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So is that Archon as in the chess-like game for the Commodore 64?
I loved that game
Dorri
I loved that game
Dorri
Free Home Automation Software
- Thread starter ver0776
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ver0776
Active Member
Well, I have to admit Archon on the C64 changed my life.
I dare not try to explain the enlightenment triggered while mastering that game =) But suffice it to say I had no self esteem and felt abused and helpess in the world. Something in my brain changed as I learned to master it and I found a new confidence in my mind and my strategic abilities =) (Karate classes at the same time helped too)
Unfortunately, I only beat the sequal once =P
Vaughn
I dare not try to explain the enlightenment triggered while mastering that game =) But suffice it to say I had no self esteem and felt abused and helpess in the world. Something in my brain changed as I learned to master it and I found a new confidence in my mind and my strategic abilities =) (Karate classes at the same time helped too)
Unfortunately, I only beat the sequal once =P
Vaughn
123
Senior Member
Vaughn:
The screenscrapes of AHAA are tantalizing and I look forward to experimenting with the beta version.
My 2 cents: Please consider porting the VB6 code to VB 2005.
Microsoft has posted articles explaining how to migrate from VB6 to VB 2005 and they offer "VB 2005 Express", a free development environment. They also offer "SQL Server 2005 Express Edition" (free) providing many of the important features of SQL Server 2005.
"SQL Server 2005 Express" is designed to run on one's local PC and concurrently service the needs of multiple applications developed with Microsoft's programming languages. I believe SQLServer Express is Microsoft's response to MySQL.
Links:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/default.a...6tovbdotnet.asp
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/default.a...acyhardware.asp
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vb/default.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/
Taras
The screenscrapes of AHAA are tantalizing and I look forward to experimenting with the beta version.
My 2 cents: Please consider porting the VB6 code to VB 2005.
Microsoft has posted articles explaining how to migrate from VB6 to VB 2005 and they offer "VB 2005 Express", a free development environment. They also offer "SQL Server 2005 Express Edition" (free) providing many of the important features of SQL Server 2005.
"SQL Server 2005 Express" is designed to run on one's local PC and concurrently service the needs of multiple applications developed with Microsoft's programming languages. I believe SQLServer Express is Microsoft's response to MySQL.
Links:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/default.a...6tovbdotnet.asp
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/default.a...acyhardware.asp
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vb/default.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/
Taras
toymaster458
Active Member
From what I understand SQL2005 Express is the upgrade to SQL2000 Desktop Edition
ver0776
Active Member
Well, I do use Chief Architech, but I also use Better Homes & Gardens Home Designer v6. It was written by the same people and VERY similar...
My software just puts any background pictures you want in there, then lets you place the devices with a drag and drop interface, and filters out devices that are not tied to the jpg/floorplan you are looking at. So you could just as easily use photos or crayon drawings for that matter. My next screenshots will include the multi-floorplan options that are now done and some different backgrounds.
That's for looking at it =)
Vaughn
BTW I am looking for a couple Alpha Testers. I will post details later, but email me if anyone is interested.
My software just puts any background pictures you want in there, then lets you place the devices with a drag and drop interface, and filters out devices that are not tied to the jpg/floorplan you are looking at. So you could just as easily use photos or crayon drawings for that matter. My next screenshots will include the multi-floorplan options that are now done and some different backgrounds.
That's for looking at it =)
Vaughn
BTW I am looking for a couple Alpha Testers. I will post details later, but email me if anyone is interested.
ver0776
Active Member
I am very close. I guess I could put more detailed info on the SourceForge.net site, but it does not look like anyone looks there.
Here are the projects I feel I have to finish to put out the Alpha:
1. BUG - W800RF is not responding to DIM/BRIGHT correctly. UPDATE: This has been Fixed.
2. I have made a client that will run off of any machine, but the Inteon Controller and the AB8SS both must run off of the same machine. I need to seperate the AB8SS code and also test that it works fine without an AB8SS (not too big of a problem.)
3. Database conversion to MySQL has been done for a while, but I still need to generate the creation scripts for building the database on a new install. I would also like to clean up the tables a little, mostly just a little renaming and cleaning up unused fields, etc.
4. Lastly, although the app controls Insteon devices fine, I relied a little too much on source code donated to me and did not study it enough myself and I seem to be stuck with DM v145 and I have not done any work on advanced features like Switch replacement, or spidering links, etc. Now I will probably release with this flaw and see if someone else would like to help on it after I release.
I guess my biggest problem is understanding exactly how smooth this should be before I release the source. If the initial release is expected to just work with no issues then I have a ways to go. If I can release now and then work though the initial problems with a few people, then put out cleaner releases later, I would obviously release a lot sooner.
