITION IF LEFT WITHOUT YOUR FINGERS
            HOLDING IT. MOST JOYSTICKS HAVE LITTLE TOGGLES ON THE BOTTOM TO
            ACCOMPLISH THE CHANGE IN MODES FROM SPRING-BACK TO FREE. ALSO
            MOVE THE JOYSTICK SLOWLY, THE REAL WORLD DOESN'T CHANGE RAPIDLY.
            CONSULT YOUR JOYSTICK MANUAL IF IN DOUBT DOES IT HAVE THIS
            CAPABILITY.


     NOTE:  DEMOS No.s B,F & G  WILL NOT WORK CORRECTLY UNLESS A PRINTER IS
            CONNECTED AND TURNED-ON WITH NO MESSAGE ALARMS ON THE PRINTER
            LEAVE THE DEMOS SETTLE-OUT AFTER LOADING. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS
            READ THE WRITE UP DESCRIBING EACH DEMO.

            BANGING ANY OF THE JOYSTICK DRIVEN DEMOS AROUND RAPIDLY CAN CAUSE
            THEM TO GIVE YOU WEIRD RESULTS.


  2.  For the best  understanding printout  this chapter before starting the
  demo  files.  For the  demo files  to work  correctly,  you must  have one
  joystick connected.

  3. With this shareware disk in your default drive:

  If you have a color monitor: type GO.BAT to start the menu system.  Follow
  the prompts to the menu section. Select Item C for the temperature demo.

  If you  have  a monochrome  monitor:  Follow the instructions  given for a
  color  system.  If the  program will  not load  or run,  try loading  your



                                                                     PAGE 15

  favorite  SIMCGA  program  first.  (if  that  will not  work find  a color
  system.) Some monochrome systems apparently give problems.

  To stop the demo, press the letter Q



  TEMPERATURE MONITOR - INSIDE/OUTSIDE



  This demonstration simulates  monitoring both  inside room temperature and
  outside air temperature  and displaying  them continually on  the computer
  screen.  Move the joystick  to different  positions and the screen display
  will change  temperatures.  This uses  two channels  of analog measurement
  into the  computer.  By building  sensors,  properly calibrating  them and
  replacing the  joystick  we could  have  the computer  monitor  real world
  temperatures.  This demo also  shows why it  is important to condition the
  data into  the computer.  Most industrial control system  have hardware to
  compensate for  ambient  temperature variations  and to clip  off spurious
  signal fluctuations.  The screen display shows the  readings in degrees /F
  but it  is  not just  a  matter of hooking  up a sensor.  Knowledge of the
  characteristics of the  sensor and how  to calibrate that information into
  meaningful and accurate  data is required.  I have seen many readings from
  cheap monitoring systems that were referred to as "idiot information".  In
  the registered  version  I give  a  more complete discussion  on selecting
  devices that  can be  used as sensors,  determining their characteristics,
  calibration of  that  information and  tips on data  conditioning methods.
  Note from this demo the general instability of the readings,  hook this up
  to a long  wire run  through areas of electrical,  temperature changes and
  magnetic fields and  it will  be even  more unstable.  Also note that just
  hooking up the signals will  not display the information.  We still need a
  software program to get the  information from the gamecard,  condition the
  data  and  display  the  information  on  the  screen.  This  approach  as
  represented  would  probably   not  be   satisfactory  for   a  commercial
  application but could be useful in the home environment.

  Temperature measurement is fully developed in the registered version.  Two
  probes,  10% tolerance and a .2  /C have been designed.  The data sets are
  included, sample programs to allow for measurement and display as shown by
  this demonstration  and  full discussion  on all aspects  of construction,
  curve  generation,  data fitting,  calibration,  techniques and  all other
  required  functions  to  give  a   working  temperature  measurement.  The
  measurements can  be displayed  on the  computer screen,  logged in a data
  file  over  time,  printed  out  as  a  printed  log or  used  for control
  functions. Data from measurements like this could also be used for control
  of devices via the X-10 modules.  Example: The attic temperature is at 110
  /F turn on the attic fan.

  To stop the DEMO, press the letter Q









                                                                     PAGE 16


  4.  With this shareware disk in your default drive and your printer turned
  on:

  If you have a color monitor: From the menu select Item D.

  If you have a monochrome monitor: Follow the instructions given for at the
  begining of this section.

  To stop the demo, press the letter Q




  KITTY DOOR MONITOR



  This demonstration simulates  monitoring of a  pet entry/exit door to tell
  if a cat is in  or out of the house.  This demonstrates the use of contact
  monitoring for  position  or status.  Two magnetic reed  switches could be
  used and a magnet attached  to the pet door.  When the door swings out the
  cat is  going out.  When the  door  swings in  the cat is  coming in.  The
  switches could be mounted  near the path  of door travel and as the magnet
  passed by they would be activated.  The door would oscillate after the cat
  went through so we would "debounce" the event so the computer program sees
  only the correct contact closing.  This example would use  two channels of
  contact  monitoring  on  the  gamecard.  In the  demo,  use only  joystick
  pushbutton #1 to simulate the door opening.  The computer screen gives the
  cat's status and the  printer logs the number  of times in or out and when
  the  event  occurred.  No more  wondering where  that cat  is!!!  The data
  logging associated with this type of monitoring is quite simple. Basically
  it consists of latching  up a software  flag after the  event and clearing
  the flag after the opposite event.  With more than one cat this demo would
  become more complicated.  Simple application programs like this can give a
  lot "idiot information" in the real world.  Example if someone bumped into
  the cat  door the  computer would report the  cat was out when  in fact it
  would be in.  One spurious cycling  of the door  would change the truth of
  the information.  No magic because a computer is involved.  The monitoring
  applications have  to  be careful thought  through with good  knowledge of
  what is involved in the real world.

  The registered  version  of AUTOMATE  develops the monitoring  and control
  using contact input information fully.  There is an entire chapter devoted
  to the subject.  In addition  many new  techniques are presented including
  methods of expansion of the number of contact inputs. Contacts may be used
  to initiate control actions using X-10 modules.  Example:  automatic light
  control  based  on motion,  a door  opening/closing or  any other  contact
  input.  Contact information  inputs  into a  personal computer  is  a very
  powerful and  cost  effective method  of achieving many  functions dealing
  with home monitoring and control.

  To stop the Demo, press the letter Q.






                                                                     PAGE 17



  5. With this shareware disk is your default drive:

  If you have a color monitor: Select Item E from the menu.

  If you have a monochrome monitor: Follow the instructions as before.

  To stop the demo, press the letter Q


















































                                                                     PAGE 18

  TIME AND YOUR COMPUTER



  This demonstration shows that your computer knows all about time.  Time is
  a very important  factor in  microprocessor based monitoring  and control.
  This time  is  available with  very little  programming skills.  The BASIC
  commands  DATE$,  TIME$  and  TIMER  will  fetch  the information  with no
  problem.  The date and time  are the system  values you set on start-up or
  are retained at  all times (if  you have a hard disk).  The timer value is
  the number of seconds that have elapsed  since midnight or since you reset
  the system.  By using very  simple programming  commands we can  tear this
  information apart and construct any type, style or manner of timer that is
  desired.  No more buying those plug in wall timers to turn on lights, make
  the coffee, etc.  Using X-10 technology and the ability of the computer to
  do dazzling feats with time you can have about any schedule desired around
  the olde homestead.  Time can be  a problem  in control situations  if you
  attempt to use to fine of a time setting. One wag once said "Time is God's
  way of  preventing everything  from happening at once".  In the registered
  version,  I discuss in more detail  the use of time.  Time is used in many
  control situations to solve problems of  letting Jupiter get lined up with
  Mars and  the rest  of the  Universe  getting in  step before  going on to
  something else.  Computers are very fast when compared  to the rest of the
  real world,  sometimes it works  best to  slow the beast down.  Timers are
  very easy  to  build in software.  Different types  of timers  are used to
  solve different  control problems.  Some types are count-up  and then stop
  timers,  count-down and then stop timers, count to setpoint and then reset
  (a continuously running timer)  and about any other type you can think of.
  Compiliers have a strange  thing of stripping  off some of  your time type
  instructions to a  program if you  write software in  something like BASIC
  and then compile the results. BASIC is very nice in that if you can't find
  the bug after spending all that time writing the program,  it can still be
  run without compiling.  A tip  for that  type of problem:  If your program
  compiles with no errors but is missing setpoints or other time information
  and doesn't appear to work when you first load it.  Don't give up, bang it
  around a bit, give it a good exercise.  Start and stop it a few times, run
  it through all modes,  usually after Jupiter  gets lined  up with Pluto it
  will work. Do you think maybe the ROM's or RAM's got bored or something?

  The registered  version  has example  programs  using time and  shows some
  techniques for monitoring and  control using time.  Using AUTOMATE and the
  personal  computer's  ability  you  can  have  automation  based  on  time
  schedules.  Example: Using X-10 technology make the coffee a 9 AM, sound a
  wake up alarm in all bedrooms, each may be a separate alarm and just about
  any other function you can think of the involves time.

  6.  With this shareware disk in your default drive and your printer turned
  on:

  If you have a color monitor: Select Item F. from the menu

  If you have a monochrome monitor: Follow the instructions as before.

  To stop the demo, press the letter Q





                                                                     PAGE 19

  TEMPERATURE MONITORING WITH ALARM AND ERROR TRAPPING ROUTINE



  This demonstration is similar to demo no.1  only this time we monitor both
  inside and outside temperatures and alarm  if the outside temperature goes
  below  freezing  and  also  log  the  event with  time/temperature  on the
  printer.  Move the joystick to different  positions and the screen display
  will change temperatures.  If you slowly reduce the outside temperature to
  below 32 the computer with alarm by beeping,  flashing a freeze warning on
  the screen and logging the event with both the time and temperature.. Many
  times you  start  to monitor  or  control something with  a microprocessor
  based system  (in this  case a  personal computer)  and it seems  like its
  going to be  very simple  but nothing goes right.  The program should work
  perfect as written but  the little beast  has a mind of its own especially
  when hooked  up to  the real world.  Alot of the better  solutions make no
  real sense  to us  humans and if  all your programming  experience is with
  data bases,  moving data  around  and regular  stay in the  computer stuff
  expect  problems.  A common  one  is you  want  to read  something  and do
  something once and the  little critter will  insist on doing  it more than
  once.  Like filling up your printer paper with the same information.  Many
  of the problems are unique to computer based control. Will talk more about
  it in  the  chapters on  general  automation and  control  theory and  the
  problem/limitations  areas.  This  demo  also shows  a difference  between
  regular stay in the  computer and control/monitoring.  You must anticipate
  message  errors  better,  all  equipment  must  be  connected,  errors  in
  programming,  equipment flaws, etc.  can result in filling up your screen,
  RAM,  disk and printer  page print with  a lot of  junky type information.
  Example:  The temperature alarm resets in this demo after you increase the
  outside temperature to  above 50 /F.  If you  programmed this  in the real
  world with a very narrow reset, like 33 /F. Minor temperature swings could
  generate a lot of page print.  The idea is to log the event once, and then
  display the alarm status on the screen.  The outside temperature displayed
  on the screen allows the reading of the exact amount of below freezing and
  the alarm message  shows the status  and adds the  extra attention grabber
  without having  to actually  read the screen.  Many designs  backlight the
  alarm messages with a different color. The screen alarm message is blanked
  after the outside temperature is increased above 50 /F in this demo.  Good
  program design is more about knowing what you want to accomplish, what the
  expected end  results are  to be and  the limitations imposed  by the real
  world than about intricate coding routines.

