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jeffw_00
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| Posted: February 19 2011 at 10:56 | IP Logged
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Hi - My home doorbell is connected in series to a Powerflash module which is plugged into my Powerlinc. The problem is that the Powerflash module just died. Unfortunately, this is my wife's busy season (she's a tax accountant) and she really needs to hear when someone rings the bell. I can order a replacement but it will take a week to get here, and, best I can tell, NOONE in Eastern MA stocks these things. Yes, I could get an IOLinc for only 3x the money, but I still have the same problem (and ordering from SH usually takes 1.5-2 weeks here in MA)
So I'm wondering, is there any clever way I can get my PC to detect a switch closure directly and generate a call to powerhome? This is a little out of my experience but I'm wondering if one of you Pros has a suggestion?
thanks!
/j
Edited by jeffw_00 - February 19 2011 at 10:57
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dhoward
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| Posted: February 21 2011 at 11:54 | IP Logged
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Not sure what the wiring situation is like but without a supported controller capable of detecting switch closures, the only suggestion would be to try the new generic parallel port controller. A standard parallel port has input and output pins (all sources say you should never connect directly to this pins and should use either a relay or other type of electronics to keep the parallel port from sinking too much current). The new generic parallel port controller allows you to use these input and output pins as digitial I/O in PowerHome.
Definitely not for the faint of heart and a real chance of blowing your parallel port if not careful. A couple of good sites to start on how to make use of this are: http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/parallel_output.html and http://logix4u.net/Legacy_Ports/Parallel_Port/A_tutorial_on_ Parallel_port_Interfacing.html.
Dave.
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jeffw_00
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| Posted: February 21 2011 at 12:36 | IP Logged
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Thanks - I didn't think there was anything easy but it was worth asking. actual resolution was i found a powerflash module at a parts place 40minutes away. 8-}
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spou
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| Posted: February 23 2011 at 19:25 | IP Logged
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I use a multitude of X10 door sensor for that kind of thing, and read it via w800rf32
codes are easy to find out, and you can also be told if batteries are low.
using the door sensor, I can read:
door and windows status (open / closed)
lock status (with magnet in pin)
presence on chairs (love the wireless!)
and why not door bell?
for door bell and presence on chairs, you migh want to use some form of deboncer (avoid multiple hit in a short time) but it should work for a quick kludge like you need.
Spou
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Gadgets
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| Posted: March 16 2011 at 21:16 | IP Logged
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My thought would have been to open up a x10 mini desktop remote, and solder wires across the pads for one of the ON buttons. When PH see that ON signal, it can do whatever you were doing.
Here is a link to tell you how to do it for anyone in the future.
modifying_x10_mini_controller
Scroll down until you find this heading, then read on.
Turning the mini controller into a dry contact receiver
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reighnman
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| Posted: March 25 2011 at 05:09 | IP Logged
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any chance we could get some kind of PH sample of how one might use this printer port like to see if a switch is closed or turn on a led
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PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome General
Topic: Detect switch closure using PC/PH?
