X 1 0  A P I  1.0.1  R e a d m e
J e s s e  P e t e r s o n

Version 1.0



The X10 API is a Java based API set for interfacing with X10 components. X10 is a transmission protocol typically sent through power lines within a home. The X10 protocol's main purpose is to control home appliances like over head lighting, lamps, and appliances. The transmission occurs between an X10 transmitter and receiver. There are many different types of recievers for controlling different devices. The receiver is typically a small plastic box that plugs into a receptical. The receiver also has a receptical for plugging in the device to be controlled. The receiver is configured with an address by setting its house code and device code. When a transmitter addresses the receiver, it can send the receiver a command, such as 'on', to turn the device connected to the receiver on.

X10 devices by themselves are quite powerful. However, when coupled with a personal computer, advanced macro's can be created to extend the functionality of the X10 system. This API has been designed to interface with the CM11A and/or CM17A serial controlled transmitters. Both the CM11A and CM17A can be controlled by a computer through a serial interface. The computer can issues X10 commands to the devices. In the case of the CM17A, it will transmit an RF X10 command to an X10 RF received which, in turn, sends the X10 command through your home power lines. The CM11A device will directly transmit the appropriate X10 command through your home power lines. The CM11A has a much wider vocabulary of available X10 commands that it can transmit. It can also function as an X10 receiver sending the commands out the serial interface to your computer.

This API has been designed for building X10 user interfaces. It may not be directly suitable for end users. The target audience is Java programmers. Examples of how to use the API have been provided.

This API interfaces with the CM11A and CM17A X10 devices through a serial interface. The Java Communications API must be installed on your computer. Information on the Java Communications API can be found on Sun Microsystems Java web site at http://java.sun.com/products/javacomm/index.html.

With this release of the API, the API can now be used on TINI, an embedded processor that executes Java programs. TINI is available from Dallas Semiconductor.

I hope this API is useful for you. If you have comments, bug reports, bug fixes, or just suggestions, please drop an email to me at jesse@jpeterson.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

 - Jesse



Copyright © 1999 Jesse Peterson