  7. With this shareware disk in your default drive:

  If you have a color monitor: Select Item G. from the menu

  To stop the demo, press the letter Q

  If you have a monochrome monitor: Try loading and running the program.  If
  it will  not run,  try loading  your favorite  SIMCGA program first.  Some
  monochrome systems have problems. If this will not run on your machine try
  a color system.







                                                                     PAGE 20

  SIMULATED AUTOMATED HOUSE ON A GRAPHICS BACKGROUND



  This demonstration simulates an automated home with lights,  alarm,  fans,
  A/C,  heat,  etc.  running under  computer control.  The house operates in
  three modes. Mode switching in controlled by the program: The modes are:


      A.  The opening mode simulates late evening.

      B.  The second mode is bedtime. (A little bedtime mu-zac)

      C.  The third mode is night.  (The display will say SNOOZE TIME)

      D.  The fourth mode is a wake-up call. (Up and at-em)

      E.  The fifth mode is a return to daytime.

  Data logging and house control are active only in the late evening/daytime
  modes.  The joystick simulates  house inside  and outside temperatures and
  the amount of daylight.  Outside temperature is (inside temp - 25 /F)  and
  both are derived  from the  X analog  input channel.  The Y  input channel
  simulates the amount of daylight. The amount of daylight does not initiate
  mode changes.

  Green lights appearing  on the  graphics display simulate  that particular
  device turning on or being operable.

  Not all devices are entered into the data logging.

  Analog inputs will not change during the following conditions:

      A. When changing modes.

      B. When data logging/printing.

      C. When playing music.



  DISCUSSION OF EACH MODE





  LATE EVENING

  Slowly move  the joystick,  you will observe the  temperature and daylight
  analog  inputs  vary.  Devices will  turn  on and  off according  to their
  setpoints.  (They are  given later).  The timer under  "TIME TILL BEDTIME"
  will countdown.  The timer is set to  2 minutes in the demo.  (Don't worry
  the program repeats for as much play time as you wish).

  The  garage  door  operates in  a  open/close mode  from  the joystick  #1



                                                                     PAGE 21

  pushbutton.


  Device setpoints:

  attic fan               on if inside temp > 90

  attic vent              open if outside temp > 90

  upstair hall lights     on if daylight < 40%

  upstair heat zone       on if inside temp < 68

  upstair A/C             on if inside temp > 76

  porch light             on if daylight < 25%

  living area             on if inside temp > 73
  ceiling fan

  living area A/C         on if inside temp > 73

  living area heat        on if inside temp < 68

  Hot water                on if inside temp < 48

  furnace                on if inside temp < 60

  water lawn              water if daylight <30%
                          & outside temp > 90 /F)

  warm car                warm if outside temp <30,
                          daylight > 60% & daytime mode)

  greenhouse fan          on if outside temp > 90

  greenhouse vent         open if outside temp > 68

  greenhouse auto water   water if outside temp > 90



  BEDTIME


  When the timer  reaches 0  the program plays taps (retreat),  locks in any
  devices turned on,  locks up the house and turns on alarms in all areas in
  the  downstairs,   and  non-occupied   area,  initializes  the  greenhouse
  auto-watering system.  Analog signals freeze  during this period.  This is
  good  demonstration  that  computers  do  only one  thing  at once.  It is
  important to realize this when  designing control and monitoring programs.
  In other type programming a human  is usually doing something (usually not
  very fast)  and the  computer  looks good  and  appears to  be  able to do
  everything on command.  In a control environment the tasks required are as
  fast as  the  computer and there  can be lots  of different tasks.  So the
  computers  shortcomings  become  very  apparent.  In  designing  a control



                                                                     PAGE 22

  program good organization is very important.  You usually prioritize where
  the computer will  "spend its time".  In a home application  it might be a
  problem and might  not be.  Probably depends on how  sloppy the design and
  the  complexity  of  the design.  Industrial digital  control  systems get
  around these problems by having parallel scans,  having different machines
  do different things  in a supervised  environment and having  good designs
  especially adapted  to  control with  a  program language tailored  to the
  task.  Even with all  that they  sometimes still  have problems.  Personal
  computers are NOT  control type machines,  don't let any sales person tell
  you otherwise. They can be used but don't expect real flashy results.

  From these demos,  you can get a better feel of the process by reading all
  other chapters and playing with them again.



  SNOOZE TIME



  The  analog  readings  are  active  but  everything  else  locks  up.  The
  programming to make this an active  mode is not difficult just tedious.  A
  lot of what  we used  to call "dog work".  The programming is basically of
  the "switching" variety  to keep everything  straight and is  very easy to
  introduce bugs into the work already done. The best control and monitoring
  programs are as straight forward  as the process with allow.  Loops within
  loops and complexity for  complexity sake are  fun to play with but it you
  want to really accomplish something keep it simple. Usually you can get it
  all to work in a "native mode" and then the compiler kicks up a fuss about
  putting it  all together  in a  neat package.  I said "enough  already" if
  someone else wants to develop it further,  as a game or something,  please
  feel free to do so.  Registered owners get the source code and are free to
  use it in any manner including developing something else from it.  More on
  all this in other chapters.

  SNOOZE TIME  is active  for a  minute  and then  the WAKE-UP  CALL mode is
  initiated.


  WAKE-UP CALL


  Wake-up mode is  just for fun.  A little reveille!!  reveille in and about
  the decks for  the troops.  Everything is still locked up.  Also shows off
  the screen stuff, changing colors and such. Very easy to do.


  DAYTIME


  Just like the time  till bed mode.  The program just  keeps repeating from
  here.  All the graphic type  stuff is done  in the "brute force and grunt"
  mode nothing fancy at all.  Very easy to understand and is fully explained
  in the registered version with some  of the intermediate steps included in
  separate files  so  you can  see  fully how it  was done.  (Some steps get
  erased in  generating  the display  after  they have served  their purpose



                                                                     PAGE 23

  because they interfere). For folks who would never attempt "programming" I
  encourage you to do so. Having something to relate in the real world makes
  learning a  lot easier.  Also there  are  some good  books to use  for the
  non-genius types.  Progressing in complexity like we did in these demos is
  another  approach.  Good control  work  in only  5  to 10  %  knowledge of
  programming  methods.  I have  worked  on large  projects where  I  did no
  programming at all  but did the  software definitions and descriptions for
  the genius  who did  the actual coding.  Some of those folks  really get a
  narrow  focus  and  it  can  be  dangerous.  Programming  of  control  and
  monitoring applications  is  fun and  unlike  other "stay in  the computer
  stuff",  the  results  can  be  seen.  Don't  be  turned off  by the  word
  "programming",  brilliant computer  knowledge is  less important than good
  knowledge of equipment being controlled, what you are trying to accomplish
  and  good  design/organization.  A way  can  usually be  found to  write a
  statement that will  make it work,  might be crude and  simple but it will
  work.  Home automation is  a super way  to increase your  computer skills.
  Even if you are  a fairly accomplished user,  you learn a lot  and may not
  even be aware of the knowledge gained until later.

  This is  a  very good  simulation  of the capabilities  of AUTOMATE.  Home
  automation and  control  to this  level is developed  with AUTOMATE.  This
  includes the ability to communicate with  the X-10 modules for the control
  functions.

  In addition to turning lights on or off,  AUTOMATE can dim or brighten the
  lightning level.  Up to 18 different bright or  dim level can be selected.
  AUTOMATE is also very developed to measure visible light. This ability can
  be used to sense the difference between day/night, turn on lights at dusk,
  adjust  the  interior  lightning  level   and  another  function  required
  involving visible light.  Also data  logging of  events as demonstrated is
  easily achieved, data to a file or data logged on the printer as we did in
  the demo.

  Control can  be  from the program  with setpoints derived  from contact or
  analog inputs,  manual command via  the computer keyboard,  manual command
  via remote control stations, be based on the computer time, be computed by
  the control program.  All functions are  developed to  be under control of
  user. The communications portion is a separate stand alone package that is
  called when needed.  The registered version contains  an approximately 100
  page instruction manual.  The manual is  organized to  lead the user  in a
  logical manner through all phases to bring your control skill to the level
  as demonstrated in this demo.

















                                                                     PAGE 24


  ********** WARNING ************ WARNING ************** WARNING *******

  DO NOT TRY TO USE ANY SENSOR THAT GENERATES ITS OWN POWER OR VOLTAGE
  AS PART OF ITS SIGNAL INTO YOUR COMPUTER. ALL SENSORS AS REPRESENTED
  IN THIS DOCUMENTATION ARE RESISTIVE IN NATURE. IN SHORT THE COMPUTER
  SUPPLIES THE POWER. EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN IN ANY DESIGN THAT NO
  OTHER VOLTAGE SOURCE OTHER THAN THAT OF THE COMPUTER GAMECARD IS PRESENT
  IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR MANNER AT ALL TIMES!!!!!!!!!   THERMOCOUPLES FOR
  MONITORING TEMPERATURES SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS PART OF THIS MONITORING
  SCHEME!!!!!!!  THIS SHAREWARE VERSION IS NOT AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR
  THE SELECTING, CONSTRUCTION OR ACTUAL MONITORING OF ANY SIGNAL BY ANY
  COMPUTER. IF YOU DAMAGE YOUR HARDWARE I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IN ANY MANNER,
  FASHION OR DEGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  ******** WARNING ************* WARNING *************** WARNING *********



  SENSORS

  1.  First of  all what  is a  sensor.  A sensor  is a  device that detects
  something, or measures something. Some display directly the parameter they
  are measuring,  like a wall thermometer.  It measures the  air temperature
  and displays  it by  means of a pointer  on a dial or  a column of colored
  liquid.  Other sensors measure  something but  do not directly display the
  results.  An example is the light sensor in those "smart lights" that turn
  themselves on as night approaches. The sensor doesn't display its results,
  it just tells some other device to do something.

  2.  Instrumentation and controls  engineers spend  a lot of time selecting
  the right device  to measure or  monitor a particular control application.
  There are literally thousands of different sensors.  The following factors
  are usually involved:


          a. A knowledge of the function to be monitored.

          b. A understanding of the scientific principles involved.

          c. How does the sensor work.

          d. What sensor is best for this particular application.

          e. How much does it cost.

          f. Who makes it and how do I get one.

          g. What is involved in getting it to work in a complete system.



  I will  try to  boil all that  down into something the  average person can
  understand,  can use  to  monitor things  with a  personnel computer,  can
  afford,  can readily obtain,  can calibrate, can build and finally can put
  into a home automation system as part of a complete package.



                                                                     PAGE 25


  3.  The devices we will be talking about are called analog sensors. Analog
  means it  is  a continuous  measurement.  The speedometer  in a  car is an
  analog device. It shows your speed at all times and changes its display as
  your speed changes.  Remember,  we can put four such measurements per game
  connector into the computer.  (good stuff all right) What might we like to
  monitor around the house? The following comes to mind:


          a. Temperature

          b. Levels  (of tubs, tanks, etc)

          c. The amount of light (is light or dark)

          d. Motion

          e. Weight

          f. Pressure

          g. Time

          h. Humidity

          i. All those things I haven't thought of yet.


  Remember that is  for analog measurements,  those where you  could look at
  the computer and see a continuous display of a parameter.  Like looking at
  a wall  thermometer  only this  time  the temperature  would  be displayed
  continuous on the computer screen. A temperature sensor would be connected
  to the gamecard and  use one of  the four available analog channels on the
  gamecard.

