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X-10 Home Automation - Classic Software?

Posted by: olePigeon on 2022-11-23 11:38:54

I'm curious if anyone has the official X-10 software for classic Mac OS for controlling the CP290. I have a CP290 with supposedly the correct serial cable and software for Apple II. I can't get it talk to the CP290. I also tried various 3rd party Macintosh and DOS solutions, none of which could talk to the CP290.

I wanted to try it one more time with the official software before I return it, but I can't find it. It's not on the usual places, not even on Archive.org.

Posted by: Phipli on 2022-11-23 11:49:13

I'm curious if anyone has the official X-10 software for classic Mac OS for controlling the CP290. I have a CP290 with supposedly the correct serial cable and software for Apple II. I can't get it talk to the CP290. I also tried various 3rd party Macintosh and DOS solutions, none of which could talk to the CP290.

I wanted to try it one more time with the official software before I return it, but I can't find it. It's not on the usual places, not even on Archive.org.

I think there was Mac software, the Mac cable is also memtioned in the attached, but you could make your own thing in HyperCard to talk to it 🙂

600 baud is a little slow though!

Posted by: Phipli on 2022-11-23 11:51:02

Oh, found this if it is of interest?

HomeAccess-v1.5 (X-10) : Mel Fahnestock : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Originally uploaded by MelF, 3/26/97Home Access v1.5 DEMO is a major upgrade of this X-10 program for the Macintosh. Changes include: Resized to fit properly...

archive.org

Posted by: olePigeon on 2022-11-23 12:05:33

@Phipli Really appreciate it. Unfortunately programming is just beyond me. I need a point & click interface. I've seen the Hypercard stack, but was unable to get it to work with my newer Mac. I do have a Mac Plus, but no adapter for its serial port (I only have a 25 pin to 8 pin DIN.)

I toned out the cable with my multimeter, and it looks correct. The RX and TX go where they need to on the cable. So I'm inclined to believe it's either the CP290 itself or the computer. But the fact that I've tried it on 3 different computers is leaning me towards the CP290 being bad.

I did talk to a chap who runs an X-10 troubleshooting website, but he's overseas and won't be back for quite a while. It's likely the CP290 needs a recap (apparently they all do.)

So I'm in a pickle. Do I keep it and hope a recap fixes it? Or return it and buy a different one in hopes that one works?

Using the official software would help me finally eliminate any other issues. However, I've run the official software form my Apple IIgs, and it couldn't talk to the CP290 either. So I have my doubts the official Mac software will work, but I figured I'd give it one last go.

Posted by: Phipli on 2022-11-23 12:07:59

@Phipli Really appreciate it. Unfortunately programming is just beyond me. I need a point & click interface. I've seen the Hypercard stack, but was unable to get it to work with my newer Mac. I do have a Mac Plus, but no adapter for its serial port (I only have a 25 pin to 8 pin DIN.)

I toned out the cable with my multimeter, and it looks correct. The RX and TX go where they need to on the cable. So I'm inclined to believe it's either the CP290 itself or the computer. But the fact that I've tried it on 3 different computers is leaning me towards the CP290 being bad.

I did talk to a chap who runs an X-10 troubleshooting website, but he's overseas and won't be back for quite a while. It's likely the CP290 needs a recap (apparently they all do.)

So I'm in a pickle. Do I keep it and hope a recap fixes it? Or return it and buy a different one in hopes that one works?

Using the official software would help me finally eliminate any other issues. However, I've run the official software form my Apple IIgs, and it couldn't talk to the CP290 either. So I have my doubts the official Mac software will work, but I figured I'd give it one last go.

Have you tried it with Hypercard 2.0 or 1.x?

Posted by: Phipli on 2022-11-23 12:39:03

@Phipli Really appreciate it. Unfortunately programming is just beyond me. I need a point & click interface. I've seen the Hypercard stack, but was unable to get it to work with my newer Mac. I do have a Mac Plus, but no adapter for its serial port (I only have a 25 pin to 8 pin DIN.)

I toned out the cable with my multimeter, and it looks correct. The RX and TX go where they need to on the cable. So I'm inclined to believe it's either the CP290 itself or the computer. But the fact that I've tried it on 3 different computers is leaning me towards the CP290 being bad.

I did talk to a chap who runs an X-10 troubleshooting website, but he's overseas and won't be back for quite a while. It's likely the CP290 needs a recap (apparently they all do.)

So I'm in a pickle. Do I keep it and hope a recap fixes it? Or return it and buy a different one in hopes that one works?

Using the official software would help me finally eliminate any other issues. However, I've run the official software form my Apple IIgs, and it couldn't talk to the CP290 either. So I have my doubts the official Mac software will work, but I figured I'd give it one last go.

What about these?

CP290 Director - Macintosh Garden

CP290 Director is Macintosh software that controls the original X10 home automation computer controlled interface, model number CP290. It completely replaces the Macintosh software that comes with the CP290, and has unique features not found in other Macintosh-based CP290 controllers such as...

macintoshgarden.org

Or this?

cronX10 - Macintosh Garden

This program controls X10 modules to turn on and off appliances, lights, thermostats, and anything else that can be controlled by X10 devices. This program requires a model CP290 X10 computer interface along with the appropriate modules for the devices you wish to control.

macintoshgarden.org

Posted by: Phipli on 2022-11-23 13:56:24

@tashtari - are these modules of interest to you?

Posted by: olePigeon on 2022-11-23 14:18:05

Already tried all of those. 🙂 So I'm guessing my thing is broken. That's why I'm looking for the official software, as that's the only I haven't tried.

Posted by: Tashtari on 2022-11-28 11:34:24

@tashtari - are these modules of interest to you?

Nah, I don't think so, by the sound of it they're serial rather than ADB... my obsession right now is ADB devices. =D

Posted by: Phipli on 2022-11-28 11:50:57

Nah, I don't think so, by the sound of it they're serial rather than ADB... my obsession right now is ADB devices. =D

Let me know when you pick up an interest in serial boxes 😉 I accidentally collect serial I/O boxes.

Although most of them would be fairly easy to clone - they just use commands and data sent over serial in a wonderfully simple way.

The "SmartBox" is awesome though. The developer sent me the firmware source (as a github issue) :

Phipli/SmartBox

Python Library for using the Economatics Smart Box with modern computers over serial - Phipli/SmartBox

github.com

Posted by: olePigeon on 2023-10-26 10:46:19

Update on this: My CP290 was indeed broken. I managed to find another one at a thrift store, and then another new-old-stock one specifically for the Macintosh on Craigslist, and they both work fine. Came with the original disk, too, which doesn't appear to have been uploaded anywhere. Disk had a bad block, but it was towards the end of the disk without any data, so I was still able to copy it.

I think the original software is good to have. Even though the CP290 Director is way more capable, the original software will run on a 512k or Plus. 🙂

I also found an old official Apple RS242 to mini-din serial adapter at work of all places, so I was able to test it on my IIfx. Worked great. Now I just need some modules and I'll be able to control all sorts of stuff. 😀