Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] Interface Documentation Mark Gilmore Sat, 30 Jan 1999 18:36:22 -0800

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Funny you should ask Bill, as I am currently writing
a tutorial for PHA (also to be in ECS.HTM) to help
simplify the task of deciding what devices to buy.
Thanks for the feedback.

Bill Walters wrote:
> 
> Mark,
> 
> I don't know how others feel about this subject, so I thought I'd post
> it here, to the list for other's feedback.
> 
> I'm wondering if the listing of devices which ECS can interface with is
> too confusing to the newcomer?  Personally, that was -the- reason I
> chose ECS, because it worked with so many different devices; plus the
> ability to set-up almost anything that would plug into a serial port
> thru SERIAL-BYTE type items (tho I had no idea what that was at the
> time!)
> 
> Also, since the primary question every newcomer has of ECS is "what to
> use", wouldn't it be clearer to have the interfaces listed in the
> documentation, as "currently available" and "no longer in production",
> or some such other descriptive term?
> 
> Something like:
> 
> Current Products ECS directly supports:
> 
> Multi-Function Devices:
> 
>         Homevision
>                 X-10, IR control, video, ...etc...
>         Time Commander Plus
>                 X-10, Digital inputs and outputs, Analog inputs
>         Lynx
>                 ...etc...
> 
> Single Purpose Devices:
> 
>         Prairie-Digital
>                 Digital inputs and outputs, Analog inputs
> 
> 
> Other Products ECS directly supports:
> 
> (note: while these items are "out of production" they may readily be
> found thru various sources on the internet)
> 
> Multi-Function Devices
> 
>         etc., etc., etc.,
> 
> Single Purpose Devices:
> 
>         Bigmouth
>                 Telephone, etc, etc, etc,
>         Modems
> 
>         etc, etc, etc
> 
> In this way, a potential user could easily see what the "currently"
> available interface products are, as well as the rich history of devices
> that ECS STILL supports!
> 
> I think this flexibility is one of ECS' strongpoints; also ECS' history
> and that it's been in use and evolving for some 10 years.
> 
> I also know you're up to your eyeballs in voice stuff for the modems,
> and think that's the highest priority.
> 
> Just my two-cents worth.
> 
> Bill Walters

-- 
Mark Gilmore
Omnipotence (ECS Home Automation Software)
omnip@usit.net
http://www.usit.com/omnip

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