  4.  There are  other types  of sensors than  the analog ones  we have been
  talking  about  for  use  to  a home  control system.  Many sensors  sense
  something is either on or off, is high or low, is hot or not hot, etc.  In
  short these sensors  detect one  of two possible conditions.  Usually they
  are  referred  to  as switches.  The temperature  switch in  an attic  fan
  detects the attic is too hot or not hot. If too hot it switches on (closes
  a set  of contacts)  and starts the  attic fan.  Their output to  the real
  world is a set of contacts that  usually complete an electrical circuit to
  make some- thing happen.  Contacts look like this  --[ ]-- when open,  and
  are referred to  as N.O.  or normally  open contacts  contacts when closed
  --[/]-- are represented like this and are referred to as N.C.  or normally
  closed contacts. Another way to think about it is contacts are the working
  part  of  switches.  Examples  of  switches  around  the  house  are light
  switches, level switches to stop filling the clothes washer when the water
  level is correct and many others.

  Contacts are also referred to as wet or dry.  A wet contact is like in the
  thermostat  to  start  your  heating  furnace.  Take off  the  cover of  a
  thermostat and you will see a little  glass tube pinched at both ends with
  wires going into  the tube.  The tube has a little  ball of mercury inside
  and is tilted as the temperature changes.  With the thermostat not calling



                                                                     PAGE 26

  for heat the mercury  is down in one  end of the tube and the contacts are
  open. As the room temperature cools a bimetal wound spring tilts the glass
  tube and  the mercury  covers the  bottom  of the tube  its entire length.
  Mercury conducts electricity so an electrical circuit is completed through
  the ball of mercury.  So the term wet contact. A dry contact is just that,
  dry,  no mercury.  Pinch your forefinger and thumb together,  two contacts
  close,  a good illustration of  a dry contact.  We can monitor  both types
  with our computer.

  5.  So where are we?  We now know what an analog sensor is?  What contacts
  are? We also know we can monitor both with the computer. Four measurements
  of analog and four of contacts. (In the registered version, I show you how
  to put  about all  the contacts you  could want  into the  computer so the
  restriction on four contacts isn't really what it seems.)

  Remember what analog and contacts are.  I use those terms through out this
  documentation.  Analog is the continuous display  of a measured value.  If
  you want to see a reading of something displayed and constantly updated on
  the computer  screen  that will  probably  require an analog  input to the
  computer.

  Contacts  are  the  on or  off things  in life.  Contacts are  actuated by
  switches.  Contacts are about position or status.  Things like is the gate
  open or  closed.  It could be  halfway open,  a computer reading  a set of
  contacts would just see the gate is open.

  6.  A automation system  that is computer  based and uses  both analog and
  contact information is referred as  a hybrid control system.  These hybrid
  systems are the real power that people  refer to in talking about computer
  type control systems.  A computer system reading  just contact information
  is not much more  powerful than a  normal control system  found around the
  home. Just because a computer is involved does not make a powerful system.
  There is much,  much,  more involved and I hope to  convey that in in this
  discussion.  I talk  about  and develop these  themes much further  in the
  discussion on control  theory and  in the  registered version.  By now you
  should see  that  a discussion of  one aspect of  computer automation runs
  into another. Some this rambling is on purpose and some is not.

  7.  In the registered  version I go  into the actual hardware for sensors.
  How to  build them  yourself (not  that difficult,  most are very simple),
  where to buy them,  how to connect, how to calibrate the measurement (yes,
  there  is  no  magic  just  because a  computer  is involved),  methods of
  smoothing your data,  conditioning data in the computer for use in control
  functions.  All this I try very much to  keep at the average computer user
  level so that  it is practical,  usable and most of understandable.  Not a
  lot of high sounding rigmarole.

  Design  techniques  are   presented.  The   user  is  walked  through  the
  applications in a step  by step method.  No prior knowledge of the subject
  matter is assumed.

  The registered version includes the data files,part No.s, curve generators
  and instructions for  two temperature sensors  (one 10% and one precision)
  and one visible light sensor.

  8.  Industrial type sensors can get very complex. Most include the ability



                                                                     PAGE 27

  to measure the parameter intended and  then "condition or smooth" the data
  before sending it to a computer or other monitoring device. Just because a
  sensor sees  something  doesn't mean  that  what it is  seeing is correct.
  Example:

  A ship at sea and you are monitoring a tank full of water within the ship.
  The sensor monitoring the level is very good  one and it is connected to a
  digital panel meter displaying  the tank level.  As the ship  rolls around
  due to  wave action  the digital panel  meter will display  a varying tank
  level even if the  tank level is constant.  If you try  to control another
  device using this type of signal you get chaos.  So the general idea is to
  clean up the signal as close the  the monitoring source as possible and do
  any other smoothing further down the line.  In this example,  the solution
  is to use two sensors,  mount them at 135 and  225 degree positions around
  the tank (gets them out of the peak of most wave action)  and then average
  their signals to cancel out the wave oscillations.  Also use a "mechanical
  dampening" device so  the sensors don't  see the level changes for several
  seconds.

  I used this example  to illustrate there  is no magic in  using a computer
  for just  about anything.  None of the  above solution  had anything to do
  with a computer.  You still have to know the real world. The best computer
  solutions  are  a  healthy combination  of knowledge  about  your problem,
  knowledge of engineering and scientific principles,  knowledge of hardware
  involved,  knowledge of  system design,  knowledge of  program  design and
  finally a bit of knowledge how to program/code the solution.

  Expect home automation to  suffer a little  from the fact that the sensors
  used will not  be perfect.  A sensor with 50 foot  of wire run through the
  walls is a good antenna for picking up  all kinds of garbage to put into a
  computer.  The old adage "garbage in - garbage  out" will prove to be very
  true.  Common sense and good design can eliminate a lot of problems before
  they occur.  Be wary of claims about hardware,  listen to experience, keep
  your hands in your  pockets (over your money)  and do a lot of talking and
  understanding before buying anything. You can build most everything needed
  in the way of sensors.  I saw a light control system for $100 that I could
  run rings around for several dollars and a little computer skill.

  9.  By the vary nature  of the beast,  home computer automation will never
  approach the industrial version of automation (won't cost as much either).
  Home automation  is where  industrial automation was 20,  30 even 40 years
  ago. Never forget safety,safety,safety and still more safety. Just because
  a computer is involved,  doesn't mean you  can't still  get hurt and maybe
  even killed. Use care, think!!!!!

  10. How to get a lot of good stuff for absolutely nothing!!!

  Many parts,  sensors and just  plain good  stuff is in  the garbage.  Many
  appliances have all sorts of switches,  motors,  sensors, solenoid valves,
  etc. useful in automation labs and applications. Not only do they have the
  stuff but all the mountings are included. (Trying buying some of the stuff
  and  you  soon  find  out the  meaning  to that  phrase  "some parts  sold
  separately").  Dishwashers are  good  for solenoid valves,  microswitches,
  heater units,  etc.  Washers have good switches, timers, two speed motors.
  Lot more on the how get the good stuff in the registered version.




                                                                     PAGE 28





  FILES OF ACTUAL MONITORING




  Several files  of actual  monitoring using  the gamecard,  a visible light
  sensor  and  a  calibrated  temperature   sensor  have  been  included  to
  demonstrate this monitoring capability.

  These files were collected by sensors mounted on my connector box and left
  running in an unattended mode for several days.

  The visible light sensor  logged the light  out the dining room window and
  the temperature sensor logged a couple of steamy Boston day's temperatures
  inside the dining room.

  The registered  version  includes all instructions,  files and  methods to
  implement monitoring to this level.

  The information in  these files can  be further developed  for control via
  X-10 Power Line Carrier technology.  AUTOMATE Version No.1 (the registered
  version)  does carry the monitoring through control development with X-10.
  X-10 is a separate set of software and the hardware is developed, patented
  and distributed by others. The registered version provides a discussion of
  X-10  technology,  communication file  for controlling  X-10 modules  from
  within AUTOMATE derived  programs and  additional information for purchase
  of the better  X-10 technology,  software for  X-10 control  by others and
  full details for integration of all aspects.  A sample program in BASIC is
  provided to demonstrate this capability.

  Control can be via real time information as developed by AUTOMATE, through
  keyboard inputs,  time generated setpoints by the computer or via computed
  or  logged  information  based  on AUTOMATE  inputs.  Combinations of  the
  methods are also possible.

  To view the  files and  print out the daily log,  select item H.  from the
  menu and follow the prompts.


















                                                                     PAGE 29


  ********** WARNING ************ WARNING ************ WARNING ***************

    WHO SHOULD NOT USE THIS APPROACH TO LIFE ON THE COMPUTER HIGHWAY OF
    HAPPINESS?

    ANSWER - ANYONE WHO HAS A COMPUTER THAT THEY JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE !!!

    IF YOU HAVE A HIGH PRICED, HIGHLY DEVELOPED, MUST HAVE COMPUTER SYSTEM
    THAT IS CRITICAL TO YOUR LIFE. TAKE MY ADVISE, DON'T GET ANY MONITORING
    AND CONTROL, X-10 MODULE ON/OFF APPLICATIONS, HARDWARE OR ANY OTHER "OUT
    OF THE COMPUTER" STUFF WITHIN TEN YARDS OF YOUR VALUABLE MACHINE. THINGS
    DO HAVE A WAY OF GOING "BUMP IN THE NIGHT".

    I HAVE A HARD DISK SYSTEM USED IN MY BUSINESS, WITH ALL SORTS OF
    DEVELOPMENT TIME IN VARIOUS THINGS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD I EVEN
    CONSIDER IT.

    GET A ONE DISK DRIVE "BANG AROUND MACHINE" OR IF IT GETS "HURT" TYPE
    MACHINE THAT YOU CAN STILL GET TO SLEEP. GOOD TIPS ON WHERE TO GET THESE
    IN THE REGISTERED VERSION.

    BESIDES IT MORE FUN WHEN YOU CAN GET IT "DOWN IN THE DITCH AND NOT WORRY"

  *********** WARNING ************ WARNING ************ WARNING ****************


  GAMECARD


  1.  Why use  the  game card  for  automation and control  using a personal
  computer.  First  its  probably there,  most personal  computers  have one
  installed.  Second,  if you don't  they are cheap  to purchase and easy to
  install.  Sears sells a game card with  two game port connectors for about
  $20.

  2.  Another big  feature  is you  can  easily put both  analog and digital
  (contact closures)  type information into  the computer.  Four channels of
  analog and four contact closures are available at each port connector.  In
  the registered version I  show you how  to increase the number of contacts
  into the computer to just about any  number you could want with no changes
  required to the gamecard and its very easy to do.

  3.  Using BASIC or about another programming language this information can
  be addressed and  collected directly.  Very nice,  write a  little control
  program in BASIC and the intelligence  needed to monitor conditions in the
  outside environment can  be brought in  though the game port and addressed
  directly  in  the  same BASIC  program.  The commands  to  X-10 technology
  modules to turn ON/OFF high voltage equipment can also be initiated by the
  same program. Just what the doctor ordered, we can get into and out of the
  computer and have total control of all processes.  No archaic gateway card
  to buy with software that nobody could ever understand let alone ever make
  it work in an integrated monitoring and control system.

  4.  The gamecard can  also "trap events".  For contact inputs the gamecard
  will act like a information monitor while your software is off taking care



                                                                     PAGE 30

  of other business.  Suppose you have a pushbutton  hooked up in the garage
  and it is  wired into a  control scheme in your computer.  The computer is
  busy doing some  data logging and  other housekeeping chores  and you push
  the pushbutton to  have the  computer do a  particular task.  The computer
  will not see that contact close because it  is busy in another part of the
  program but  the  gamecard will  see  the contact  close  and remember the
  event.  When  your  software  program  gets  around  to  talking  with the
  gamecard,  the gamecard will  "tell" the  program about the pushbutton and
  then it  can race  off to that particular  area of the program  and do the
  task  you  asked for  by pushing  the button.  No holding  the  button and
  waiting for the computer to get around to you, all very nice.

