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From: ddl@husc6.HARVARD.EDU (Dan Lanciani)
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: BSR computer interfaces
Message-ID: <184@husc6.HARVARD.EDU>
Date: Sun, 17-Aug-86 01:21:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: husc6.184
Posted: Sun Aug 17 01:21:08 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 17-Aug-86 09:59:49 EDT
Organization: Harvard University, Cambridge Mass
Lines: 56
Keywords: BSR X-10 home control


	There has occasionally been interest in BSR/computer interfaces
expressed on the net.  While setting up my system, I have purchased and
worked with what are probably the three most popular versions.  (In any
event, they are the only ones I found...)  I have no interest in any of
the companies and this information is based on personal experience only.
	The three units are, in no particular order:  the Heath GD-1530
purchased as a kit at retail ~$100, the X-10 Powerhouse Computer Interface
purchased from DAK mail order ~$50, and the Radio Shack Color Computer
Plug'n Power interface purchased on sale ~$40.
	The Heath GD-1530 requires a grounded outlet and receives
RS-232 input at up to 2400 baud from the computer via an opto-isolator.
The grounded case and opto-isolator provide protection from the internal
circuit which floats at one side of the line.  No provision is made for
returning data to the computer; in fact, there are only two pins in the
RS-232 connector. A simple command set allows generation of any standard
BSR command; commands consist of a house code followed by a number or
function: [A-P][ON|OFF|A|C|BR|DIM|[1-16]] (A=all lights on, C=all off).
Unfortunately, the GD-1530 would not function correctly in my home.  Many
lights which work correctly from a standard BSR controller or timer will
not respond to commands from the GD-1530.  Modules connected near to
the GD-1530 work fine, so this may not be a problem for some.  (The unit
has been sent to Heath for examination and they declare it to function
normally; I have observed that the output signal is somewhat distorted
but this may be unrelated.)
	The X-10 Powerhouse Computer Interface operates at 600 baud
only and does not require a grounded outlet.  It would appear that
it is optically isolated at the output transformer.  Communication
uses a "packet" oriented format rather than ASCII commands with each
packet acknowledged by the controller.  In addition to the expected
direct commands, this unit includes a 128-event timer and a real-time
clock which can switch modules on and off without computer attention.
The clock, timer, and a small area of general-purpose memory are
protected against power failure by a 9-volt battery.  The general-purpose
memory is used by the supplied software to "remember" module locations.
Since I do not have a computer supported by X-10 (most popular brands
are available) I used the detailed protocol description supplied to
write my own software.  Those desiring a standard RS-232 interface
should order the version for the IBM-PC as it includes the correct
cable.  Finally, the X-10 unit includes 8 switches for direct control
of units 1-8 of the "base" housecode (a settable option).
	The Radio Shack controller is very similar to the X-10; however,
it has only 4 on/off switches for direct control and is somewhat smaller.
Programming information is not supplied but the included program pack
does most of what one might want for simple applications.  Connection
is through the Color Computer's Cassette port, freeing the RS-232 port
for other uses.  Of course, if you don't have a Color Computer this
won't do you much good...
	I will be happy to mail further information (if I have it)
to anyone interested.

* [a-zA-Z]* is a trademark of [a-zA-Z]*
* The information herein does not necessarily apply in *this* universe.

					Dan Lanciani
					ddl@harvard.*