

  X10 event uploader version 2.0A
  -------------------------------

  OVERVIEW:  The X10 event uploader programs events on the CP290 X10
  controller.  This is done more simply and easily than other programs I
  have used.  Although it lacks bells and whistles, it is a no-nonsense
  method of getting events into the controller, without Windows, without
  a lot of repetitive data entry and without useless features that waste
  your time.

  A text file of events is created using any word processor or text editor.
  This file is then processed by the event uploader and send to the CP290
  via the serial port.  Using this method, a house program can be easily
  modified to change events and uploaded again over the previous program.

  These instructions seem a little involved.  Don't be intimidated.  If you
  look at the example data called SAMPLE.X10, you will see exactly how events
  are programmed any may never have to read this at all.

  The shareware version of this software is the same as the registered
  version, except that you are limited to only 6 events.  This is good for
  a start and will give you a feel for how useful this software is.
  The actual version is identical except that up to 128 events can be
  programmed.

  The cost of the full version of the software is $12 US dollars, including
  shipping domestically, if shipping is necessary.  I would prefer to
  distribute by electronic means.  Registration entitles you to one free
  upgrade when it becomes available, as well as free technical support for
  matters directly related to this software.

  To order the full version, contact Kevin Lieberman at:

  Creative Computer Solutions
  1146 Fernlea Drive
  West Palm Beach, FL 33417
  (407)478-1713
  E-MAIL: KevinLieb@aol.com
  dealer inquiries are welcome


  UPGRADES FROM VERSION 1.1C
  --------------------------
  Some minor bugs were fixed.  Also, the ability to make events be relative
  to sunrise and sunset times has been added.  A database of the locations
  of over 600 US cities is included to get the most accurate times possible.



  RUNNING X10 EVENT UPLOADER
  --------------------------
  The x10 event uploader was meant to run as a one line DOS command, without
  the need to prompt the user for any information.  The command format is
  as follows:

  X10UP [filename] [-?] [-COMn]

  filename   the path and filename of the command data file.  If no filename
             is specified you will be prompted to enter one

  -?         prints a help screen

  -COMn      the COM port that the CP290 is attached to.  If none is
             specified, COM1 is assumed


  X10 DATA FILES
  --------------
  The data files used by this program contain all of the information that
  is to be sent to the CP290 controller.  Information in these data files is
  not case sensitive and multiple spaces are ignored.  Lines that start with a
  semicolon are also ignored, so data files can contain comments.

  There are two types of data in this file: setup data and event data.

  SETUP DATA tells the CP290 what time and day it is and what the base
  housecode will be (for instant control using the rocker switches).  Any
  line in the data file can contain the setup information, but setup and event
  data can not be on the same line.

  COMMAND     DATA           DESCRIPTION
  --------------------------------------
  TIME       PRESENT or hh:mm  Specifies the current time and day to be stored
                               in the CP290.  PRESENT means use the time DOS
                               says it is.  hh:mm is the hour and minute to be
                               sent to the unit.  You must also specify a day
                               if PRESENT is not used by using the three letter
                               day identifier (MON, TUE, WED, ...)

  BASE      letter A-P        Sets the base housecode.  If specified, all data
                              currently in the CP290 is deleted.

  LATITUDE  dd.mm             home location latitude in degrees.minutes
  LONGITUDE dd.mm             home location longitude in degrees.minutes
  TIMEZONE  #                 difference from Greenwich Mean Time in hours,
                              without daylight savings

  For example, to set the time and day to be the present time and day, and the
  base housecode of K:

    TIME PRESENT BASE K

  To set the time to 1:30 pm on Wednsday:
    TIME 13:30 WED

  Use the file LATLONG.TXT to find the latitude and longitude for your city.
  If your city is not in this file, find the closest city or look at a map
  that contains latitude and longitude information.  Note that north
  latitude is positive and west longitude is positive.

  TIMEZONE is expressed as the time difference in hours from the time in
  Greenwich, England.  This is also called time or Universal Standard
  time.  Do not account for Daylight Savings Time, as this is done
  automatically by the program. For the United States:

                EASTERN          5.00
                CENTRAL          6.00
                MOUNTAIN         7.00
                PACIFIC          8.00


  EVENT DATA contains the details about what is to be turned on or off.

  COMMAND     DATA           DESCRIPTION
  --------------------------------------
  EVENT       hh:mm          time of event in 24hr format

  RELATIVE    hh:mm          time of event relative to previous time
                             This is always a future time.

