Serial Port to X10 Interface and LabVIEW Driver for Home Automation

[Rick_K]

A while ago I wrote a driver for the Powerlinc serial to X10 Converter. It is pretty simple under the hood, but can be a great starting point for someone looking to use this device. Of course if anyone makes improvements, feel free to upload a new version here.

The hardware you need.

Powerlinc Serial to X10 Interface.

http://www.homeandpersonalsecurity.com/powerlincserialtw523andcd-rom.aspx

The LabVIEW Driver.

Low Level VIs:

[Hazkel]

Hi Rickk,

I hope you would be kind enough to advise the follwing question.

I want to build a simple LV application than syncornises a simple keychane remote controll - PC and X10 power switch.

The keychain remote has 4 buttons and can control two X10 devices. For each one it sends either ON or Off command.

I intend to use the Powerlinc interface to receive the signal and interpretate each transmission to control 1 out of 4 Buttons I have on the main panel in my LV GUI. (i.e: Device A1ON: simulate press Button1, Device A1Off: simulate press Button2, Device A2ON: simulate press Button3, Device A2Off: simulate press Button4).

1. Does this seem reasonable?

I have some experience with serial communication but totally zero experience with X10 programing. Since the X10 protocol looks so simple and since my communication needes are so basic it seems to fit.

2. Can the Powerlinc interface send RF signals (Can I use it to control devices as well?)

Thanks in advance,

Hazkel

Since I have LV 8.5 I couldn't have a look in your code

[Rick_K]

As far as learning the X10 protocol and programming the powerlinc, you will have no problems there. It is simple serial stuff. However, to my knowledge the powerlinc does not recieve RF signals. The main use for the device is the send codes on the powerlines (not necessarily recieve them). Basically you want the powerlinc to act like a reciever module instead of a transmission module, and I am just not sure if that is supported. However, I have not looked deeply into that usecase, so I could be wrong. The driver here is meant to use LabVIEW to send codes only.

If you figure this out and/or get code together to make this happen. Please repost on this forum and share your work with the community. It would be great to have a driver that allows you to control a LV program with a wireless remote. The possibilities are endless!

[Hazkel]

Thanks!

I think I will start working with this:

http://www.wgldesigns.com/w800.html

its a receiver only. If I will succeed, I will look for a device that can transmit as well.

Of course I will update my progress