  5.  If you have an IBM,  or IBM clone,  or IBM compatible  computer with a
  gamecard the port connector should be a 15-pin,  miniature D-shell, female
  connector.  Sometimes its a  separate card and  sometimes part of a mother
  board  but  it  should  be  marked  "GAME".  Some  systems  will  have two
  connectors, one for joystick #1 and another for joystick #2.


     The connector should look something like this:

                     ____________________________________________
                     [                                           ]
                     [  8     7    6    5    4    3    2    1    ]
                     [ ________________________________________  ]
                     [ \ .    .    .    .    .    .    .    . /  ]
                     [  \                                    /   ]
                     [   \ .    .    .    .     .    .    . /    ]
                     [    \________________________________/     ]
                     [                                           ]
                     [    15   14   13   12    11   10   9       ]
                     [___________________________________________]


  Look up the gamecard in the  manual that came with the computer.  The pins
  should be identified like so:



     Pin 1   +5V                  Pin 9   +5V
     Pin 2   Button               Pin 10  Button
     Pin 3   Position             Pin 11  Position
     Pin 4   Ground               Pin 12  Ground
     Pin 5   Ground               Pin 13  Position
     Pin 6   Position             Pin 14  Button
     Pin 7   Button               Pin 15  +5V
     Pin 8   +5V

  If the  manual is  missing or  doesn't  say you  can check  by using  your
  joystick.  Read pins  2 &  4 with an  ohmmeter while pushing  the #1 push-
  button on the joystick. Sometimes its wired 2 & 5, but it should be one of
  the two.  Check the #2 pushbutton (if you have one)  by reading pins 7 & 4
  (again sometimes its wired 7 & 5).






                                                                     PAGE 31

       ********** WARNING  ******   WARNING ******   WARNING ******

  ***** DO NOT TRY TO READ THE PINS ON THE CONNECTOR ATTACHED TO THE ****
          COMPUTER.  YOU CAN CAUSE DAMAGE.  BE SAFE.  USE THE JOYSTICK.


  Read pins 1 & 3 for resistance.  you should get a reading of between about
  20 to 70K ohms by varying the calibration dial on the joystick. Check pins
  6 to 8 for resistance and you should get the same readings.

  If all this checks out, then all the information, programming examples and
  hookups I give in this offering should work for you.

  If you  take  your joystick  apart (no  big deal,  isn't very complicated,
  there isn't much  in there why  do they cost so much?)  you will find very
  few use all  of the pins  usually only 6 or 7.  Also a good  way to really
  check  things  out.  6.  How  do  gamecards  really  work?  A little  more
  information  can  be  helpful  at  this  point.  The gamecard  generates a
  staircase shaped voltage pattern. something like this:


                          ]__                       5 v
                             ]__                    4.5 v
                                ]__                 4 v
                                   ]__              3.5 v
                                      ]__           3 v
                                         ]__        2.5 v
                                            ]__     2 v



  This is not  the actual pattern,  just something to  illustrate the point,
  the actual  pattern is  much finer between steps.  Just great for  what we
  want  to  do.  This staircase  voltage  pattern is  compared to  the input
  voltage developed  across  the resistor  value in  the joystick.  The card
  selects the staircase voltage value that  closest matches the input signal
  from the  joystick and  generates a  binary  value for use  by the program
  software.  So different  resistor  values in  the joystick  wind  up being
  different binary  values  in the  computer.  Easy to see  how the computer
  knows  where  the  joy-  stick position  is.  By playing  around  with the
  joystick demo programs  included you can  see better how  this works.  The
  pushbuttons do  not use  this staircase  voltage pattern,  just the analog
  joystick position readings.
















                                                                     PAGE 32


  ********************* WARNING *************** WARNING ********************

  NEVER PUT ANY SIGNAL INTO THE GAME CONNECTOR THAT HAS ITS OWN VOLTAGE
  SOURCE.YOUR JOYSTICK HAS NO POWER.  NO BATTERIES.  NO POWER FROM A 115
  VAC WALL RECEPTACLE. THE COMPUTER SUPPLIES ALL THE POWER SOURCE FOR ALL
  MONITOR AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS THROUGH THE GAMECARD.  ALL!!!!  THAT IS ALL
  !!!!!  SENSORS THAT I WILL TALK ABOUT ARE PURELY RESISTIVE IN NATURE AND
  GENERATE NO VOLTAGE OR POWER BY THEMSELVES. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE
  DOING ASK SOMEONE WHO DOES. ALSO GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN IN CONNECTING
  SIGNALS INTO THE GAMECARD. DO NOT USE ALLIGATOR CLIPS OR JURY RIGGED
  CONNECTIONS. GET A GOOD CONNECTOR BOX. I GIVE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS IN THE
  REGISTERED VERSION ON A CONNECTOR BOX CONSTRUCTION AND CHECK-OUT. A MISTAKE
  OR ERROR IN DESIGN, HOOKUP OR ACCIDENTAL FAULT CAN DAMAGE YOUR GAMECARD,
  COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY, CONNECTOR CABLE AND BOX AND SENSORS. KNOW WHAT YOU
  ARE DOING.

  ******************** WARNING ***************** WARNING ********************

  7.  By using this  staircase voltage pattern  we can measure and calibrate
  analog measurements  like temperature,  amount of light  (how bright,dim),
  level,  pressure and  many others.  I give  detailed  instructions in  the
  registered version  on sensors,  calibration and how to  use the developed
  signals in a program.

  The AUTOMATE method of using the gamecard approximates the capabilities of
  using  a  commercial  8  bit  input  card.  That  is  a  signal resolution
  capability of one  part in 256.  I have found this  method far more stable
  than most commercial input cards. The commercial input cards all exhibited
  problems with the measurement values drifting, especially temperature. The
  AUTOMATE methods have proven to be remarkably stable and repeatable.

  8. A final big reason!! MONEY !!. The X-10 technology does somethings well
  but sensing and reacting to a dry contact, with no power involved, telling
  the control system something is happening is not one them. The X-10 module
  to do that function is $30-40 per contact  and smacks a little bit of Rube
  Goldberg design at  that price.  A simple pair of  wires into the gamecard
  will do the job alot better.  The information is where you really want it,
  into control  central,  not out there  floating around  as a  coded signal
  hoping the computer might hear it.



















                                                                     PAGE 33

  X-10 POWER LINE INTERFACE SYSTEM

  1 Many  people  have called me  with questions about  the X-10 technology.
  There seems to be a lot of interest, some confusion and misunderstanding.

  2.  First a little history. First X-10 didn't invent the power line method
  of communication.  The method of impressing information  on a power source
  at one location  and reading that  information back from  the power source
  has been  around  for quite awhile.  A number of  industrial processes use
  these methods.

  In the  late 1970's  the X-10  concept  was introduced  through  a line of
  modules to be controlled  from base transmitters.  Sears,  Radio Shack and
  others marketed  these systems.  Basically it  was light  control and  few
  feeble attempts at  burglar alarms  systems and the like.  The systems had
  problems, were buggy, lot of false triggering. I abandoned my system for a
  burglar alarm and built  my own around  Delta Sonic technology  and my own
  design for other hardware.

  Over the next twenty years the bugs got  worked out of the modules and the
  general communications method.  What emerged was a  kind of standard.  The
  code format became a kind of defacto standard because so many modules were
  produced built on that format.

  Basically the technology is  to set a  system of codes kind  of like Morse
  Code. In general there is 256 separate codes possible in the basic set and
  something called extended codes. To sent the codes the hardware detects as
  accurately as possible when the power sine wave (the house 220/110 VAC) is
  alternating current)  is at the  Zero Crossing point.  120 KHz signals are
  then impressed on the power referenced  to the zero crossing point.  These
  signals are shaped and have a 1 millisecond duration and are placed on the
  power in a certain sequence.  Kind of like with  a teletype communications
  there is a start  portion of the code  and then the data is in blocks.  It
  takes a number of power cycles to send one complete X-10 command. The zero
  crossing point is  the same for  all power through  out the house.  So the
  X-10 modules also have a reference with which to know when a signal starts
  and can decode the signal strings, validate the data and filter for noise.
  The big  improvements  have been  is  very custom integrated  circuits for
  these functions. The modules are now very reliable and also much cheaper.

  I have found no problems in the basic X-10 module technology. None seem to
  produce  large  amounts  of heat  that was  common  in dimmer,  timer type
  controllers.

  I have talked to many people since starting to develop AUTOMATE.  There is
  great interest in both the X-10 and monitoring areas. One conclusion I can
  draw is the X-10 transmitter hardware is junk. Remember the X-10 codes are
  sent referenced to the zero crossing point  and the method of coded pulses
  and  their  shape  and  duration  is  important.  People call  me  and are
  convinced their problem is  in the module design.  If they have  the older
  brown modules, maybe.  More likely the problem is in the transmitter. Take
  one of those  babies apart,  not much in there,  I doubt much  real design
  thought  when  into  generating  a  quality  signal  in  all environmental
  situations.  More like how  can I build  this thing as  cheap as possible.
  Many people complain  to me,  the stand alone X-10  transmitter won't keep
  good  time   and   even  those   designs   where  you  program   the  X-10



                                                                     PAGE 34

  transmitter/control unit  with  your computer  give problems and  drift in
  their time keeping abilities.

  A lot of  the problems,  folks are  attributing to  poor X-10  modules are
  actually caused  by  their electrical  systems.  Poorly installed systems,
  incorrect  grounding,  noise  generating  appliances.  This  explains  the
  complain, I have all kinds of problems, the guy next door does not. In the
  registered version section on X-10 I  go into many of these areas,  how to
  tell  what  is  probably the  cause  of your  problems  and some  possible
  solutions.

  After getting  through  the development  of  AUTOMATE I  am  convinced few
  problems existing in the new module design.  If you buy the newer designed
  Stanley,  Powerhouse or  Heath/Zenith modules  your problems  with modules
  should not occur.

  The most likely causes of problems are the cheap transmitter/control units
  and poorly installed or badly retrofitted electrical systems.  A word here
  about this  offering.  AUTOMATE Shareware  Version 2.0  and its  preceding
  issues is  basically  an information  program.  I do  not  offer technical
  support to the shareware version.  This offering is to inform,  put issues
  in focus and see  who is really  interested in the  subject of automation,
  monitoring and control.

  Registered owners  of AUTOMATE  get full support.  I cannot design systems
  over the phone.  I can answer questions concerning what you are getting in
  the registered version.  Registered owners get the full support up to that
  I can legally do.  If I don't see  the actual installation,  I cannot give
  specific guidance.  What registered owners  do get  is full support in the
  monitoring area.  I will analysis  the AUTOMATE  generated page prints for
  problems.  Not just  phone support,  but real  support of  looking at your
  problem on the individual level. The X-10 support level in more general, I
  will look at programs for general faults in the AUTOMATE/X-10 interface. I
  will not and cannot comment on programs for the actual control features to
  any control project.  This the shareware  version is  not intended to be a
  technical discussion in any area.  The development of  AUTOMATE is already
  into the thousands of hours range. As I said in the Author chapter, people
  have  to  expect  to pay  for the  value  they receive.  If you  have X-10
  problems but are not interested in AUTOMATE approaches, please do not call
  me. That registration fee is pretty small when compared to the charges for
  a technician to troubleshoot your system.  Most won't even start the truck
  for that price.

