[Coco] [Color Computer] X10 driver

[George's Coco Address]

> 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.  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.
 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