[net.micro] mods to Heath BSR X-10 module?

sxnahm@bbncca.ARPA (Steve Nahm) (11/17/83)

I've sent this message to h19-people with no one replying, so
perhaps someone listening hear can help.

I just looked at Heath's RS232 controlled BSR X-10 controller.
(The X-10 system let's you turn lights and appliances on and
off through your house's AC wiring.  The Heath module let's you
do this through your computer.)

As built, it's a send-only system.  What a waste, since for 
a little extra effort, it could easily have *received* commands
from other controllers, and passed them on to your computer.
Thus, you could use the 16 digit key-pad of any regular X-10
controller as a very portable input device (the X-10 system includes
a remote ultrasonic unit).

I looked at the schematic of the Heath module (model GD-1530),
and it appears that a modification to tap the data coming over the line
might be easy.  My question:  has any one done this?

Thanks,

Steve Nahm

MCMANIS%USC-ECLC%sri-nic@sri-unix.UUCP (11/17/83)

From:  Chuck McManis <MCMANIS%USC-ECLC@sri-nic>


Steve,

    I recently became aware of some research into this area of 
communication in the form of a Local Area Network based on the house
wiring. It was developed by GE and has been labeled "Homenet." Information
is available from GE by writing to:

Industry Standards Staff
General Electric Co.
Fairfield, CT 06431

Ask for "Homenet: A local control net for the home."

This spec seems to run at 1K Bps and allow burst messages between anything
attached to the power line, it has provisions for collision detection and
access management and it some what more sophisticated than the on/off 
codes the BSR sends. How interesting if you home computer could FTP what
was for dinner from the microwave.

			--Chuck
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