  Back to the discussion of X-10. After going through a computer development
  to  control  X-10,  as I  said  the problems  appear  to be  in  the cheap
  transmitters/controllers. The computer based systems have none of the time
  keeping problems. The quality of the transmitted signals is superior and I
  have never found any of the type problems folks talk about. The quality of
  the transmitted signal is important, if you put a junky signal out, do you
  really expect a  perfect reception  on the other end??  The quality of the
  computer  generated  signals  appears  to  be  very  high  grade.  I  have
  experienced  no  communication  problems  what  so  ever  between AUTOMATE
  generated programs and X- 10.

  In starting to write AUTOMATE I decided to incorporate the X-10 technology
  as a means of accessing the real world high voltage devices.  So it was do



                                                                     PAGE 35

  I want to go  to the development  length of getting into the hardware side
  of things?  No,  I decided to  survey the market  and see if anyone made a
  good usable system before plunging into that exercise. So AUTOMATE's basic
  contribution is  in the  area of  data collection,  ability to  have total
  control of  all programming  and software  development,  identify the best
  hardware available for  monitoring and  control including X-10 and finally
  to put it  all together  in one fully usable,  understandable system.  The
  X-10 communications are in  ASCII (plain english)  and can be accomplished
  from the keyboard,  generated as setpoints in AUTOMATE derived programs or
  as computed values from AUTOMATE programs.

  I manufacture no  hardware and basically  have no interest in doing so.  I
  can be totally objective when it comes to hardware. In developing AUTOMATE
  if I could find a third party who made a superior product, why monkey with
  developing it,  I just referenced  the source  and incorporated it into my
  design.  In the long run its much cheaper,  the systems work better and it
  shortens the development time. All of AUTOMATE monitoring capabilities are
  from built from the ground up and there is nothing remotely like it on the
  market.

  The  X-10  thing  isn't  really a  big  deal when  you  get into  it.  The
  communications to actually send commands  takes quite awhile when compared
  to anything in the industrial world. A command sequence is in the order of
  seconds not milliseconds. Most X-10 systems on the market use only time as
  the controlling parameter or try to  sell you fancy expensive do-dads that
  you then jury rig to make some kind of control system. AUTOMATE allows you
  to do it the right way, with the proper information and system control and
  at a very good price.


  The one big area  all users should be  fully aware of is the insurance and
  legal liability angles.  I am not a lawyer but know  a lot of what you can
  and cannot do  from working  around the  control business.  Automation and
  controls should  be  understood is  not like  regular  computer stuff.  In
  general  you  can  write software,  put one  of those  disclaimers in  the
  licensing section  and  basically be  exempt from  most  product liability
  claims.  Software for control and automation is  not exempt in many areas.
  You are causing things to happen in the real world and your responsibility
  is much greater.  The level and  amount of  documentation is much greater.
  One thing you never,  never, never do is write control software to control
  things in the  real world  in a general fashion.  All software I have ever
  done in this area has been written under a contract, for a particular job,
  a particular  situation and  a particular client.  You are  responsible to
  understand all  interlocks required,  all protective features needed,  all
  hazards involved and that  particular jobs little nuances.  I'm saying you
  fully have the design liability  for any control software written.  People
  will say "but I'm only turning on some lights".  The real problems come in
  writing software for others.  The user has a liability  for the use of any
  product but they can try to  claim the design is defective.  I'm basically
  saying don't write general control software  for the public at large (your
  liability could be  open ended)  and if  you do  write software for others
  fully understand all aspects of the project. One kind of common problem is
  equipment damage due to some malfunction and who is going to pay for it.

  In general this applies to the X-10 technology.  The monitoring portion of
  AUTOMATE is low  voltage and  basically has  no hazards.  The safe  way is



                                                                     PAGE 36

  write  the  software  for  your own  project,  debug,  install any  system
  yourself.  Any third party  work either you  doing the work or having work
  done,  I strongly recommend  that you have  a contract for  the work.  For
  large permanent installed X-10 control projects I  think I would run it by
  my insurance agent.

  Insurance policies have tons of fine print.  I knew a couple of people who
  burnt their  house  down using  those wall  dimmer switches.  They weren't
  properly installed  and started  fires inside the walls.  Both had lots of
  fun with the insurance folks.

  A word about bootleg software.  Very common problem.  Your not supposed to
  use the other guys software  in an illegal manner.  Using bootleg software
  for control is deadly business. Who knows how many people may have a claim
  against you. You basically have no good defense.

  I talk a  lot about safety  in both issues  of AUTOMATE.  It is not  to be
  taken  lightly.  Safety and  the subjects  above are  tied together.  Good
  safety practices can prevent problems before they occur.

  The  general  drift  of  the  presentation  through  out  AUTOMATE  is  be
  responsible,  research your projects carefully,  know what you  are doing.
  The registered version is that, a careful step by step approach. The level
  of detail is very high, cautions and warnings are given at the appropriate
  times and the general  idea is to  progress in an orderly and safe fashion
  both from  an  equipment and  personnel safety  point  of view.  I welcome
  comments from registered  owners of AUTOMATE  when they have their systems
  up and running.































                                                                     PAGE 37




  GENERAL AUTOMATION AND CONTROL THEORY

  1. Control theory brings to mind, lots of math, complicated theory, arcane
  stuff and just  so much mumbo-jumbo.  In truth it is far  from that and in
  the everyday home setting can be applied with great results,  all you have
  to know is  a few  of the principles involved.  Have some common sense and
  control theory can be  applied to many situations.  I will try to show how
  some of those principles are applied in the everyday world.

  2.  First a little bit about control engineering.  Basically it is hard to
  master from schooling,  the best control engineers learned the trade in an
  apprentice fashion.  When applied to the real world its about knowing your
  equipment,  knowing the application, knowing what not to do, understanding
  how the design  process works,  organization,  experience,  history of the
  trade,  knowing a  little  about what everyone  does to make  a successful
  project,  a  little  programming  skill and  finally a  lot  about SAFETY,
  SAFETY, SAFETY and more SAFETY.

  3.  When applied to  home applications it  can be broken  down into simple
  principles. Some of those principles to be aware of are:

  FAIL SAFE CONCEPT  - Fail  safe is just that,  when something fails  it is
  inherently safe in  its failed state.  Example:  When a light burns out it
  doesn't present much  of a threat,  you just don't get any light.  This is
  true even though  the power to  the light is  still on.  Control engineers
  spend a lot of time asking,  what happens when this device fails.  Another
  example of fail safe:  The power to the burner and fuel oil solenoid valve
  of a  home fuel  oil fired  furnace  comes through  the  contacts of  high
  temperature sensing  probe and  other safety  sensors.  These sensors  are
  designed to  fail  or actuate  with  their control  contacts  in the  open
  position. With the contacts open, the burner and fuel oil cannot get power
  to operate and the entire system shuts down.

  Most  appliances  have  their  fail  safe  concept  built in.  Example:  A
  dishwasher must have the door closed and latched to get power to the timer
  to start the washing cycle.  If there is a problem  and the door is opened
  to check on the problem the appliance is inherently fail safe. Opening the
  door removes power from  all operative functions.  The water fill solenoid
  valve cannot get power to open and flood the kitchen floor.

  Most computer control is only to the level of operating a unit.  Like: The
  computer might turn power  on to the  dishwasher but would not perform the
  functions to  control  the washing  cycle.  Only a  fool tries  to put all
  control functions into a computer.  Computers are not inherently fail safe
  devices. In industry many systems rely on hard wired contacts with sensors
  on the actual  equipment to  back up the  computer control.  If there is a
  problem the hard wired sensor win any argument between it and the computer
  as to what is safe.

  With home automation  becoming a  real possibility many manufacturers will
  be  hawking  all  sorts of  equipment  and gizmos  to  be controlled  from
  computers.  Be careful. A good question to ask yourself is "would I really
  do this if no computer was involved"? Computer control can actually make a



                                                                     PAGE 38

  safe condition into  an unsafe one.  Example:  Put a electric  room heater
  near a pile of papers in the off condition,  walk away and have a computer
  turn it on a later time.

  PERMISSIVES - A  permissive is a  device that allows  something to happen.
  Our above example of the oil fired furnace, the safety sensor contacts are
  permissives. They must be closed to get power to the fuel valve and burner
  in order for the system to operate.  Computer control is very good because
  it allows for very extensive development of permissives in complex control
  situations.  Usually a combination  of contacts  sensing something  in the
  real world  and  software permissives in  order for an  action to proceed.
  Home control can  benefit from this  power by bringing contact information
  in thru the  gamecard and  developing software information  through analog
  information  allows  for  very  powerful  design  concepts.  Solar  energy
  collecting systems for example.  The general idea of  permissives and fail
  safe operation are closely tied together in most applications.  In general
  if you  are trying  to get a personal  computer to do something  in a home
  environment where the concept is unsafe by itself, using a computer is not
  going to  make  it safe.  Think out  any application.  Understand what  is
  involved.  It is very easy to think I'll write a program to take care of a
  problem.


  ADAPTIVE CONTROL - Adaptive control is often touted as control that learns
  from its own actions.  In practice it is really  a number of predetermined
  courses of action to a given situation. It is usually the concept to which
  people  refer  when  raving  about  the power  of  computer control.  Some
  examples:

  Say you are trying to  measure a range of  32 to 600 /F but can't find one
  sensor to do it  in a satisfactory manner.  But you do find  a sensor that
  can measure  32 to  350 /F  and one  for the  range of  300 to 650 /F.  By
  connecting  both  to  the computer  and  then having  the  software switch
  sensors at the appropriate time a satisfactory  solution could be a had to
  your problem.

  Industrial applications use a lot of adaptive control routines.  It is the
  basis which  allows  many complicated processes  to be controlled  to very
  tight and efficient setpoints.  Many processes will measure the same thing
  with more than one sensor and then have  the computer switch on the fly if
  it detects a failure in a sensor. Great concept to understand.

  A good understanding of adaptive  control concept and computer programming
  is the dynamite combination.  This combination allows solving many complex
  problems or just getting you out the sticky I don't have the right sensors
  bind.


  FEEDBACK - Feedback  is a complicated  sounding concept but in practice is
  quite  simple.  In general  is information  returned to  tune,  correct or
  adjust  an  on  going  event.  It  is  probably  the  one  concept  that a
  misunderstanding of can get a would-be home automator into big trouble.

  Example:  You are controlling greenhouse grow  lights to maintain adequate
  light for the plants at all times.  Just turning them on  based on time of
  day may not  be energy efficient.  So banks of grow  lights are installed.



                                                                     PAGE 39

  The overall light  level is  sensed in  the greenhouse,  and banks of grow
  lights are switched  on or off  to maintain that  certain light level.  On
  most days all lights  would be off and  then come on as the light fades at
  sunset.  On bright moonlight  nights less lights  would be on than on dark
  nights.  The information provided by the sensing of the amount of light is
  feedback. That information allows adjusting or correction of the amount of
  light by varying the number of banks of grow lights.

  So how can feedback get you into trouble.?  Basically by causing something
  called cycling or sometimes called "pumping".  Take our above example: Say
  a bank of grow  lights just turned  on to maintain a  certain light level.
  The overall light sensor detects the  increased light level after the bank
  of lights  turns on.  The software program  in the  computer reads the new
  light level reported by  the sensor and  thinks the light level  is now to
  high and  turns off  a bank of lights.  Its now too dark,  so the computer
  turns on a bank  of lights and  the cycle repeats and  repeats because the
  computer soft- ware  cannot find a  level which is  just right.  This is a
  common problem that  must be guarded  against in all control applications.
  Microprocessor  based  control  is particular  akin to  this problem.  The
  process itself can be the problem, the setpoint in the software can be the
  problem or the way  the sensor is mounted  can be the problem or finally a
  combination of all of the situations. Cycling can be a problem even in the
  simple program just based on time with no analog inputs.

