I got this message from Pentair today regarding the Screenlogic interface.
I called Pentair on this and they cited "security" as the reason to keep this proprietary (nasty viruses and worms might mess up the pool pump I guess). They claimed that the protocol is owned by Homelogic, so I contacted them to pursue further. The bottom line here is that there is no upside for Homelogic to expose this protocol (just engineering time and effort with no return). I understand the position, but don't like it.
The only way this protocol will get exposed is through reverse engineering. If anyone has the RS-485 decoded (all or part) and would not mind posting it that would be a big step in making this happen. I'll capture a rich set of screenlogic traces as soon as possible.
FWIW - the Pentair protocol adapter can easily be used without the router, as long as you can connect with its default IP address 192.168.1.2. The nasty screenlogic windows ap will bombard the local network with its version of a discovery protocol, looking for any installed adapters on the subnet, so beware. It sends broadcast ARP requests looking for every IP address in the subnet every 1/2 second (250 requests every 500 milliseconds). I think they got this backwards ...
Thank you for your inquiry about ScreenLogic. Unfortunately ScreenLogic is a closed protocol and will not interface with home automation systems. If you are looking to integrate a home automation system to control the Intellitouch you would need to use an i-link adapter that converts RS485 to RS232. The i-link adapter should integrate directly from the Intellitouch to your home automation without the need of an additional computer. You will most likely just need to use a laptop or computer for initial setup just to verify that the i-link is communicating properly. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us at 800-831-7133 and reference case number TS00543151.
Thank you,
Kelly Houlihan
Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc
Thank you,
Kelly Houlihan
Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc
I called Pentair on this and they cited "security" as the reason to keep this proprietary (nasty viruses and worms might mess up the pool pump I guess). They claimed that the protocol is owned by Homelogic, so I contacted them to pursue further. The bottom line here is that there is no upside for Homelogic to expose this protocol (just engineering time and effort with no return). I understand the position, but don't like it.
The only way this protocol will get exposed is through reverse engineering. If anyone has the RS-485 decoded (all or part) and would not mind posting it that would be a big step in making this happen. I'll capture a rich set of screenlogic traces as soon as possible.
FWIW - the Pentair protocol adapter can easily be used without the router, as long as you can connect with its default IP address 192.168.1.2. The nasty screenlogic windows ap will bombard the local network with its version of a discovery protocol, looking for any installed adapters on the subnet, so beware. It sends broadcast ARP requests looking for every IP address in the subnet every 1/2 second (250 requests every 500 milliseconds). I think they got this backwards ...
