[Coco] [Color Computer] X10 driver

[Gene Heskett]

On Sunday 24 June 2007, George's Coco Address wrote:
>> On Sunday 24 June 2007, George's Coco Address wrote:
>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>From: "Gene Heskett"
>>>
>>>> On Sunday 24 June 2007, George's Coco Address wrote:
>>>>>I figure I'll harp on this until I'm dead....
>>>>>
>>>>> I want someone to develop an OS9 driver for the X10 timer.
>>>>> If I knew how to do it, I would. However, I'm a dummy with assembly
>>>>> and
>>>>> I
>>>>>just can't seem to wrap my head around the way OS9 does it.
>>>>>Doggonnit!  There are too many files and steps needed to make an
>>>>>executable.
>>>>>I get confused with all those darned files and I have no clue what they
>>>>>are.
>>>>>
>>>>> Yup! I'm an idiot.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>George
>
><< snip >>
>
>> Oh, I know what x10 is, heyu runs the lights and such around here, and I
>> even
>> co-wrote an x10 manager for the amiga's called EzHome a decade and change
>> back up the log.  But the interface of choice has always been the cm11a.
>> The
>> radio shack thing was never ever asked about when we were selling that
>> software as shareware years ago, so it never showed on our radar at the
>> time
>> and my knowledge of how to program it is absolutely nil.  Sorry.
>>
>> --
>> Cheers, Gene
>
> I didn't know about the CM11a. I Googled for it.....
> I'm thinking of getting one now, because it has an RS232 interface. With
>that, I won't need special software that the Coco version does.
> It's beyond me why RatShack decided to use FSK on the cassette port instead
>of RS232 on the printer port. I have two of these units. One is programmed
>and the other is by my front door so I can turn up to four devices on and
>off. With the CM11a connected to the coco in my darkroom, I can then move
>the RS timer from there into my bedroom.
>  I've found the CM11a on eBay for $9.99 + $8 shipping. Ain't bad except the
>shipping is way too much. However, $18 isn't bad for this item. MSRP is $49.
>
> I've already downloaded the programmers manual and it would be a snap to
>write B09 software for it.

That programmers manual from x10 is riddled with bugs and out of date.  Go get 
heyu from the link I posted, unpack it, and print the file "protocol.txt" 
from it.  It contains the corrected info.

>I have a modified CC3 that would be perfect for 
>this application. I mounted a 3.5 disk drive under the keyboard and access
>is on the right side. The controller is mounted under the CPU board so that
>the expansion slot is still available.
> Of course, the power supply had to go. I found a switching supply that
>would fit in the cabinet where the transformer was. This computer has been
>collecting dust for several years. It's time to dust it off and check it out
>now.

It will need a full hardware serial port, such as "The Forgotten Chip" kit 
that was in the Rainbow.

> Now I'm thinking of saving up for an LCD monitor and the video converter
>someone here has made available. Meanwhile, I can use a TV for this one.
> I may even just use two RS232 ports so I can just access the coco via this
>PC as I do my main coco that has a hard drive. I seldom do anything via the
>console on that coco. I work it using  Hyperterminal.
> For those who don't know already, to activate a shell on a com port in OS-9
>is the same as when activating a shell in a window....
>
> shell i= /t2&    or whatever /tn you may have. That computer has three
>ports. I would have put four on that board, but there wasn't room for
>another 6551 and crystal.
>
>George
>
>
>
>--
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>Coco at maltedmedia.com
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-- 
Cheers, Gene
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
 soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
-Ed Howdershelt (Author)
Ever feel like life was a game and you had the wrong instruction book?