[Coco] [Color Computer] X10 driver

[Mark Marlette]

Gene,

As I recall the CP290 is the serial based unit and not a cassette port model.

The CP290 would be the unit to use if one was to develop and app.

I want the same but too many other projects and paying customers waiting.....

Mark
Cloud-9

Quoting Gene Heskett <gene.heskett at verizon.net>:

> 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
>>>
>>> What's an x10 timer?  Brand & Model # please.
>>
>> Gene,
>>
>> The X10 timer in the Coco version is Model 26-3142 TRS-80 Color Computer
>> Plug-N-Power Programmable Appliance/Light Controller.
>
> I had forgotten about that gizmo.  And never had one.  Was that also known as
> a cp290?  In that case, do a google search for the author and program
> mentioned here in the heyu readme:
> ----
> See the original README in Larry Campbell's program for some nice info on
> the cp290 and the history of the program. See the original for some really
> nifty uses using scheduling and macros.
> ----
> Larry Campbell however has dug himself a hole and pulled it in after himself.
> Our (Charles Sullivan and I) attempts to establish contact so that the
> license might be converted to the GPL have been ongoing and fruitless.  The
> actual license predates the GPL but reads similarly to it.  I've personally
> emailed at least 10% of the Larry Campbell's that a google search outputs
> without finding the correct one.
>
> The license is the only thing keeping it out of the various linux distro's.
>
>> It connects to the coco via the Cassette port. It uses an FSK data stream
>> about 600 baud if I remember correctly. It may be faster. The communication
>> is bi-directional to send and receive data to/from the coco and the
>> controller/timer.
>>
>> There does exist a software for this but I can't remember what it is
>> called, but it only works from DECB. Of course, there is the program pak
>> that has the rom to program and operate it, but it is a real pain to bring
>> out a CC2 because the program pak only will work with a CC1 or CC2. It uses
>> the semi-graphic mode that the CC3 doesn't have.
>
> That may be the only choice without trying to recompile heyu, which I think
> would be a bit difficult..  Ok, a lot difficult...  But, its something I
> might try if I was still using a coco for everything AND was aware that heyu
> was available.
>
>> If there was an OS-9 driver for it, I could dedicate a coco just for this
>> application and do quite a few neat tricks around my place.
>
> As the average coco, with an 63C09 in it, draws maybe 2-3 watts,   
> being able to
> get that utility for that price in power is a bargain.  Even at 10-15 watts
> with a 68A09 in it, it still beats quite a few other choices.  I'd sure
> consider it, if I had that interface.
>
>> If you want more info on just what X10 is, just google it or go to X10.com
>
> 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
> "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
>  soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
> -Ed Howdershelt (Author)
> Somewhere in suburban Honolulu, an unemployed bellhop is whipping up a
> batch of illegal psilocybin chop suey!!
>
> --
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