BUILD IT YOURSELF
Last month, I discussed why I decided to build my Bi-Lingual timer and the reasons for many of my hardware
choices and the problems I had observed using X- 10
controlled outlets. I also provided a complete wiring
diagram, details on use of Itead (Sonoff and S20 Smart
Sockets), and how I connected the X- 10 interface. This
month, I will discuss the interface to my LCD/keypad
shield and my selections for packaging the project, as
well as provide some additional programming tips. I
placed my completed timer in service in March 2017
and have been very pleased with its performance. The
X- 10 and Wi-Fi radio links have worked flawlessly. I have
used Wi-Fi modules in all areas of my house, and I limit
the areas where I use X- 10 to those areas where the
power line signals sent from X- 10 radio receivers can
work reliably.
Part 2
Web-based control of your legacy X- 10 system
Use Wi-Fi and X- 10 in a
“Bi-Lingual” approach to
Light and Appliance
CON T R O L Breathe new life into your X- 10 home
control system by
using a combination
of the ESP8266 Wi-Fi
module, some off-the-shelf “SmartSocket”
Wi-Fi modules, and
the ever popular
Arduino Uno.
34 September 2017
By Ronald Gladney
There are many LCD/keypad shields available. My software xpects a shield that uses
Arduino pins 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and
Analog 0. If you choose an
LCD/keypad shield that requires
different pins, you must revise the
LCD configuration command.
You may have a conflict with the
X- 10 Firecracker, other interface
components, the analog voltages
recognized for each pushbutton
selection, or the Liquid Crystal Library.
I recommend studying the I/O pin
and Arduino library requirements prior
to choosing a different LCD/keypad
shield.
If you use a different LCD/keypad
shield and need to adjust threshold
values for each pushbutton, then refer
to the function char ReadKeypad()
located close to the bottom of the Bi-Lingual Light Timer sketch.
