d.i.y. x10 universal module

[mhwlng]

See picture,

I needed a **quiet** x10-controlled relay

I purchased the UM7206 universal module, but the bistable relay inside is **extremely** loud.

This thing is an alternative, but it's expensive (in europe) :
http://www.appdig.com/adicon_new/rly8xa.htm
and I only needed one relay contact.

This one is lower cost...
http://www.cc-concepts.com/products/x10/

soooo, I built my own, using the same XM10 TTL Interface (TW523 in the USA) as above devices also require...

The device is based on a PIC 16F84 processor and a 5V reed-relay that I had laying around....

If anyone wants it, I can publish the c source code for the pic processor (c compiler used : http://www.sourceboost.com/)

the code is modified from this :
http://www.blitzlogic.com/x10.htm


(p.s. the reed relay is connected to my central heating and will allow girder to control the room temperature without using a thermostat)

Marcel

[stuart]

Hi, i am constructing my own version. was thinking of using a triac rather than relay, but would be interested in seeing how you implemented the relay if you don't mind posting some details?

Thanks

Stuart.

[mhwlng]

I didn't do anything exciting, I only needed to switch 5V, with low current.

So, I connected the pic processor output to a transistor, connected to the 5V reed relay in dil16 form factor....
(see above picture)

here's another picture


Marcel

[bryanl]

Hi:

I would be interested in the source code. Thanks in advance.

See picture,

This one is lower cost...
http://www.cc-concepts.com/products/x10/

soooo, I built my own, using the same XM10 TTL Interface (TW523 in the USA) as above devices also require...


Marcel

[mhwlng]

attached...

(see above url for the original code/hardware)

note that the code is very simple, it doesn't use interrupts or timers (which would be more elegant)

Marcel

[bryanl]

Thanks Marcel:

Givess me a start. For my application I want to build a relay board like the one from CC concept except I need to retrieve and process the X10 signals direct from the OEM product, not from the powerline or from a TW523. Any ideas?

[mhwlng]

the TW523 returns the X10 signal at TTL levels.

I have no idea what your 'OEM product' does...

Marcel

[bryanl]

It a controller for a aquarium. It communicates by using X10 commands to a PL513 interface to transmit the signals to the mains and subsequently connecting heaters,lights using X10 receiver modules. I want to "direct connect" from the controller straight to a relay board in a sense bypassing the PL513 and the power mains.

They offer a direct connect relay board DC4/8 but I wanted to go the DIY route.

http://www.neptunesys.com/

[mhwlng]

you'll have to find the TTL X10 signal, then...
(i.e. the output of their microcontroller)

Marcel

[quixote]

It a controller for a aquarium. It communicates by using X10 commands to a PL513 interface to transmit the signals to the mains and subsequently connecting heaters,lights using X10 receiver modules. I want to "direct connect" from the controller straight to a relay board in a sense bypassing the PL513 and the power mains.

They offer a direct connect relay board DC4/8 but I wanted to go the DIY route.

http://www.neptunesys.com/

Are you sure you want to put the lives of your fish in the hands of the X10 protocol? I used to use X10 also, but it was incredibly unreliable.