  The connector box described in the  registered version comes in very handy
  in detecting these problems as it can act as a checkout lab or development
  board.  This  allows  checkout  of the  software and  its  sensors without
  actually  installing   the   equipment.  X-10   technology  can   also  be
  incorporated in the lab checkout scheme.

  It is not something to be afraid or excited about, instead something to be
  aware is a common problem.  It is something to be detected during software
  checkout in a lab setting  before installation of an application.  Cycling
  can still  occur after  lab checkout  if  the problem  is  related to  the
  process  feeding  back  information that  is causing  the cycling.  Sensor
  mounting (the  way and  manner something is detected)  can be the problem.
  The other  common cause  is too narrow  a control band in  the software to
  turn something on and then off.  Some cycling problems may  be inherent in
  the application.  These can  be  controlled by  having the  software leave
  something for a minimum  amount of time  as long as no unsafe or operating
  parameters are exceeded.

  Cycling can and  does destroy equipment.  Trying cycling an ordinary light
  wall switch and  see how  long the light  bulb lasts.  Cycling causes most
  electrical equipment to increase in operating temperature. Again something
  to be watched for carefully in designing projects,  programming,  software
  checkout and finally in installation and checkout of that installation.

  The purpose of this  discussion has not  been to alarm anyone  or to deter
  anyone from  using home  computer automation type control.  Instead it has
  been to point out there are a logical principals involved and well planned
  projects that is thoroughly understood can be very beneficial.  Be wary of
  manufacturer claims of easy, foolproof gizmos. Just take this software and
  plug it in and lots  of magic will immediately happen.  Understand what is
  being offered  and does  it fit  your application.  No industrial  control
  engineer will take  precanned solutions  and just plug  them in.  No major



                                                                     PAGE 40

  manufacturer of industrial control  equipment will offer any.  Examples of
  how  to  program  their  equipment  and  software  that  demonstrates  the
  capabilities  are  usually all  you will  get.  Somewhere out  there  is a
  programmer who is  going to write  the worlds perfect  menu driven control
  program to solve  all home applications.  He is a fool  and the person who
  tries to  use it  is a fool.  There is liability involved,  probability no
  matter the number or manner of disclaimers offered.

  In the registered  version are example  programs for use in monitoring and
  control of the  real world environment.  Just as important are discussions
  of  how  to  "trim"  your  programs  and  sensors to  adjust  them to  the
  particular application.  Pre-canned programs WILL NOT work  in all or even
  most situations.  Each computer,  program,  sensor and application has its
  own set  of characteristics.  The registered  version  provides the  basic
  knowledge  required  to  fit the  measurement to  the application.  A high
  degree  of   programming   knowledge  is   not  required,  just   a  small
  understanding of BASIC.

  The registered version programs are working examples.  More important they
  are  taken   though   all  steps,   design  of   equipment,  construction,
  calibration, curve generation, data fitting and actual coding of a routine
  to use with that information.  Also explained are some conditioning,  data
  validation   and   smoothing   techniques  required   to  get   a  working
  installation.  All required information is provided with instructions.  No
  example is complied, all can be modified for your use.


































                                                                     PAGE 41


  AUTOMATION AND CONTROL LAB

  1.  It won't take long after reading and  playing with the demos that most
  people who are into computers will say "I've  just got to try some of this
  control stuff".  Maybe you don't have any home projects on the menu. Maybe
  you don't  even  own the place.  How to do  some projects.  You got it,  a
  automation and  control lab.  It doesn't  have  to be  fancy.  A few  X-10
  modules,  a gateway and a few lights,  the gamecard/connector box and some
  analog and contact inputs.

  2.  The lab has  many functions.  If you design home  projects to actually
  install,  the software has to  be tested and  a lab situation  is the best
  way.  Plus labs are great fun, maybe the best computer fun ever. I used to
  design  small  control  projects using  programmable controllers  (kind of
  industrial computer dedicated  to control)  and I would  take a controller
  home set it up  in the den  and check out  software at night.  Some of the
  industrial machines have some of the lab functions designed in.  Like most
  consist of  a  control unit (computer),  a power unit,  a track  unit with
  input/output signal modules and a box to program the unit.  The track unit
  with its  modules  had LED's  (lights)  to show  when  output modules were
  turned on/off  and  the contact input  modules had little  toggle switches
  built in to  simulate contacts  closing in  the factory.  I built a analog
  generator box and presto, one small factory application in the den. I also
  built a wooden mounting  rack so it  was mounted very similar to a factory
  mounting and was safe.

  3.  The gamecard input box I designed can be used as a lab.  The design is
  such that inputs can be simulated even  if no actual automation project is
  being produced. The demos and the joystick is a kind of lab. The design is
  simple but it does the job.

  4.  Automation labs are fun but  you can get into trouble.  There is great
  temptation to do unsafe things. Like having 115 VAC on exposed wiring with
  alligator clip jury rigs, etc. Using the gamecard as an input, having jury
  rigged inputs.  If high  voltage  is involved  and exposed  a  mistake can
  result in short circuits, smoke, equipment damage and maybe even injury or
  death.  The US  Navy  has about  1000  sailors killed  each  year even  in
  peacetime.  Looking at who  gets killed,  it falls into  three categories.
  Sailors being  killed  in accidents  on  the dangerous  flight  deck of an
  aircraft carrier, sailors being killed by electrocution and others.  Those
  being  killed  by   electrocution  are   usually  sailors  who  are  radar
  technician, electrician or electronic technician.  All had formal training
  in their jobs, safety training and experienced supervision. The Navy has a
  safety program  where  films called "your  deadly shipmate -  115 VAC" are
  shown. Even with all this they still are killed, sometimes several hundred
  each year.  Most are very young,  just out of training school.  There is a
  moral to all  this "Rookies  and the careless  get hurt".  BE VERY CAREFUL
  WHERE CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT.

  5.  The analog and contact inputs to the computer through the gamecard are
  inherently safe.  The highest voltage involved is 5 VDC.  The danger comes
  when combining  that  ability with X-10  technology to control  115 or 220
  VAC.





                                                                     PAGE 42





  Why did I include this chapter?  Schools, colleges, the formal educational
  system doesn't even recognize that  good olde Murphy even exits.  Murphy's
  laws are not written by some fat assed politician, nor are they the fruits
  of  very  deep  and  learned intellectual  experience,  instead they  have
  evolved based on the  experiences of those  poor souls who get dirty doing
  the actual work.  Play with personal computer automation very much and you
  will get to know Murphy on a first name basis and probably get to meet all
  his brothers, nephews and cousins.


  MURPHY'S LAWS ACCORDING TO CONTROL THEORY


  IN EVERY BIG PROGRAM THERE ARE THREE LITTLE ONES TRYING TO GET OUT. ONE OF
  THEM IS FLAWED


  CONTROL PROJECTS TAKE ALL THE PARTS YOU HAVE, PLUS ONE MORE.


  THE FIRST INSTRUCTION DELETED WAS THE CORRECT ONE.


  ALL MECHANICAL DESIGNS ARE FLAWED.


  ALL BIG FLAWS ARE FOUND AFTER MIDNIGHT.


  MOTHER NATURE REALLY IS A BITCH.


  IF ITS FIXED, YOU HAVE TO PLAY WITH IT UNTIL, YOU BREAK IT.  IF ITS BROKE,
  YOU HAVE TO PLAY WITH IT UNTIL ITS FIXED.


  IF THE FLAW IS IN A SENSOR, IT WILL BE FOUND IN SOFTWARE.


  THE ONLY GOOD CONTROL SYSTEM IS THE ONE THAT WAS JUST REPLACED.


  MOTHER NATURE REALLY DOES SIDE WITH THE HIDDEN FLAW.


  THE LAST PART CHECKED IS THE BAD ONE.


  THE WORK OF ALL JURY RIG EXPERTS LASTS TILL ONE DAY AFTER THEY QUIT.


  ALL BREAKS OCCUR IN THE WRONG END OF WIRE.



                                                                     PAGE 43



  NO PROGRAM  IS  ANY GOOD  UNTIL CHANGED  TWENTY TIMES.  A PROGRAM  CHANGED
  TWENTY TIMES IS USELESS.


  IF A PROGRAM IS USELESS IT WILL HAVE TO BE DOCUMENTED.


  THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NEVER READ. UNTIL THE EQUIPMENT IS DAMAGED.


  DATA USEFULNESS IS INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL TO THE AMOUNT OF IT.


  ALL BAD DESIGNS CAN BE FIXED BY MORE LINES OF PROGRAM


  IF IT DON'T WORK, MORE DATA WILL HAVE TO BE COLLECTED.


  WHEN ANY CONTROL SYSTEM IS FULLY UNDERSTOOD IT IS OBSOLETE.


  ALL CONTROL PROGRAM SCAN PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY GLITCHES


  THINGS DO GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT


  A PERSON DOING KNOWS NOTHING. A PERSON WATCHING KNOWS ALL.


  ALL SIMPLE PROBLEMS ARE COMPLEX. ALL COMPLEX PROBLEMS ARE SIMPLE.


  COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONS ARE DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO  THE AMOUNT OF PAPER IN
  THE PRINTER BOX.


  IF THE COMPUTER IS BIG ENOUGH, ALL PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED.


  THE AMOUNT OF  FLAWS DISCOVERED IS  DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE AMOUNT OF
  EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.


  ALL CHECKS IN THE MAIL AND ALL PARTS SHIPPED TODAY TAKE SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS
  TO ARRIVE.


  THE PART NOT ORDERED, IS THE CRITICAL ONE.







                                                                     PAGE 44







  WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PERSONAL COMPUTER MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM


  1.  In short, if done well most everything anyone could want.  Most of the
  hardware critical to a good system is available at reasonable prices.  The
  shortages are not in hardware but in  knowledge of how to implement a good
  system, knowledge of control techniques and system design.

  2.  Home  automation  will  not  match  the industrial  systems  but their
  capabilities will  grow  very rapidly.  Look at  the  DEMOC5.EXE again the
  short commings become obvious.  The scan (the actual  doing program steps)
  stop during some operations.  Like printing and playing music. Long pauses
  to do things like this can result in missing time setpoints if the program
  ing is simple.  These limitations  can be  overcome by  some "timesharing"
  techniques.  If you really  require super automation  why not get a hybrid
  programmable controller and be done with it. Some of these machines can be
  purchased for a few thousand dollars.  Some have the ability  to talk to a
  personal computer via a RS-232.  I found program design  for anything very
  complicated just wasn't worth it.  Lots of promises  by hardware suppliers
  and  and  then  you  figure  it  out.  As long  as  your expectations  are
  reasonable and can be  accomplished via use  of the X-10 modules and a few
  analog and contact inputs via the gamecard or other means it will probably
  serve very nicely. Very large and powerful distributed control systems are
  possible using the AUTOMATE concepts.  The cost of these  systems is quite
  reasonable and within  the technical  ability of most computer users.  The
  AUTOMATE concepts are a  building block concept.  Lots of simple,  easy to
  master monitoring and control functions. These can be networked to build a
  system of about any desired size.

  3.  Any task  that  requires monitoring  on  a continuous basis  is a good
  candidate for  automation.  A shortage of  commerical quality,  affordable
  sensors  will  limit  some applications  but  with a  little  searching or
  creative solutions you could probably think of a way to build most.

