Re: X10 -> UPB?

["Brett Griffin" <bret.griffin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for the correction, I wondered if X-10 developed the extended code as
X-10 was still manufacturing Levitons switches at the time.

What about Levitons AGC circuitry, is that Leviton or X-10?

Interestingly X-10 Pro started teaching how to make your own firewall for
around $200.  Add a sub-panel, a filter, and a coupler.

--
Brett Griffin, Technology Consultant
Architechtronics, Inc.
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"Dave Houston" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:42d7b6a3.31903796@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> 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.
>