X-10 Firecracker mod for Propeller

Rayman

Just today figured out how to modify an X-10 Firecracker module so that I can control
my home lighting with just one Propeller pin...

First started thinking about this a long time ago and found this thread:
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/136869

So, this has been done before, but I'm doing it a different way...
Basically, I've removed the PIC chip inside the Firecracker and now directly control the transmitter
circuit with one Propeller pin.

What I've found is that the circuit inside the Firecracker is exactly what X-10 has in their FCC documentation:

For my modification, I've removed the PIC chip and ran a 15k resistor from Pin6 of the DB9 to where the base of the transistor is connected. I've also ran a jumper wire from Pin9 of the DB9 to the 5V bus:

Another way to do this might be leave the PIC chip in place and run a jumper from Pin6 of the DB9 to Pin5 of the PIC chip. And, you could apply 5V to pins 4 or 7 of the DB9. But, I'm not sure you'd get full power output this way since the 5V supply would only get to about 4.3V:

Anyway, here's the Firecracker with the case back on and connected to a Prop Platform Express using P0 to wireless control lights:

You could also plug into a servo header of a Proto board...

Here's a code example:
x10_test1 - Archive [Date 2013.02.18 Time 17.17].zip

mindrobots

Ray,

This is great! It will move my X10 project up the list. Seems to be the perfect combination for a Spinneret hosted X10 solution!