  4.  Very high  tech  and sophisticated  solutions  are not required  to be
  useful.  Before the big energy crisis (remember that one) I bought a solid
  fuel furnance to burn wood/coal/etc.  and automated it as much as possible
  at the time with regular wall thermostat,  pump control, etc.  the problem
  was that it was  like a woodstove,  you had to keep watching  to see if it
  needed  more  fuel.  To  solve  the  problem  I  installed  an  electronic
  temperature  monitoring  system  and displayed  the furnance  water jacket
  temperature on  a nice  digital display  meter.  Mounted the meter  in the
  TV/entertainment center console  so I could  see an eye  on things without
  running down in the basement to see what that critter was doing. It worked
  beautifully and I soon  learned how to  tell what was  happening from that
  one reading. A computer system can handle those situations with no problem
  and at a lot less cost.  That one digital display meter cost more than the
  shoebox computer I now use for playing around with automation.

  5.  Most of the  hardware is available  to build a home automation system.



                                                                     PAGE 45

  The shortages  appear to  be in the  areas of good sensors  and devices to
  display information other that a computer screen. Be wary of manufacturers
  who have  all kinds  of hardware  and it  looks like  it can  all be  tied
  together in  one  big integrated  system.  Maybe it can,  chances are some
  software is needed. Guess who gets to figure it out.

  6. Solar heating and cooling (yes, you can cool with solar heat) appear to
  be candidates that  can justify spending  the money for  a good automation
  system.  Some of the big drawbacks in our  last big leap into solar energy
  was  the  very  poor  control  systems,  poor  tracking  systems  for high
  temperature  systems,  "dumb systems"  that couldn't  respond to  changing
  situations and high cost  for the value received.  A personal computer can
  handle a fairly sophisticated solar design.  Both for the monitoring, data
  logging and system control. I have a couple of solar designs using a PC in
  the works.  If it  can be  done in Boston,  it can be  done anywhere.  The
  techniques I outlined in this offerring work good in the sensing of light.
  Just  the  ticket for  designing tracking  systems.  The sensors  are very
  tuneable.  Haven't don't  a lot  on it yet  but it looks like  a very good
  possible application.

  7. If things like X-10 modules that can perform analog out via information
  from a  computer  start appearing  on  the market  things  could get  very
  interesting. Then you can have modulating control (like you standing there
  continuously adjusting something.  Applications are things like greenhouse
  vents,  tracking system and anything where a position other than on or off
  is desired.

  8.  Expect scan problems.  Bang any  of the  more complicated demos around
  real good and you can get them to  "jump scan" and do very strange things.
  Think of a control program as a circle. First read inputs, do the program,
  do other (data logging,  read/write, etc.) write outputs.  Many industrial
  control machines operate at the bit level  (one bit represents a big pump,
  motor,  etc)  and live or die by the  fact they never stop scanning.  Many
  have "watchdog timers" to watch and  verify they are completing their scan
  cycles within a certain time limit.  Sometimes like 40-50 milliseconds for
  the trip around the horn.  Some with very small amount of memory (8 K) can
  control a small factory.  Personal computers are not  that kind of animal.
  Write a control program and put a trace  on it and sure enough the critter
  is setting  on  a program  step,  dead in  the water,  waiting for  input,
  minding  its  knitting  or  just  on  holiday  routine.  Be reasonable  in
  expection,  or be real good.  Cut large data logging  or data moving tasks
  into buffer  sized bites  to avoid scan problems.  Simple programs without
  good signal conditioning routines will exhibt all sorts of problems,  some
  will appear as scan problems.















                                                                     PAGE 46




  PROBLEM AREAS AND LIMITATIONS


  1.  X-10 technology has some bugs in it. Basically the modules communicate
  over the wires that power the house,  depending on how your house is wired
  will determine if you have problems or not.

  First things first.  The power  company supplying  your house brings power
  into the house over three wires. One of these wires is a neutral or ground
  wire.  The other  two  wires are  the  "hot" side of  the power.  They get
  connected  to  the  power buses  that  the fuses  or  circuit breaker  are
  supplied from. If you read the voltage between the two "hot" wires you get
  220 VAC.  Reading the  voltage  between one  of  the "hot"  wires  and the
  neutral wire gives a  reading of 110 VAC.  The whole thing looks something
  like this:



                            power into
                            the house
                            from power
                            company
     Fuse or                                                Fuse or
     circuit                                                circuit
     breaker                                                breaker
     panel            [--------- 220 VAC ----------]        panel
     side A           .              .             .        side B
                      .-- 110 VAC -- .-- 110 VAC --.
                      .              .             .
                      .              .             .
                      .              .             .
   circuit bkr -------.              .             . --- circuit bkr --
                      .              .             .
   circuit bkr -------.              .             .---- circuit bkr --
                      .              .             .
   circuit bkr -------.              .             .---- circuit bkr --
                                        Neutral


  The problem  is this:  if a X-10  module is  plugged into  wall receptacle
  powered by  a circuit  breaker supplied from  side A and tries  to talk to
  another X-10 module powered by a circuit  breaker supplied from Side B the
  coded signal will not be  seen by the receiving module.  X-10 modules must
  be on the same  side of the fuse  or circuit breaker panel to talk to each
  other.

  The solution  is to  rewire the fuse  or circuit breaker panel  to put all
  modules on the same side.  Another solution is to buy a little module that
  will pass the coded signals  between side A and B.  In both cases you need
  to be qualified to work on the power panel system. In many locations it is
  illegal to rewire the panel unless you are a licensed electrician.

  In any case you need to know about the problem and what the solution is so



                                                                     PAGE 47

  you can  tell the  electrician what  to do.  If you have  this problem and
  don't  understand  it,  show  the  electrician  this  chapter.  He  should
  understand it.  The module  to  pass coded  signals is  referenced  in the
  registered version.

  This problem can  be very annoying.  In the  registered version  is a much
  more detail discussion with the  problem areas fully explained,  solutions
  offered and various situations that different user might face are covered.

  In  addition  all  problems with  equipment,  the best  equipment  for the
  application and all problem areas/equipment  difference and other areas of
  difficulty encountered during  the development  of AUTOMATE are discussed.
  These  discussions  and  information  alone  are  worth the  price  of the
  registered version of AUTOMATE. Some of these areas can rapidly exceed the
  ability of the average user to find or understand/correct the problem.












































                                                                     PAGE 48



  WHAT DO I GET IF I REGISTER ?????????


  1. First of all my humble gratitude and thanks for rewarding my efforts.

  Second a completely  different program and  instructions for doing all the
  things discussed and demonstrated in the introductory shareware version.

  2.  Construction details on how  to build sensors,  calibration techniques
  and curve generators.

  A look at the  in/outs of designing  sensors and trimming  programs to use
  those sensors.

  A simple,  easy to do,  method of using graphic displays  to show off your
  control/monitoring handiwork.

  A complete example of how to build,  test,  calibrate and program a system
  to monitor analog real world parameters (visible light and temperature).

  The data sets for two temperature probes referenced to their part no.s and
  information on suppliers and design of those sensors.

  Example of how to  use that system  for parameter display  on the computer
  screen, data logging and setpoints generation for control applications.

  A complete discussion on inputing contact information via the gamecard. In
  addition a input expansion method to increase the number allowable.

  The only  complete  engineering based  program  on the market  for using a
  personal computer for monitoring, automation and control.

  3.  Construction details on  building a connection  box for the game port.
  The box  design  takes into  consideration the identification  of gamecard
  channels, programming considerations, acts as prototyping testbed to allow
  development  and  calibration  of  sensors  and allows  for  connection of
  sensors to the gamecard for monitoring or control applications.  Walks you
  through the calibration and testing of the gamecard for monitoring/control
  applications and has automatic characteristic curve generator.

  4.  A photo  of the  completed connection box,  other useful equipment and
  several prototype sensors.

  5.  Information  on  sensors  useful  in  home  applications.  Model No.s,
  approximate price, where to buy and how to use them.

  6. List of suppliers for X-10 technology equipment.

  7. List of suppliers for electronic and other hardware.

  8. Calibration details and examples of how to do it.

  9.  Sample  programs  for monitoring  and data  logging.  (source code  is
  included for all program examples.)



                                                                     PAGE 49


  The source code for the menuing program used in this version. This program
  can be used as a model to write a menu selection type control program. The
  menu program  in  this version  controlled selection of  the demonstration
  files, DOS functions and gave an easy way to navigate the program.

  10. Tips and hints on designing control programs.

  11.  A discussion  on  X-10 technology  and  how to communicate  with X-10
  modules.  Included  is  a  communication  program  for  use  with AUTOMATE
  monitoring and control programs.  A sample program using AUTOMATE and X-10
  modules  together.  Information  on  buying  the  best X-10  interface and
  communications software.  Discussions on the problem areas  and how to fix
  them.

  12.  A completely different program with more  in depth discussion in many
  areas.  The  registered  version  IS  NOT  a  warmed over  version  of the
  shareware version.  All redundant files of the  shareware version has been
  deleted.


  13.  Full disclosure  of all  methods and files.  All compiled  files have
  their  source  code  included.  That includes  all compiled  files of  the
  shareware version. Nothing is "hidden".

  14.  The only limitations to the purchaser are: The purchaser may not seek
  to duplicate the intent, methods or manner of AUTOMATE so as to supersede,
  or directly compete with  AUTOMATE in a  commercial manner or in any other
  manner render  AUTOMATE obsolete.  The purchaser  shall have  the right to
  develop any other application not contained in AUTOMATE for his own use or
  sale.  Registration is  NOT a  license for exclusive use.  No restrictions
  shall be recognized due  to the purchasers copyright,  patent or any other
  legal protection,  where the source is derived from AUTOMATE.  A reference
  to the  source  material is  required.  You CANNOT  COPY,  USE OR  INCLUDE
  AUTOMATE to  complete  your program.  No bundling  or  attaching of files,
  whole or in part.  The use permission is intended to allow for new product
  development. It is not a use through attachment permission.

  15.  Finally full  rights  to chop it  up and use  any part,  whole files,
  develop  any  application   (software  and   hardware)  and   include  any
  information,  in whole or  in part in  your application without any fee or
  liability.  Full rights to  copyright or  patent any  equipment described,
  written material or methods. All ideas expressed in the registered version
  may be developed free of any liability or fee in so far as they are not in
  conflict with paragraph 14.  This right for  use is  intended to allow the
  user  to  develop  new,  novel and  useful products  where the  results of
  development of the  results of AUTOMATE  are integrated into  that product
  development.  Simple attachment or copying of methods,  techniques,  files
  whole or in part as to add value, enhance or complete a user's application
  for sale shall be viewed an infringement of the right to use permission.

  16.  All registered  users  MUST acknowledge  in writing (included  in the
  order form)  their liability  for further  distribution of  the registered
  version without financial remuneration to the author.  No purchase will be
  accepted  without  the  acknowledgement.  Purchasers  shall  fully  accept
  responsibility  for  ensuring  the  registered  version is  not  placed on



                                                                     PAGE 50

  electronic bulletin  boards  or any  other means of  mass duplication.  An
  understanding shall  exist  that registered copies  may be "marked"  by an
  identification means  to identify  the registered owner.  Registered users
  are free to make  an unlimited number  of copies for use by the registered
  owner on as many systems  as he owns or controls.  If the owner  is not an
  individual,  a site registration  is required and  the number of  users is
  restricted to 30 individuals per site. Each individual owner is restricted
  to  his  exclusive  use  only  without  a  site registration.  Transfer of
  ownership of AUTOMATE through sale,  gift or any other  means shall not be
  recognized by  the author.  Transfer of  ownership by  any means  shall be
  viewed as illegal further distribution of AUTOMATE.
















































                                                                     PAGE 51










  QUESTIONS


  1.  All software should have a "QUESTIONS" chapter.  O K, I've read it all
  but I still have these questions!! So, here is my questions chapter of all
  those things I didn't get around to answering.

