dBeau
Active Member
I've been looking for a "user interface" to my irrigation system but havent found much of interest. The ECXTRA seem oh so close. The idea is that I want a "normal" looking controller out in the garage, mostly for manual override use and use by folks other than myself. Behind the scenes, the Elk will be monitoring and approving all requests. Considering the difficulty of programming a watering schedule into the elk, I'd also like to be able to remotely set the schedule via the PC.
For all but that last bit, the ECXTRA (or any other typical device) would be fine. The ECXTRA, however, has a feature that allows a program to be downloaded to a USB dongle which can then be taken out and plugged into the EXCTA. The program is then uploaded into the ECXTRA. It's obvious that the ECXTRA communicates with the dongle via some serial protocol. It stands to reason then, that an adapter could be created that would take the place of the dongle and provide direct communication with the ECXTRA.
So the question is, does anyone know anything about the protocol used between the ECXTRA and it's USB dongle? ...created an RS232 adapter for it? ...figured out the packet format and command structure?
For all but that last bit, the ECXTRA (or any other typical device) would be fine. The ECXTRA, however, has a feature that allows a program to be downloaded to a USB dongle which can then be taken out and plugged into the EXCTA. The program is then uploaded into the ECXTRA. It's obvious that the ECXTRA communicates with the dongle via some serial protocol. It stands to reason then, that an adapter could be created that would take the place of the dongle and provide direct communication with the ECXTRA.
So the question is, does anyone know anything about the protocol used between the ECXTRA and it's USB dongle? ...created an RS232 adapter for it? ...figured out the packet format and command structure?