Turning on/off an outlet via the pc (RF)

Why does it need to be RF? Couldn't you use a power-line-carrier device like X10?

I am unaware of any that have an RF/PC interface and are also inexpensive. Inexpensive ones (.eg. GE Smarthome) use handheld RF remotes. You would need to jury rig a method of triggering the remote from a PC.

How about an X-10 Firecracker? That's pretty cheap. And pretty reliable if you're just using it to control the outlet on the wireless receiver.

Thanks, I'm not set on using RF, just whatever is quick and easy.. X10 looks pretty good actually!

My only concern is that, it seems like it can only be used with their software... is this true? Does X10 publish the details on the protocol interface? I'd like to control the firecracker via my software in linux.

BTW, the site shows only Lamp Modules that you plug your bulb into.. however, I can't find a close-up picture to see if the lamp module also has a regular outlet in order to turn on/off non-lamp devices as well. Anyone know?

You can probably find a Linux app for the firecracker. Also, I know I've seen the interface spec someplace, maybe even the x10.com website.

Check out Neil's site at

He's even got a book "Linux Smart Homes" in the "for Dummies" series, and it's got a bunch of SW on CD.

X10 has lamp and appliance modules. In fact, they're even available that the Home Depots around here..

Thanks, I'm not set on using RF, just whatever is quick and easy.. X10 looks pretty good actually!

My only concern is that, it seems like it can only be used with their software... is this true? Does X10 publish the details on the protocol interface? I'd like to control the firecracker via my software in linux.

BTW, the site shows only Lamp Modules that you plug your bulb into.. however, I can't find a close-up picture to see if the lamp module also has a regular outlet in order to turn on/off non-lamp devices as well. Anyone know?

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There are all kinds of software out there to control X10 through various hardware interface devices. The protocol is available also. I used it years ago when designing the microcontroller software for my home control system.

There are many kinds of modules, switches and outlets available for X10 control, many very cheap.

| My only concern is that, it seems like it can only be used with their | software... is this true? Does X10 publish the details on the | protocol interface? I'd like to control the firecracker via my | software in linux.

There are two unix daemons to control the CM17a on my home automation page (link on

One uses the MR26a for reception and the other uses some custom code on a BX24. Transmission and reception are independent so you can use either with just the CM17a (firecracker) for transmit-only operation.

Dan Lanciani ddl@danlan.*com

I could only find the Firecracker as part of a $50 package that includes a lamp module, RF transceiver and handheld remote.

The protocol is here...

The TM751 transceiver has a relay operated outlet that is directly controlled by RF.

Lamp modules (Don't use them with non-dimming devices!) and appliance modules (relay operated) only operate using PLC which is a bit slow as the CM17A (Firecracker) waits for the complete code then sends RF. The TM751 waits for the complete RF code then sends the PLC. The entire process takes nearly a second.

The X-10 RF protocol is here...

but I'm unaware of a source (aside from myself) for 310MHz transmitter modules although you could use the transmitter in the CM17A (Firecracker). You could drive an RF transmitter directly using LIRC, using clamping diodes to limit the voltage from DTR, etc.

Have a look at "Heyu"

Of course, there are lamp modules with standard outlets and are dimmable, appliance modules, which contain relays, and box mounted switches and outlets.