[net.micro.atari8] BSR X10 program

HAAR%RCSMPA%gmr.com@RELAY.CS.NET (RLH) (10/11/86)

Does anyone have a PD program to allow an Atari 400/800 to drive
a BSR X-10 Powerhouse module ?

FYI: the Powerhouse module is a controller for BSR X-10 power-line
remote control devices to turn on/off/dim lights, appliances, radios, 
etc. It comes in different versions with interface cables and software
for Apples, Commodores, and IBM-PC's. DAK Industries is currently selling
this unit for about $20.00 - it lists for $120.00. I bought one because
this is such a good deal even though I don't have one of the supported
micros. The IBM=PC version has a standard RS232 interface (DB-25 even).
It is programmed from the host computer either to immediately turn on/off
some device or to set up a schedule of timer events with such niceties
as having differnet schedules nfor weekdays and weekends.

I would like to get a program for the 8 bit Ataris to drive this
device. Does anyone know of one?

	Bob Haar
	CSNET: HAAR@GMR.COM
	ARAPNET: HAAR.GMR@CSNET-RELAY.CSNET

jhs@MITRE-BEDFORD.ARPA (10/11/86)

I don't know of one but I am interested in getting such a capability myself.
For $20 I may want to buy one of the units "on spec" as you did.

Also, I may be able to write a suitable program or contribute to the writing
thereof.  It should ideally run in a cartridge so you don't need a disk drive
for the security system.  It would be even better if it didn't need an RS-232
interface.  The joystick ports on the Atari can be used for both input and
output, and the serial I/O port can be converted into an RS-232 port with the
addition of a couple of level translator chips (that's what an R:verter is,
folks).

Please post the phone number and address of DAK and the catalog date and order
number of this BSR gadget!!!

Is anyone else out there in net-land interested in collaborating on the design
of a cheap BSR security system controller package to run on a bare bones 800XL
with no disk drive and no 850 interface?  At last report the XL is going for
$69.95 by itself.

-John Sangster
jhs@mitre-bedford.arpa

wkp@lanl.ARPA (bill peter) (10/20/86)

> I don't know of one but I am interested in getting such a capability myself.
> 
> Also, I may be able to write a suitable program or contribute to the writing
> thereof.  It should ideally run in a cartridge so you don't need a disk drive
> for the security system.  It would be even better if it didn't need an RS-232
> interface.  The joystick ports on the Atari can be used for both input and
> output, and the serial I/O port can be converted into an RS-232 port with the
> addition of a couple of level translator chips (that's what an R:verter is,
> folks).
> 
> Please post the phone number and address of DAK and the catalog date and order
> number of this BSR gadget!!!
> 
> Is anyone else out there in net-land interested in collaborating on the design
> of a cheap BSR security system controller package to run on a bare bones 800XL
> with no disk drive and no 850 interface?  At last report the XL is going for
> $69.95 by itself.
> 
> -John Sangster


     Recently, there was a Public domain program in C posted to the net
     in mod.sources that could drive the BSR X-10.  I have a copy of it.
     I suppose it could be easily modified for use by the XL.

                                              
bill peter
	... {cmcl2,inhp4}!lanl!wkp
	... {ucbvax,gatech}!unmvax!unm-la!peter