I had two people wanting to alpha test before I released code, but now I have not heard from them in some time. Just because the source is not on SourceForge does not mean I am not willing to release it now to an individual that is willing to go through a rough manual confirguration and work with me personally on it. My one local that wanted to pilot for me, if currently using Mr. House and is still using a CM11a and I am really not wanting to deal with different controllers at this point. An Alpha tester must at least have an Insteon Controller, perferrable the USB version =) as I do not have a serial one and have not coded anything for the serial version.
So to answer your question, briefly, I could have this thing in the hands of someone in the next day or two, if they are the right someone and are not expecting a polished product. I am really ready for some help/partners, so sign up to my project if you are wanting to get involved now. I will focus on the SQL install today because that would be the first step anyone will have to get through.
If anyone lives in Kansas City and wants to come over today and help, I will BBQ and I have about 6 cases of beer. heheh
Vaughn
Here are the projects I feel I have to finish to put out the Alpha:
1. BUG - W800RF is not responding to DIM/BRIGHT correctly. UPDATE: This has been Fixed.
2. I have made a client that will run off of any machine, but the Inteon Controller and the AB8SS both must run off of the same machine. I need to seperate the AB8SS code and also test that it works fine without an AB8SS (not too big of a problem.)
3. Database conversion to MySQL has been done for a while, but I still need to generate the creation scripts for building the database on a new install. I would also like to clean up the tables a little, mostly just a little renaming and cleaning up unused fields, etc.
4. Lastly, although the app controls Insteon devices fine, I relied a little too much on source code donated to me and did not study it enough myself and I seem to be stuck with DM v145 and I have not done any work on advanced features like Switch replacement, or spidering links, etc. Now I will probably release with this flaw and see if someone else would like to help on it after I release.
I guess my biggest problem is understanding exactly how smooth this should be before I release the source. If the initial release is expected to just work with no issues then I have a ways to go. If I can release now and then work though the initial problems with a few people, then put out cleaner releases later, I would obviously release a lot sooner.
I had two people wanting to alpha test before I released code, but now I have not heard from them in some time. Just because the source is not on SourceForge does not mean I am not willing to release it now to an individual that is willing to go through a rough manual confirguration and work with me personally on it. My one local that wanted to pilot for me, if currently using Mr. House and is still using a CM11a and I am really not wanting to deal with different controllers at this point. An Alpha tester must at least have an Insteon Controller, perferrable the USB version =) as I do not have a serial one and have not coded anything for the serial version.
So to answer your question, briefly, I could have this thing in the hands of someone in the next day or two, if they are the right someone and are not expecting a polished product. I am really ready for some help/partners, so sign up to my project if you are wanting to get involved now. I will focus on the SQL install today because that would be the first step anyone will have to get through.
If anyone lives in Kansas City and wants to come over today and help, I will BBQ and I have about 6 cases of beer. heheh
Vaughn
Vaughn
I'm interested in your software.
I'd eventually like to replace HomeSeer with something that has a better front-end and/or is more robust to do interfacing (two-way communications) via xAP, HTTP, and UPnP.
I'd like to use XLobby as my home automation & home theatre front-end since it is amazingly powerful (client/server model, multi-zone/multi-skin support, PVR control, + much more), runs on PCs and PocketPCs (winCE too) and it is 100% FREE!
Maybe you can work with Steven (the dev) and find a way to make them communicate seamlessly? It would be a killer combo and blow everything on the market away.
I already have a ton of time invested in HS so I'm reluctant to move to anything else unless I can do it easily.
I saw your demo and it looks nice. I'd love to try it out if it will work on my current system... P2-500 w/ 384MB RAM.
I'm using two serial devices: MR26a (for RF) and CM11A (for PLI).
I also have a USB-UIRT for IR. Does your software store/receive/send IR?
Also, what are your plans for VR?
I'm interested in your software.
I'd eventually like to replace HomeSeer with something that has a better front-end and/or is more robust to do interfacing (two-way communications) via xAP, HTTP, and UPnP.
I'd like to use XLobby as my home automation & home theatre front-end since it is amazingly powerful (client/server model, multi-zone/multi-skin support, PVR control, + much more), runs on PCs and PocketPCs (winCE too) and it is 100% FREE!
Maybe you can work with Steven (the dev) and find a way to make them communicate seamlessly? It would be a killer combo and blow everything on the market away.
I already have a ton of time invested in HS so I'm reluctant to move to anything else unless I can do it easily.
I saw your demo and it looks nice. I'd love to try it out if it will work on my current system... P2-500 w/ 384MB RAM.
I'm using two serial devices: MR26a (for RF) and CM11A (for PLI).
I also have a USB-UIRT for IR. Does your software store/receive/send IR?
