ControlX10::CM17 VERSION=0.07, 30 January 2000 Hello home automators: The FireCracker (CM17A) is a send-only X10 controller that connects to a serial port and transmits commands via RF to X10 transceivers. This module translates human-readable commands (eg. 'A2J') into the bit patterns and control signal pulses accepted by the CM17. You will need one of the SerialPort modules from CPAN to generate the actual hardware commands to the port. If you are running Windows 95 or later, you want the Win32::SerialPort module. The linux equivalent is the Device::SerialPort module. Device::SerialPort will also run on other POSIX Operating Systems - but the CM17 module uses ioctl calls that may not be supported on all of the (yet). This is a cross-platform module. All of the files except README.txt are LF-only terminations. You will need a better editor than Notepad to read them on Win32. README.txt is README with CRLF. FILES: Changes - for history lovers Makefile.PL - the "starting point" for traditional reasons MANIFEST - file list README - this file for CPAN README.txt - this file for DOS CM17.pm - the reason you're reading this t/test1.t - RUN ME FIRST, basic tests eg/eg_cm17.plx - simple On/Off/Dim_Lamp demo OPERATION: The FireCracker derives its power supply from either the RTS or DTR signals from the serial port. At least one of these signals must be high at all times to ensure that power is not lost from the FireCracker. The signals are pulsed to transmit a bit (DTR for '1' and RTS for '0'). The normal rx/tx read/write lines are not used by the device - but are passed through to allow another serial device to be connected (as long as it does not require hardware handshaking). The $serial_port object that is needed by the CM17 module fully supports the pass-through feature. INSTALL and TEST: You will need suitable permissions to open the port. If the port is also used for logins, you will need to create a lockfile (/var/lock/LCK..ttyS0 on my Redhat 5.2 system). Just touch it, the contents are not important. They may be someday. But not yet. You might need to be "root" for that. On linux and Unix, this distribution uses Makefile.PL and the "standard" install sequence for CPAN modules: perl Makefile.PL make make test make install On Win32, Makefile.PL creates equivalent scripts for the "make-deprived" and follows a similar sequence. perl Makefile.PL perl test.pl perl install.pl Both sequences create install files and directories. The test emulates a CM17 - it is not necessary to select a port or connect the hardware. The "eg_cm17.plx" demo is a cross-platform version of a demo previously posted and included with MisterHouse. It expects an X10 appliance switch at address A1 and a lamp at address A2. It uses the port defaults "COM1" on Win32 and "/dev/ttyS0" on linux. You can either edit the port choice or specify it with 'perl eg_cm17.plx PORT'. Watch for updates at: %%%% http://members.aol.com/Bbirthisel/alpha.html %%%% http://misterhouse.net or CPAN under authors/id/B/BB/BBIRTH or ControlX10::CM17 CPAN packaging and module documentation by Bill Birthisel. Copyright (C) 2000, Bruce Winter. All rights reserved. This module is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.