  QUESTION:

  Do you sell the hardware, I don't want to build my own?

  ANSWER

  Maybe,  if there is  enough demand.  I'll probably stock  the sensor parts
  that  are  the  more  difficult ones  to obtain.  As for  the  other small
  construction projects required  at this time,  I don't want  to build them
  but if someone out there does I'll try to cooperate.  Nothing I present in
  the registered version is difficult to build.  Plus everything has a parts
  list and a supplier referenced  to obtain those parts.  Most come from one
  source and I  even give  you the catalog numbers.  To get you  through the
  project,  I do a lot  of "hand holding".  The general tone does not assume
  that you are  an experienced in  electronics or computers and explains all
  steps as they are accomplished. Where I know small differences exists from
  computer to  computer,  the differences  are  pointed out,  with suggested
  solutions.  I've also picked  over the suppliers  and only list those that
  give results, plus I kind of rate them and point out some of the flaws.

  QUESTION

  Yeah,  but I don't know  anything about electronics,  I'm just the average
  computer wizard and I  always thought an  engineer was the guy who drove a
  train?  Plus I failed differential inverted  calculus and can't even spell
  lapasal transform or was it laplase transform, anyhow you get my drift?

  ANSWER

  Great,  you  don't  have  to  know  electronics.  The electronics  part is
  presented for dummies.  I "lead you  through the  woods" in the electronic
  and math areas.  You can get  working applications  by just "following the
  lead". In the areas of programing or math the examples are fully explained
  in a  prior  discussion to  doing  that part  but  the actual  application
  example to produce a working application is fully worked out.  The results
  are used  "cookbook style".  For the  "rocket scientists"  and math expert
  enough back ground is presented to let  you wander the woods for all sorts
  of goodies. The required math is on the level of balancing your checkbook.
  The more your knowledge base, the more you can do.




                                                                     PAGE 52

  QUESTION

  So,  if I can do automation  with the X-10 technology equipment,  why do I
  need AUTOMATE,  why not  just  buy off the  shelf equipment and  do really
  great systems  that will  really impress  all  my friends and  about to be
  friends?

  ANSWER

  Thats just it friend,  with the equipment bought off the shelf, you aren't
  even going to impress yourself.  The "off the  shelf" automation equipment
  is basically based on time.  All really good automation  type systems will
  require a good source of independent information for decision making. Time
  is  only  one  of  those  good  sources  of  information.  A  lot  can  be
  accomplished  based  on  time.  But  the  limits  appear  rather  quickly.
  Information like visible light level,  temperature and others  are what is
  really required to automate  most desired functions.  AUTOMATE is the link
  to allow  development of  that desired  information.  AUTOMATE allows  for
  complete data logging,  automation systems based on information other than
  time and the ability to monitor and display the results of automation, not
  just  another  "dumb"  system  blindly doing  its thing.  AUTOMATE is  NOT
  ANOTHER PRECANNED solution to the world's problems. AUTOMATE is written to
  inform,  guide and  allow  for the  user  to adapt  automation  using X-10
  technology and  hybrid  control systems  to their needs  and requirements.
  AUTOMATE is NOT another magic solution.  It requires thought and some work
  on the users part. The flip side of the coin is it also allows the user to
  develop  powerful  automation  systems for  their use  or  for sale.  Plus
  AUTOMATE is the only really low cost, effective and workable system on the
  market for analog  and contact  control/monitoring that offers  a complete
  and fully implemented method for achieving results.  AUTOMATE is not about
  selling you  hardware  and a  "pig-in-the-poke"  but is  about  a planned,
  method based  approach  to control/monitoring  using a  personal computer.
  Plus it  gets you  involved with the application,  don't believe any other
  promises, your application with differ from the next guys, the trick is to
  understand  the  basics  and  background  to  handle  your  own particular
  application.  AUTOMATE is not an experiment type based program.  The basis
  is engineering methods.  The sensor data is  developed from manufacturer's
  data.


  QUESTION:

  Is there any good reference book for a beginner programming type who would
  like to try but finds all those IBM manuals makes mush out of the brain?

  ANSWER

  Get the  ACORN  instruction manual  (lot  of grade school  and junior high
  schools used that computer) very good entry level introduction. The Timex/
  Sinclair instruction manuals were excellent,  even a brain  dead adult can
  understand using those manuals. For color and graphics beginning reference
  I highly recommend Carl  Shipman's "How to  program your IBM PC  - Color &
  Graphics".  Ask for it at any good bookstore.  If they don't have it,  ask
  them to order it. The fancy standard identification number (most USA books
  now have a unique standard type number that identifies that book), kind of
  like "dog tags for books". The number is "ISBN 0-89586-256-4". Using those



                                                                     PAGE 53

  references and an occasional foray into the IBM BASIC manual you can under
  stand  anything  in  the  demo  programs.  I am  not  your most  brilliant
  programmer, more like hack and mash and a lot of dust.  I do not recommend
  playing around  with  automation without  a little  programming knowledge.
  Using precanned programs to do things you  do not understand is asking for
  trouble. If you get stuck, ask your kids, if your a kid, ask your parents.
  Anyway how  are you  ever really  going to  be able  to explain  it to the
  insurance company if you burn the house down.

  QUESTION

  Do you want to go to work for me?

  ANSWER - No

  QUESTION

  I have a brilliant idea or a problem, can I call you.

  ANSWER

  Yes,  but please  not till  after 12 noon  EST and not after  8 PM EST.  I
  prefer most things in writing. You have to think it out better.

  QUESTION

  Is this computer control and automation dangerous?

  ANSWER

  Yes,  if  you  are careless.  The X-10  technology  control involves  high
  voltage,  such as  110 VAC  and 220 VAC.  If you stick your  tongue into a
  regular wall  power receptacle  you will get hurt.  Computer control is an
  extension of  the  safety and  good housekeeping  practices  that everyone
  should follow around the home without any computers involved. There is "NO
  MAGIC", if you do stupid things, no computer is going to protect you.  The
  analog and control  monitoring that I  talk about is inherently safe.  The
  highest voltage present if you do things correctly is 5 VDC.  If I make no
  other impression or get  no other point across,  KNOW WHAT YOU DOING - the
  home is probably  the most unsafe  place we are exposed too.  USE THE SAME
  CARE WITH COMPUTER AUTOMATION THAT YOU  USE WITH ANY HIGH VOLTAGE,  MOVING
  PARTS OR OTHER HOME HAZARDS.

  QUESTION

  Can money be made from the automation/control/monitoring applications?

  ANSWER

  Lord,  yes!  The advent  of  home automation  opens  up the  field  of new
  hardware or software products in a  home market that is probably saturated
  with data bases, word processors, games, etc. Automation labs are fun. The
  market has  not even  made a  tiny  dent in  the applications  of what  is
  possible.  This  field  is  kind  of  an experimenters  and  hobby control
  engineers ball game right now with folks  building a lot of their hardware
  and  writing  their  own  application  software.  I usually  know  what is



                                                                     PAGE 54

  happening in this area  and there is  really no one trying  to exploit the
  home  market  in its  full scope  yet.  It requires  a  different kind  of
  computer thinking.  The world is full of one function,  don't hand me that
  type  screwdriver  (I  only  do  Phillip  head  screws)  type folks.  Good
  automation  requires  general  practitioners,  those with  skills  in many
  different areas and the ability to see  the solution and then stay with it
  through the final implementation.  Those folks who can cut the mustard and
  are organized and can count  on a ready market.  It is there,  you have to
  find it  and then  serve a niche.  The market is huge  and really not even
  widely understood as  to its potential.  No one manufacturer dominates the
  industrial market, its is a market of niches, the personal computer market
  will also be a market of niches. The really good ideas will survive and be
  rewarded.  Expect hype  and  the ad  persons to muddy  the waters,  I hope
  software like this will provide an alternate product.


  QUESTION

  What if I try it but can't understand or am just turned off?

  ANSWER

  The general field of  automation/control/monitoring is huge.  I have found
  you start in one  area and your interests  just takes you from one area to
  another. It is easy to get "hooked". Unlike most computer stuff, where its
  all pre-  canned and  you feel like a  fool for not being  able to see the
  solution. Computer control and automation is not precanned and you have to
  get involved with your particular application.  Once you acquire the basic
  working  knowledge  its  very  difficult  not  to  like  it.  There is  no
  right/wrong type thinking.  There are many different solutions.  I found I
  will start with a preconceived idea about  something and find I'm all wet,
  halfway through the problem.

  QUESTION

  I have seen all sorts of magazine articles, ads and that sort of thing, is
  this just another come on,  long on selling,  long on promises  and then I
  won't be able to get it to work?

  ANSWER

  There is  going  to be  a  certain amount of  that hype.  Anyone promising
  "magic solutions"  with  no basic  computer knowledge  or  "miracles" with
  precanned software is probably leading you down the primrose path.  A good
  solid knowledge of computer basics,  a little programming knowledge,  some
  curiosity,  good  organization,  common  sense  and  some  stick-to-it  is
  required for  success.  If your  the  type person  who can be  found going
  sixteen ways all at  once or expects  instant success based on a very thin
  knowledge base your  in for trouble.  In addition you can  get hurt or get
  others hurt.









                                                                     PAGE 55

  QUESTION

  Isn't all this very expensive?

  ANSWER

  No, just the opposite. You can build most hardware for sensors and control
  devices. There are new small, cheap computers (just buy the box), get used
  monitors, printers, keyboards and hang a system together. You don't need a
  hard disk, the number of ports (com, printer, game, external devices), the
  amount of  RAM,  things like  that  are more important.  A one  disk drive
  machine is fine.  Most can be  put together  by going to  salvage computer
  companies. I bought a new keyboard and a very expensive tilt monitor (with
  small burnt areas on  the screen - which  has no effect on  what I want to
  do)  for  $50.  Used  all  the  extra  equipment  that  was  laying around
  collecting dust.  In all for a 1 Meg RAM,  286 AT, one disk drive, w/2 com
  ports,  parallel printer port,  external drive port, game port, monochrome
  monitor,  joystick,  connector box, C-Itoh 8510 printer, electronic parts,
  new digital  auto  ranging multimeter  final  cost around  $600.00  and my
  regular make-the-money computer is not  at risk at all.  I have used parts
  out of  my "junk  box" that I have  never expected to ever  have a use for
  again.  You don't need super "high tech" to be effective. Moreover its the
  one area of  personal computers  where if you want,  you can have complete
  control over developing YOUR SYSTEM.  It may not be the best, may not even
  work very  well,  but it  is YOURS.  With a little  skill and time,  it is
  possible to build a very nice system.

  Plus the  X-10 stuff  is reasonable and  can be built  up in phases.  Also
  using the contact  input scheme given  in the registered  version bypasses
  the most expensive modules.

  QUESTION

  Yeah,  but  is  it  fun?  I'm up  to HERE  with computer  stuff.  All that
  databases, inputs demands, cross-inverted double whammy eat the dots games
  until I could just bust.  It has left me badly  burnt-out on computers and
  just plain  jaded.  I just  think I've  seen it all.  Nothing turns  me on
  anymore !!!

  ANSWER

  Pal,  the only thing more fun is the monkey cage at the zoo around feeding
  time when they get real frisky.  As for the jaded part,  you're gonna have
  to see some sort of a therapist or shrink for the rest of your problem.















                                                                     PAGE 56