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paulh
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Joined: July 16 2002
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| Posted: July 23 2002 at 14:29 | IP Logged
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I would like to use a Watchdog timer to run on my Ocelot that would check to see if Windows (PowerHome) is running or has locked up.
I see using a set of relay contacts from my SECU-16 to reset the computer if communication is lost between the Ocelot and PowerHome after a delay of say 15 minutes.
This program would run within the Ocelot, independent of PowerHome and have the option of being shut off to allow for maintenance.
Do you see a problem with this?
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dhoward
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Joined: June 29 2001
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| Posted: July 23 2002 at 18:52 | IP Logged
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Paul,
This should be no problem at all. PowerHome communicates with the database via the Adaptive Server Anywhere engine and any imcomplete transactions would simple to rolled back so its extremely robust.
Just curious, but what mechanism do you plan to employ to determine if communication between PowerHome and the Ocelot is lost? Im guessing you would have PowerHome performing something like addressing an unused X-10 module in the Ocelot on a timed event every 15 minutes and a program running in the background of the Ocelot resetting its watchdog timer everytime it saw the addressing. If the timer times out, assume a hung computer and have the Ocelot tell the SECU-16 to reboot the computer.
Are you currently using PowerHome with the Ocelot? I purchased an Ocelot so I could use for testing and adding support for PowerHome but have not implemented the Ocelot in any of my own automation routines yet. Just wondering if you've encountered any major problems or bugs that I need to take a look at.
Dave.
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paulh
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| Posted: July 24 2002 at 07:22 | IP Logged
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Dave,
No problems that I'm aware of.
It's just my general loathing of all things Micro$oft.
I've found that with Winblows, if it could fail or might fail or if Willie Gates swears it won't fail, you can be d## sure it will fail, and will do it when you need it most.
(Sorry about the rant)
As for PowerHome, I'm still setting up my program, but since the heart of my Ocelot HA is controlling 3 TOADs (Toggle Only Accuated Device) using SmartLinc sensors coupled to a SmartLinc Digital BoB (Break out Box) which is then connected to the digital inputs of a SECU 16 (which is also hardwired to control my mini-blinds), I am waiting for the next(?) upgrade of PowerHome so that I can fully utilize PowerHomes' potential.
I have great hopes for PowerHome. It seems stable but I like to plan for the worst.
RE: Watchdog timer,
What I was thinking of doing was have the Ocelot change a variable in PowerHome which would cause PowerHome to change a variable within the Ocelot at a predetermined time say every 15 minutes. If after severial retries the Ocelot gets no response it would close a relay on the SECU 16. The relay contacts would be connected across the host computer's RESET switch forcing a reset/restart.
Paul
BTW, Would you like a copy of my CMAX program file? It would give you an idea of where I'm heading with my HA-HT-HVAC control.
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dhoward
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| Posted: July 25 2002 at 12:52 | IP Logged
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Paul,
I definately would appreciate a copy of the CMAX program. It'll give me an idea on how I can further enhance Ocelot functionality within PowerHome. Also, if your program includes the watchdog timer functionality with the communication of variable setting between PowerHome and the Ocelot, that would be great because Im still not sure how this could be done without using X-10 communication as the basis for the variables.
Dave.
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paulh
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Joined: July 16 2002
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| Posted: July 25 2002 at 13:57 | IP Logged
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Dave,
I will send a copy of my CMAX program to your E-mail Address when I get home. I haven't worked out details of passing variable to PowerHome yet, I wanted to see if PowerHome would could handle a uncrontrolled shutdown. Now that I know that'll work I can start testing my ideas.
Paul
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PowerHome Messageboard : PowerHome General
Topic: Watchdog timer. Can this be done?
