Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] ECS and other software Scott Danks Wed, 02 Jun 1999 09:27:18 -0500

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 Wed, 02 Jun 1999 09:27:18 -0500
I am running ECS under NT.  Mark was telling me that fonts are a bear under NT.  There
is only program I cannot run, and that is the settings program.  This program only modifies
a text file, so that was not a problem.  I am using the "Activehome" interface for the
x10 stuff, and I found it (of all places) at LOWE's hardware store. (Compusa and Bestbuy
did not have it).  It comes with a remote control, keychain remote, and the interface
and a light module.  I think I paid $49.  I have not tried to use an I/O card yet. 
I have 95/98,  so this is not really a problem.  I have heard that a 486/66 will do
the speech synthesis and run the program.  I think that a low grade Pentium would work
just fine too.  I am running wires in my house (no small task) to connect to the system.
 I decided that I could either have an alarm company come in and put a good alarm in
for $1000 or I could buy/build a decent computer and buy the control software and lighting
stuff for about the same amount, and it would do exactly what I want it to do.  I researched
several home systems on the internet and compiled many features I liked and I am working
them now.  I own a sideline computer consulting business, and I got an account at an
Alarm  parts warehouse, and I am paying about $1 for a magnetic reed switch (Radio Shacks
wants $6).  They also have several PIR's at good prices too.

Scott.


>>> "Dave Kolb" <davekolb@email.msn.com> 06/01 9:15 PM >>>
Is there:

1. a means for Windows ECS to launchanother program and get output back from
it and integrate that info into ECS?

2. Is there means for another Windows program to share the X10 output device
(RS232 port) with Windows ECS so that it can occaisionally send info onto
the port. Or is there some way it can ask ECS to do something and get the
information back?

3. Is the Windows ECS user manual downloadable if I have not yet bought the
product?

4. Windows NT and 2000 supported?

Thanks,

Dave Kolb

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