Re: X10 -> UPB?

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

There is ONE evolving version of the X-10 PLC protocol. It is documented on
the X-10 web site in xtc798.doc which I have reformatted as a text file
(making it far more readable) and made available here...

     http://www.mbx-usa.com/xtc798.txt

It has features which have yet to be implemted (AFAIK).

Leviton did NOT introduce extended code. X-10 introduced it with the LM14A
which remembers its last setting and incorporates scenes and the AM14A.
Leviton merely called it something else which thoroughly confused the issue.
Leviton didn't quite understand it and ADI's initial implementation for the
CPU-XA worked only with Leviton's version until I helped them straighten it
out - buying a Leviton switch and testing PICs that Dan Boone Fed Ex'd to
me. (This is not the only time that Leviton's implementation of the X-10
protocol did not get things exactly right.)

Both PCS Scenemasters and early *Linc's incorporated scenes that are
analogous to Compose - set and controlled in a similar way. They did not
include a "firewall" which is nothing more than a filter to isolate certain
circuits.

"Brett Griffin" <bret.griffin@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>What Kurt is referring to is there are actually 3 versions of the X-10
>protocol.
>
>The basic protocol used in X-10 and X-10 Pro has the basic command set takes
>somewhere around .4-.5 seconds for transmission. The switches themselves are
>dumb, in that they do not have memory for last dim level, the do not support
>soft on (meaning they snap on, instead of ramp on to preserves bulb life).
>These switches are basically a push button operation, the decora style
>switches usually operate the same way as a toggle switch. Their cost is
>usually $30 and under. They support the following commands:
>    -On
>    -Off
>    -Bright
>    -Dim.
>
>Leviton introduces X-10 Extended code.  Their transmission is longer around
>.75 seconds, but allows for additional functions. These switches have a
>memory.  They will turn back on to the last dim level used, they ramp up to
>the brightness in less than 2 seconds to preserve bulb life.  Their switches
>actually perform like a rocker switch should. Smarthome MFG actually makes a
>toggle switch, that moves up and down. Their cost range from $25 to $75
>Supports:
>    -On
>    -Off
>    -Bright (they work as go up 10%)
>    -Dim. (down 10%)
>    -Level (goto exact percentage brightness, I.E. goto 73%)
>    -Ramp (ramp means the light ramps to the specified brightness over a
>long period of time maximum I believe is 2 hours), Only a few manufacturers
>support Ramp, I know PCS does not sure of others.
>    -Toggle (change state)
>    -Scenes, Leviton developed scenes so one transmission would turn on
>multiple lights to preset brightness levels stored in the switch.
>
>Lightolier has their own protocol called "Compose".  Rather similar to
>Extended code, takes about .75 seconds for transmission, support the same
>command set, but what makes Compose different, was Lightolier approached it
>as a dedicated lighting control system where individual light switch control
>was less of a concern as whole home scene control, or room scene control.
>What really makes the protocol different is that all the light switches in a
>room will use the same address.  Yes you read that right all switches in say
>the living room would be set to E-3 for example.  Remember individual
>lighting control was less of a concern and scene was more of a concern.
>these switches would store up to 12 light settings, and from a control pad
>you would issue a scene.  they would all respond to that scene based on what
>was programmed.  Lightolier also made switches for areas not part of a scene
>and would have a separate address than any other switch in the home.
>Lightolier also developed a firewall to increase the reliability of Compose,
>and virtually eliminate noise effecting the lighting circuits.  It was
>expensive and required planning during new construction, but it was cheaper
>than most high end lighting systems.
>
>On a side note, UPB has trump both Extended and Compose by combining the
>features of both protocols into their new protocol.