Also, what are your plans for VR?
ver0776
Active Member
I currently have full VR support using the MS Speech 5.1 SDK. I did not demo it due to using the mic for the demo. The grammer and commands are set up in the main app, but the VR occures in a seperate app and inserts the commands in to the main apps' command que for processing. (my $7 mic is not so impressive either)
Hopefully in my second video I will be able to demonstrate the joke system... It is a nice mix of VR and my Speech engine...
I have an USB-UIRT and started playing with IR control, but decided it is better to release it now so I can get some assistance rather than trying to outcode the teams that are constantly improving their HA apps... Once the source is out, I expect for new features to start flying out and hopefully a nice xAP, xPL system will be part of that.
Thanks for the interest,
Vaughn
Hopefully in my second video I will be able to demonstrate the joke system... It is a nice mix of VR and my Speech engine...
I have an USB-UIRT and started playing with IR control, but decided it is better to release it now so I can get some assistance rather than trying to outcode the teams that are constantly improving their HA apps... Once the source is out, I expect for new features to start flying out and hopefully a nice xAP, xPL system will be part of that.
Thanks for the interest,
Vaughn
I checked on the WGL site and I don't see that you mentioned inverting and reversing the raw bits:
The four bytes output by the W800RF32 would be in order received:
01100000 10011111 00100000 11011111
byte 1 byte 2 byte 3 byte 4
In order for the rest of this document to make sense the following translation must be made:
1. Reverse the bit order, so it will look like this:
byte 1 byte 2 byte 3 byte 4
00000110 11111001 00000100 11111011
2. Then swap like this:
00000100 11111011 00000110 11111001
byte 3 byte 4 byte 1 byte 2
3. Lastley renumber the bytes to conform
00000100 11111011 00000110 11111001
byte 1 byte 2 byte 3 byte 4
This is format that is displayed by WGL's demo program rf32.exe as well as describe
as follows.
The four bytes output by the W800RF32 would be in order received:
01100000 10011111 00100000 11011111
byte 1 byte 2 byte 3 byte 4
In order for the rest of this document to make sense the following translation must be made:
1. Reverse the bit order, so it will look like this:
byte 1 byte 2 byte 3 byte 4
00000110 11111001 00000100 11111011
2. Then swap like this:
00000100 11111011 00000110 11111001
byte 3 byte 4 byte 1 byte 2
3. Lastley renumber the bytes to conform
00000100 11111011 00000110 11111001
byte 1 byte 2 byte 3 byte 4
This is format that is displayed by WGL's demo program rf32.exe as well as describe
as follows.
Vaughnver0776 said:
With the convergence of 'everything' finally getting to the home I suggest trying to get with Steven at XLobby and see if you can collaborate. My take is all HA apps now need to really integrate seamlessly into a front-end, without this they are all pretty much the same.
Vaughn:
I got the info from the W800 site and wrote some test code. I have it attached. From your Dim & Bright examples I get the same results you are reporting (C4 dim and C3 bright). I also ran many of the test examples from the WGL example test file to verify my code.
So my next thought is how are you generating what you think is C1 dim/bright? Have you verified your transmitting those codes correctly ?
Just a thought.
I got the info from the W800 site and wrote some test code. I have it attached. From your Dim & Bright examples I get the same results you are reporting (C4 dim and C3 bright). I also ran many of the test examples from the WGL example test file to verify my code.
So my next thought is how are you generating what you think is C1 dim/bright? Have you verified your transmitting those codes correctly ?
Just a thought.
ver0776
Active Member
Bruce,
Thanks so much for looking into the problem.
I fixed the problem and am I step closer now.
Thanks,
Vaughn
http://www.vcrib.com
Thanks so much for looking into the problem.
I fixed the problem and am I step closer now.
Thanks,
Vaughn
http://www.vcrib.com
I have build a number of X10 devices for my own use (blind controller, sunscreen controller, several types of lightswitches, CM11A compatible PC interface).
I recently developed a unit that conforms (not 100%) to the extended code 1 type 1 specifiaction of X10. It can measure temperature and licht intensity. The values can be requested by sending an X10 command to the unit. Temperature is also transmitted autonomously when it changes.
My problem is that, as far as I know, there are no software packages that supports the extended code specification.
As far as I understand, your software is database driven which in my opinion is a very big advantage.
I'm not a specialist in programming, but if you are willing to share your software with me, I would like to see if I can build in some extended code support.
Han Alink
Zutphen, The Netherlands
I recently developed a unit that conforms (not 100%) to the extended code 1 type 1 specifiaction of X10. It can measure temperature and licht intensity. The values can be requested by sending an X10 command to the unit. Temperature is also transmitted autonomously when it changes.
My problem is that, as far as I know, there are no software packages that supports the extended code specification.
As far as I understand, your software is database driven which in my opinion is a very big advantage.
I'm not a specialist in programming, but if you are willing to share your software with me, I would like to see if I can build in some extended code support.
Han Alink
Zutphen, The Netherlands
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