X10 Interface Cable

[darrward]

Hi All,

I'm a little confused and can't find any doco on making up an X10 control cable.

I just purchased the ACIIIPro a little while ago and just go a X10 Computer Interface Module and a few lamp and appliance modules to start setting everything up but the CI only came with an RJ11 to DB9 connector.

The question I have is:

I will need to make up an RJ11 to RJ12 cable for the X10 control but is it straight through?

The X10 CI is from Eon3 if that helps at all.

Cheers
Darren

 

[clp]

I think you have the wrong type of control interface; I think the one you have is for connecting to the serial port of your PC. You need international equivalent of the IM513 (XM10). The telephone cord is a standard RJ11 phone cord w/ 4 conductors.

Curt

 

[darrward]

Hmmm, ok, to assist in discussing the issue with the X10 provider what protocol or signalling methos does the AC's use to talk to the interface?

If I know that then I'm better armed to get a solution.

Darren

 

[beergeek]

I think you have a CM11a based X10 controler now, that has the RJ11 to 9 Pin Serial. What you need is a PL513 Power Line Interface those are both 110V modules, not sure what the model number is for a 220V Power Line Interface.

 

[clp]

The AquaController sends out the actual digital data that is to be transmitted on the power lines; the IM513 just modulates it to the 120KHz carrier on the power line.

Curt

 

[darrward]

New Interface

New Interface

Ok well first thing was that they gave me the wrong interface for sure!!!

I've been back today and they have given me a XM10E from Marmitek (www.marmitek.com) which they have assured me is the right one.

I've used a straight through cable and the led goes off on the XM10E but I have no control over any modules from the ACIIIPro.
When I use the cross over cable as per below the led stays on.

Surely this can't be another wrong interface as it's all they apparently have for external X10 protocol controllers.

One page shows the pin outs but I can't find the pin outs on the ACIIIPro to make sure they match up.

I've tried it as straight through and with pins 1 and 4 crossed as per one link on the Marmitek web site indicates some controllers might use but no luck so far.

 

[clp]

That is the correct interface. Be sure to use a RJ11 cable that crosses over (pin 1 to pin 4, pin 2 to pin 3, etc.) The red light on the control interface should normally be on and blink off when commands are sent. To test the communication use the control & status -> manual control to turn on/off the light, pump, etc. Once this is working, then start using the controller's auto mode to control the device.

Curt