x10 Powerline codes as events?

[Liickdude]

I have looked through lots of posts in here, so forgive me if this has been asked a hundred times before. Is there an interface or device that can take x10 powerline codes and translate them into girder events. What I would like to do is have girder log or trigger an event based on an x10 code over the powerline. I have 3 x10 motion sensor exterior lights, as well as the motion sensor camera in my backyard. I would like girder to be able to execute commands when these motion sensors go on/off. They send both an RF signal to other x10 recievers in the house, but they also send a selectable code to turn on another x10 module if I so choose. This is the code I would like to capture. I would also like to be able to check status of my lights, as to whether x10 commands have been sent to turn them off/on, kind of a logger of codes sent over the powerline. This would allow other uses, such as being able to change music tracks using an X10 rf remote from upstairs or outside. I have the x10 Active home kit, several firecrackers, an MR26a reciever, an x10 mouse remote, and lots of other components, so I am hoping I have all the required hardware if this is possible to do. The only one that I figure would work is the Active home PC interface module, but I dont know how to get it talk to girder. Does the cm11a plugin allow girder events to be captured from the module, or is it just to send commands to the module?

[Mark F]

I use a PowerLinc and the Serial plugin. Go to smarthome.com and search for 1132. If you decide to go this way, I can provide the device file for the serial plugin.

[Liickdude]

Hi Mark,
Just a couple questions before ordering this. I am just wondering how responsive this is, can you teach it girder events for any powerline signals? Is there a delay from the x10 comand to the girder response? Would the x10 TW523 be the same device? or would it use the same device file? I have ordered from smarthome before and it takes a long time to get shipped to Canada, x10 direct is almost overnight.
Sorry for all the questions, but I hate it when things dont work quite the way you need them to. Here is an example scenario that I would like to be able to achieve:
Movie night at my home is a very loud experience. If we order a pizza, I would like to press a "Pizza guy" button on the remote. This would enable a multigroup that would listen for the x10 motion sensor at my front door to go on and to turn on the outside front light. When the motion sensor is triggered it would pause the movie (or reduce volume) and show an OSD of "Pizza Guy" or something.
I also have cameras at my front door, back door, and over the garage. If girder could identify motion sensors all around the house, it could switch a vcr between all three inputs, and record the action while emailing me still pics of the yard at work.
Just a couple of ideas I have, hopefully this will do what I need it to.

[Mark F]

I don't know if the TW523 uses the same device file or not. I don't have one.

The PowerLinc I have is extremely responsive. I have a motion sensor just outside my home-office. I always know when someone is at the door.

It sounds like you should be able to do what you want; HOWEVER, this will have a bunch of LUA code. If the thought of building and maintaining a VERY complex script scares you, you may wish to try something else.

[Liickdude]

Well Mark, I am very new to scripting, but so far have had good luck with trying to figure stuff out. I have gotten girder to communicate with my Anthem AVM-20 and have replaced its built in on-screen-display. I usually like to tackle a project that is just over my head, then learn about it until its not over my head anymore. The TW523 looks to be the same device, there is a full technical doc on it at X10.com, and it is on sale right now. Can you please send me your file for the smartlinc? I will take a look and if it appears to be compatible, I am going to order the x10 one this week. If it is total greek to me, I will make the smarthome order this week instead. As well, if you have any example code of how to get the smartlinc to respond to an x10 motion sensor, it would be much appreciated, TIA!

[Mark F]

PM me with an E-Mail address that can accept files and I'll send you what I have.

[debennett2]

Can someoen explain how I can get my powerlinc USB to listen for signals from my transceiver and then use them for macros? I obviously understand the sending part but, how do I make it listen? A timer? Thanks for any help with this!!!!

[Promixis]

You should see the powerlinc and x10 events in the logger