Firecracker (CM17A) plugin - where'd it go?

[mflaster]

Am I totally confused? :-?

I am currently using the firecracker plugin at home, with Girder 3.0. I'm thinking about upgrading to 3.1 or 3.2, and I wanted to make sure this plugin was upgraded/supported. But I can't find it anywhere - not even under the 3.0 download section.

Am I blind? This plugin isn't gone, is it??

Mike

[mflaster]

Aha, I *am* blind! :oops:

"useful" is an understatement - it's a requirement for me! It's the only way for my HTPC to interact with the outside world! :)

Thanks so much for updating it!

Mike

[mflaster]

BTW, can I update the driver for you? Is the source code public?

And most importantly - is it easy? :)

Mike

[mflaster]

Are you wondering about a 3.2 plugin for the CM17A or the CM11A?

I've converted Mark's cm17a plugin for 3.2. I'm having a slight problem with it - but I think it might be my system/OS, not the plugin.

Does anyone want to give it a whirl?

Mike

[Mark F]

It is still available under the 3.0 action plugins. Right here (http://www.girder.nl/download.php?Link=4).

It has not been updated for 3.2 but should work in "compatibility mode" on 3.1. I'm pleasently suprised that someone finds it useful. :) I'll put it on my list to be updated to 3.2.

[Mark F]

I'd be :D HAPPY :D to let you update this plugin.

The source is mine so giving it to you is not a problem. You can keep it private or put it on th edeveloper's page or whatever you'd like.

"Is it easy?" ;) Not exactly.

I used VC++6.0 to build this .dll file. It incorperates the Girder 3.0 interface which needs to be updated to the 3.2 interface. Send me a PM with your E-Mail and I'll send you the source. If you don't want to try, after seeing the source, I'll try to make time this weekend to do this.

[Mark F]

It is a one way RF transmitter. The Firecracker attaches to a serial port and the receiver attaches to an electrical outlet. The receiver accepts the commands from the Firecracker and transmits X10 on the powerlines.

If you already have a Firecracker, so be it. Mike is working on a Girder 3.2 update.

If you want to buy something to do this, I would suggest something OTHER than the Firecracker. Something that has feedback (two-way) X10 capabilities.

I'd suggest the PowerLinc (http://www.smarthome.com/1132.html). Get the 1132, 1132S and 1132P. This works great with the serial plugin and a GVMS script.

Or you can get a CM11A and Keyware's software and have that software do the scenes.

As usual, with Girder, there are plenty of choices. :)

[Mark F]

...know where I can get a 240Vac version for New Zealand?
Sorry. No. :(

[Mark F]

I haven't looked at a CM12. The CM11 won't due to timing and protocol problems. IF I get a couple of free minutes, I'll check out the CM12.

[Mark F]

I looked on the x10-europe site and there isn't a CM12 listed. Does anyone have a URL?

The Ocelot is already being used by a user of girder (http://www.girder.nl/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1106). :)

[Mark F]

A CM11/12 plugin is doable. Just not by me. ;)

[Mark F]

Try this (ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/cm11a_protocol.txt) document.

[Caffiend]

Actually you can just send a command to the CM11A to dim lights, etc. You can do it by using X10COM32 that comes with the ActiveHome software. If you run it at Windows start it will load up as a "Communication Bridge". Then you can send X10 commands with it in a command prompt, e.g. "X10COM32 A3 Off" or "X10COM32 B5 dim to 050%". Just have Girder use the OS->Execute function and you're all set.

-will

[rickd]

Hey guy's I want to add some X10 lighting and use this plugin to control it.

Can you explain how the Firecraker works.....is it just a wireless device or does it connect to the wiring of the house?

What do I need to use it exclusviely with Girder for on off and dimming / saved scene type scenario's?

Also I would need the updated version too I on 3.2.2.

Thanks Rick

[rickd]

Are this would suit me better excellent thanks mark the serial plugin is what I prefer and this offers more function thanks.....know where I can get a 240Vac version for New Zealand.

Cheers Rick

[rickd]

Yeah Mark I can get the CM12 too so appreciate your checking it out. Also the Adicon Ocelot controller may also offer this capability all be it with ir and contact closure support and it can be programmed too for standalone capability (disconnected from computer).......check out the protocol doc here as this says to me it can still be controlled via rs232 serial commands regardless.
http://www.appdig.com/adicon.html

See protocol document on this page. http://www.appdig.com/Serprot/CPUXA_Protocol.pdf

Rick

[rickd]

Great hey guy's where are the protocol doc's for the CM12 as I might try using the serial plugin for the interium to get my head around X10 stuff.

Mattwire I will be happy to help you test this plugin once your ready.

Cheers Rick

[rickd]

gees that looks a bit scary all that handshaking ........might be better to wait for a plugin......looks like you just can't send it a command to dim the lights.

Cheers Rick

[levyshay]

Are this would suit me better excellent thanks mark the serial plugin is what I prefer and this offers more function thanks.....know where I can get a 240Vac version for New Zealand.

Cheers Rick

Hi,
Check: http://www.x-10europe.com

I've just founded it (I'm looking for 240V switches also).
But X10 format ain't cheap, so if you find something cheaper let me know.

Shay Levy.

[mattwire]

Any idea whether the CM12 would work with girder/serial plugin?
The reason I ask is because it is available in the UK (www.letsautomate.com) and its relatively inexpensive.

[mattwire]

http://www.letsautomate.com/10075.cfm?CFID=61068&CFTOKEN=9396684
http://www.laser.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=25&category_id=aeb02d0563508713ebb6f1355e2dac46&
http://www.habitek.co.uk/Habitek2001EC/itm00379.htm

I think it is actually just a european version of the cm11 so it won't work with your plugin.
You say it would not be possible to interface with your serial plugin. How easy do you think it would be to write a separate plugin for it? (I'm not asking you to do it, just wondering how practical it would be).

[mattwire]

There seems to be a java implementation for communication with the cm11/12 here:

http://www.jpeterson.com/rnd/

and some useful X10 links here:
http://www.equator.ac.uk/devices/x10/index4.html

[mattwire]

Good! That's the answer I was hoping for.
I'll have some time after exams so I may have a go at creating a plugin for a cm12. I'm intending to purchase some X10/HA stuff to 'fiddle' around with and computer interaction has to play a major part.

[Kerry Wilkinson]

Has there been any progress on porting this to 3.2? I didn't have any luck running it in 3.2. I installed it in the main plugin directory, but when I launch Girder an error immediately pops up saying something about the firecracker.dll is not exporting all of the functions (or something like that).

I have the firecracker module, so I 'm hoping this will work. I really don't want to buy something else, as all I want is the ability to turn on and off lights.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kerry