[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That programmers manual from x10 is riddled with bugs and out of date.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:
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-Ed Howdershelt (Author)
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