---------------------------------------- Discussions on BSR X-10 Interface The Circuit Cellar BBS 203/871-1988 June 1988 ---------------------------------------- Msg#: 3597 *PROJECTS* 06/02/88 21:54:03 From: JOHN APPLEYARD To: STEVE CIARCIA Subj: X-10 TRANSMITTER Steve, I just received the new Micromint Catalog today, and I noticed that they are now offering a X-10 transmitter that is capable of being directly attaced to the BCC-180 parallel port system. Two questions, if you please: 1. Is this THE TRANSMITTER that you are going to describe in the next INK issue ? If not, what are the differences going to be? 2. Is CCI going to offer anything like this, or only available thru Micromint? Thanks for the info and keep the projects coming! Msg#: 3682 *GENERAL* 06/06/88 13:06:18 From: RON WILSON To: TAEGAN GODDARD Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3537 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) TAEGAN, I've seen two different X-10 computer interfaces: one that simply impresses serial data (pre-encoded by the host PC) on the power line; and another with a CPU and realtime clock on board (you download commands to the box much like programming a VCR to recording multiple different TV programs). Which version of the X-10 interface is your program for? Thanks, Ron Msg#: 3705 *GENERAL* 06/07/88 08:30:54 From: KEN DAVIDSON To: RON WILSON (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3682 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) The code he uploaded is for the serial-based computer interface that contains intelligence. Code for the power line interface module described in the third issue of Circuit Cellar INK will be posted in the INK file section shortly. Msg#: 3752 *GENERAL* 06/09/88 07:02:09 From: ROBERT MCILVAINE To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3705 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) Have missed somthing? What power line interface in the third issue of INK? For that matter, What third issue of INK? I think I only remember getting two issues, I'll have to check the files at home. Msg#: 3757 *GENERAL* 06/09/88 08:28:19 From: KEN DAVIDSON To: ROBERT MCILVAINE (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3752 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) The third issue of INK started mailing about a week ago. You should be seeing it soon. I referred to it in the past tense because I thought you had seen the power line interface module in the article. I guess it was in X-10's ads that you first read about the module? I haven't seen any references to it besides in those ads. Msg#: 3770 *GENERAL* 06/09/88 12:40:01 From: RON WILSON To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3705 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) Radio Shack's first X-10 computer interface (which was made by BSR) was simply the power line interface; it was listed in their catalog for $34.95. (I disassembled one of them about 5 years ago). Their later inteface (also made by BSR) could be programmed by the host computer like a VCR and then left to execute the ins{tructions ad infinitum. (I have one of these, but my TRS-80 is long dead and I never did get around to decoding the box's command language before the TRS-80 died - now with your program, I can start using the controller again) Thanks, Ron Msg#: 3762 *GENERAL* 06/09/88 11:38:59 From: GARREN DAVIS To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: BSR X-10 INTERFACE I need an interface to control BSR modules from a serial RS 232 port I can't remember if i ever saw one in BYTE. Any info would be a great help Msg#: 3774 *GENERAL* 06/09/88 16:21:14 From: KEN DAVIDSON To: GARREN DAVIS (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3762 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) I know Steve never mentioned it and I doubt it would have been in any other BYTE articles. X-10 makes a serial-based computer interface with some smarts in it. You buy it with software written for a specific computer. Using that software, you program events based on time-of-day and send that list to the box serially. Once programmed, you unplug the host computer and the interface stands alone. You can also write your own software to talk to the interface and not use X-10's software. That way, you can use it with any computer that has a serial port capable of running 600 baud. I've seen the interface for sale at most places that sell modules (except Radio Shack). DAK and Heathkit are two that come to mind. Msg#: 3811 *GENERAL* 06/10/88 10:58:14 From: GARREN DAVIS To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3774 (BSR X-10 INTERFACE) I saw the interface in heath but i've never seen one in DAK.Heaths was a little expensive for me.I have one for my TRS-80 but i dont know the so ftware protocall that it sends out of the cassette port.I just subscribe d to INK hoping there would be an interface project.Hope I didn't miss a nything good. Msg#: 3867 *GENERAL* 06/13/88 11:12:08 From: GARREN DAVIS To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: BSR SOFTWARE I took apart the BSR interface from my TRS 80 and figured out how it works.It uses a bit to modulate the AC and a bit to check for the zero crossing of the AC.I need some software to use this interface on my PC-XT.Also I would like to get the back issues of ink starting at the beginning of this year Msg#: 3893 *GENERAL* 06/14/88 08:20:53 From: KEN DAVIDSON To: GARREN DAVIS (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3867 (BSR SOFTWARE) The third issue of INK has an article that describes how to create valid X-10 codes given a zero crossing and a bit that gates a 120-kHz oscillator onto the power line. The IBM PC software described in the article will be available here shortly. Go to the INK information menu from the main menu to find out how to get back issues. Msg#: 3900 *GENERAL* 06/14/88 11:00:44 From: GARREN DAVIS To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3893 (BSR SOFTWARE) I just called the MICROMIN and asked if they sell an interface.they said they have the interface and the software for the PC.I have seen BYTE projects sold from the MICROMINT before.Would this project in the third issue of INK be the one that the MICROMINT is selling. Msg#: 3924 *GENERAL* 06/15/88 08:21:45 From: KEN DAVIDSON To: GARREN DAVIS (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3900 (BSR SOFTWARE) Yes, the interface, cables, and software described in the third issue of INK are exactly what Micromint is selling as the BCX/52, BCX/180, and BCX/PC. Msg#: 3932 *GENERAL* 06/15/88 10:31:48 From: GARREN DAVIS To: KEN DAVIDSON (Rcvd) Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 3924 (BSR SOFTWARE) Thanks, I'll get the back issues of INK then I should be up and running.Just to let you know what I am doing with the interface,it's something very similar to Steves HOME CONTROL SYSTEM except I have a 2 meter HAM transceiver and voice feedback so i can control the house from my telephone or from my radio in my car using touch tones Thanks again for all your help.You have a great bulliten board