by Marie P. Folker, <editor@iso-ezine.com> http://www.isoproductions.com/
Running the World with FileMaker
Serial Port Communication Bridged
PLATFORM: Mac
Software that runs hardware has always fascinated me. With my obsessive nature of throwing some aspect of whatever I'm doing into a FileMaker database, the idea of branching my data organizational bent into actual physical action starts my mind wandering. For the house of the future, I dream of managing the HVAC, security, lighting and multi-media through FileMaker kiosks elegantly stationed throughout the house. Global Energy's "Global Serial Communications Program" (GSCP) has a solution which allows computer users to use FileMaker Pro to send commands to serial devices. It may work with other applications which support Apple Events. It can also receive commands and store them in a text file which FileMaker can import. User windows in the serial program allow interactivity and to set the program in a "manual" or "automatic" mode.
What It Can Do
The Serial Program enables FileMaker Pro to communicate with any external device. The ability to SEND serial commands not only gives FileMaker Pro the ability for home automation (Yay!), but also the ability to send information to Global Positioning System (GPS) units and other serial devices. It also receives data after a command is sent, or can be used for data sampling where the user can set the number of samples and sample intervals. This may be useful in detector probes such as temperature, motion detector, wind and lab equipment.
The current release of the GSCP is a send and receive conduit from FileMaker Pro to the serial device. You can send instructions via Apple Events, list, or manually send instructions to the device. You can also receive from the device and store the results in a file. Bring old serial devices back to life!
They plan on developing "libraries" for this program so that you can communicate with other serial devices like GPS. Currently, if you know the communications protocol (message format to talk to the serial device), then you can use this program. It will send ASCII or binary command strings, with a delay, to your serial device. No claims are made that it will work with every serial port device, but they have tested it with the CP290 (X10 device), drink machines and other devices with refreshing success.
Remote Capabilities
With TCP/IP, Timbuktu, Ethernet, or other conduits which allow remote computer links, you may be able to control your serial devices away from home--from the office or even from anywhere in the world through the Internet!
Receive Data
The GSCP also can receive data from serial devices. There are two modes for this:
1. Automatic--which will log the response to a sent command
2. Sampling--which will "sample" data giving user inputs of time-to-sample and number-of-samples. The data is logged to a text file which you can import to FileMaker Pro or use in other applications
FileMaker Pro
FileMaker Pro allows the use of Apple Events and can be used via Ethernet, TCP/IP, the Internet, and Timbuktu. The solutions available to those who have FileMaker Pro and a serial device are almost endless. Not only can you communicate with serial devices, but you can do it remotely and via the Internet! You can store X10 information in it--even data for your GPS (waypoint, almanac info, etc.). You can receive information back from the serial device by importing data into FileMaker Pro and convert the information to readable output.
Applications
Using X10, you can use FileMaker Pro to program events to your X10 devices such as lighting, security, watering system, 24V applications, relay's, entertainment centers, appliances, etc.
Future Additions
They have already added two way communication in the serial program which will monitor devices and report back to FileMaker Pro to log events. They have a hardware and software engineer who are available for your custom applications.
Features
* Imagine-- turning on and off lights with FileMaker Pro !
* One-Way send serial port commands to serial devices and receive an answer !
* Receive serial port data via automatic response or data sampling !
* Send commands via Apple Events,from a Text File, or manually via user window
* Control two (2) serial devices (via modem or printer port) at the same time
* Send commands directly from your application (must support Apple Events)
* Baud Rate (selectable): 300-57,600
* Unlimited* Send commands (*limited by your disk space)
* Perfect for hobbyists, scientists, users of X10 and GPS
* Use Modem and/or Printer Port
* ASCII or binary output to serial device
* Up to 258 character send string - unlimited number of strings
* Program Input: (1) from a file, (2) Apple Event, (3) manually from window
* Program Output: (1) to a text file and, (2) progress window
* Error capture and notification
* MAC OS 68K, PPC, Rhapsody (Blue Box)
* Test output commands were verified with hardware "sniffer" during testing
* Custom applications available upon request
Requirements
MAC OS / 68K / PPC / Rhapsody Blue Box
For ordering information, visit:
http:/ /www.R2-D2.com/X10-CAT15.html
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