X10 interface board with a CM11A X10 module.

[kevinsmith]

The X10 interface board uses a 6 pin rj11 that is intended to connect to the PSC04. I don't have a PSC04, I have a CM11A. I was hoping to use my iobridge X10 interace board with the CM11A.

The CM11A is an X10 unit that is designed to interface with a computer through RS-232. The CM11A takes a 4 pin RJ11 input and I was assuming that the iobridge X10 controller would interface with it. 

After reading the specs on the PSC04 it looks like the PSC04 uses some communication protocol based on the powerline's zero crossing. (and is totally unrelated to the RS232 protocol expected by the CM11A.)  If so, then am I correct to assume that iobridge X10 interface board is incompatible with the CM11A?

[jason]

You are correct, the X10 interface board only works with the PSC04.  As far as I know, the CM11A has been discontinued.  We didn't want to build hardware for the CM11A if no one could buy them.  I would have preferred to use the CM11A since the protocol is so simple.  Figuring out the protocol for the PSC04 was a bear.  But on the plus side the PSC04 is a fraction on the cost of the CM11A.

[PFFCO]

Do you know if a 2 way, PSC05 would also work.  i can see the PSC05 sending commands as i click the buttons on the dashboard but my modules are not working.   Wasnt sure is there was a difference or i need to get a PSC04 instead.

Thanks.

Lewis Hipkins

[jason]

I was hoping a PSC05 would work since it's schematic is so similar to a PSC04.  I didn't have one yet to test X10 board. It looks like you are the first to try it out and unfortunately it appears that it doesn't work.  I've ordered a PSC05.  When it gets here, I'll be able to test it and give you a definitive answer.

[PFFCO]

I'll have to try it in a better location. Right now I'm in a temp living arrangement after a fire so my house is where this will be used.   I dont have any of the PSC04 modules.  I do a bunch of X10 work for clients.   I was testing with an appliance module which i "think" is ok.
I was plugged into a power strip which isnt the best for testing due to filtering, etc.

I'll try another couple of modules and report back.

Thanks.

LEwis Hipkins

[jason]

I just tested the X10 smart board with the PSC05.  It works!

[wakefiec]

Can the PSC05 send serial data to the iobrige server - or just receive them?

[jason]

The IO-204 can only issue X-10 command to external devices.  It can't receive data from them.