  SUNRISE                    Set event time to sunrise

  SUNSET                     Set event time to sunset

  + hh:mm                    Set event time offset (for sunrise/sunset)

  - hh:mm                    Set event time offset (for sunrise/sunset)

  HOUSECODE   letter A-P     housecode for specified event

  UNIT        number 1-16    unit number for specified event (1 to 16).

  ON                         Turn the specified unit ON

  OFF                        Turn the specified unit ON

  DIM                        DIM specified unit.  If LEVEL is not specified,
                             0 is assumed

  LEVEL       number 1-16    Brightness level for dimming command: 1 is the
                             dimmest, 16 is the brightest


  Days for events are specified as:
    MON         SAT
    TUE         SUN
    WED         EVERYDAY
    THU         WEEKDAYS
    FRI         WEEKENDS


  The order on the line that commands are specified makes no difference.

  For example, to turn unit 1 on on housecode A at noon on Monday:
    EVENT 12:00 HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 ON MON

  For this same action to occur on weekends as well as Monday:
    EVENT 12:00 HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 ON MON WEEKENDS

  Relative specifications are the real strong point of this software.  Involved
  series of time dependant events become easy to program.

  For example, to turn unit 1 on housecode A on everyday at noon, then off 10
  minutes later, then back on 3 minutes later everyday:
    EVENT 12:00 HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 ON EVERYDAY
    RELATIVE 00:10 HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 OFF EVERYDAY
    RELATIVE 00:03 HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 ON EVERYDAY

  A new feature of version 2.0A is sunrise and sunset calculation.  Given your
  latitude, longitude and timezone, exact sunrise and sunset times are
  calculated.  This information must be provided in the setup line for these
  features to be used.

  Using SUNRISE and SUNSET are simple.  For example, to have unit 1 come on
  at sunrise and off at sunset everyday:

    SUNRISE HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 ON EVERYDAY
    SUNSET  HOUSECODE A UNIT 1 OFF EVERYDAY

  Another powerful feature is sunrise/sunset offset.  Events can be based on
  the sun.  For example, I want my pool punp to come on 2 hours after sunrise
  and an hour before sunset.  It is unit 6 on housecode K

    SUNRISE + 2:00 HOUSECODE A UNIT 6 ON EVERYDAY
    SUNSET  - 1:00 HOUSECODE A UNIT 6 OFF EVERYDAY

  Note that there must be a space between the sign and the time.  Times
  specified without the colon are considered to be minutes only.

  For other real world uses of the relative mode, see the example data file
  SAMPLE.X10


  DISCLAIMER
  ----------
  Use this software at your own risk.  Creative Computer Solutions assumes no
  liability for damage to your computer or any property caused directly or
  indirectly by the use of this software.  Automated home control can be
  dangerous if not done correctly, and the risk of using this software must be
  understood and respected by the user.



  KNOWN "SPECIAL FEATURES"
  ------------------------
  Data in the CP290 is wiped out when a new base housecode is sent.

  When uploading a file WITHOUT setting a base house code, the data previously
  in the unit will NOT be overwritten.  However, if there are more events in
  the unit than are being sent, some old events may still exist.  Two ways
  around this possible problem:
    1.  Wipe the memory on the CP290 before upload by pulling the plug and
        removing the battery (what a hassle).

    2.  Send a new base housecode on every upload to wipe the memory.

  This "feature" may also be changed if demand exists.

  RELATIVE mode can not take into consideration events that go into the
  next day.  This is not a concern for events that occur every day, but needs
  to be considered when for events that are only on certain days.


  A COOL IDEA
  -----------
  This program was designed to work on any PC.  It requires a bare minumum
  system.  An 8088 with 512 bytes of RAM, a floppy drive and a serial port
  would work fine.  There are thousands of outdated computers around that
  you can get for next to nothing.  Instead of using your good computer for
  programming the CP290, use one of these dinosaurs.

  Hook this computer up to an appliance module.  If possible, use a module
  that has the "Local control" disabled.  This will prevent power surges
  from turning on the computer.

  Now, in your CP290 program, have the computer turn on once a day and off
  5 minutes later.  In the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, have it start X10UP.  This will
  ensure the latest sunrise and sunset times are always being used, and
  the clock in the CP290 stays correct.


  QUESTIONS
  ---------
  If you have any questions about this software or have ideas for its
  improvement to make it more useful in future revisions, contact:

  Kevin Lieberman, President

  Creative Computer Solutions
  E-MAIL: KevinLieb@aol.com

  4743 Purdy Lane
  West Palm Beach, FL 33415
  (407)963-9251

  I'd also like to hear about interesting things that you have used my
  software to control in your home or office.
