The Fireck32 utility was designed so that you can control X10's
Firecracker module under Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP from either a DOS
prompt or a shortcut. I wanted to be able to do some basic
scheduling of lights and appliances with the Firecracker but did
not want to pay the extra money for the elaborate software that
X10 sells since I really only need basic functionality. I don't
like elaborate software packages that include their own
scheduling utilities sucking up resources in the background since
Windows comes with its own scheduler, anyway. Thus Fireck32 was
born.


Installation

Extract the files from the zip file and run Setup. A wizard will
guide you through the usual installation process.


Usage

The usage for Fireck32 is simple. Look at any of the
following examples to get the idea:

Fireck32.exe /com=2 /house=a /device=1 /action=on
Fireck32.exe /com=1 /house=f /device=9 /action=off
Fireck32.exe /com=4 /house=g /device=12 /action=bright
Fireck32.exe /device=3 /house=b /action=dim /com=3
Fireck32 /c=1 /h=a /d=1 /a=on

If you forget the options, type Fireck32 /? to list the options.

From a DOS prompt (and in the same directory as the Fireck32
file) you may type any of these items and they would take the
appropriate action. Before you try using this program you must
know which communications port your Firecracker is installed on
and which house code your X10 modules are set to (and of course
which device number and action you want to take).

You may also create shortcuts to the Fireck32 file and then add
these switches to the shortcut properties to take a specific
action. If you don't know what a shortcut is, or how to create
one, you may look at my website
http://scottfisher.freeservers.com/ for further information.
Shortcuts are very convenient in many situations in Windows so
it's a good idea to know how to create and modify them in any
case.

Once you've created useful shortcuts (say to turn on and off the
lights you use the most) you can place these someplace convenient
such as on your desktop or in your Start Menu so you can quickly
turn lights on and off from your computer. You might even like to
place a shortcut in your Startup folder so that a certain light
turns on or off once your computer boots into Windows.

The shortcuts are the key to using Fireck32 in a Windows
scheduler--but I will not go into specifics since every scheduler
is different and you will need to check the documentation for
your scheduler yourself.

The switches for Fireck32 are fairly self explanatory--just
substitute the correct values for your situation instead of using
those above. The switches may be used in any order and even may
be abbreviated to just the first letter of the switch (as in the
last example). If you leave out any of the switches or make
errors typing the switches, the defaults will be used for the
missing or wrong switch. The defaults are /com=1 /house=a
/device=1 /action=off.


Disclaimer

Fireck32 worked great for me in the testing I did, but I cannot
guarantee that it will always work. I will not be held
responsible for your use (or misuse) of this software or
guarantee it in any way. I've made attempts to ensure that this
software causes no problems, but this is freeware and so I don't
have the time and money to do extensive testing. USE THIS
SOFTWARE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Also please note that you should NOT use your X10 modules to
control appliances that may cause problems (such as fires) if
they get turned on accidentally or don't get turned off. X10
disclaims any responsibility for direct and consequential damages
and so do I. If you decide to hook up your iron (or similar
appliance) to an X10 module and your house catches on fire
because of it this is your own fault. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

I've had things turn on or off randomly a number of times with my
X10 modules (maybe stray signals from the neighbors) so you need
to consider safety first and be ready for anything to turn on or
off at random without causing safety concerns.


Use of the Software (Freeware)

Fireck32 is freeware that you may use or distribute as you please
except that you may not charge for this software--except for
reasonable media costs if you are copying it for someone. You
must also leave all documentation and files intact if you
distribute it or bundle it in any way.


If you would like my contact information, check
http://www.scottfisher.freeservers.com/ where you will find this
information in its most up-to-date form. If I have time, I will
also post additional information about this software and other
topics of interest to me. If you would like the source code (in
Visual Basic 6), email me (you can find my email address at the
link above) and I'd be happy to share the part I wrote.

Fireck32 is based not only on my own code, but on an .OCX control
written by Joseph Sola called Firecrax0r. You can find his web
site at http://reet.i.am/ and his .OCX can be useful if you want
to try your hand at programming your own utility for the
Firecracker. He includes all source code for his .OCX.

A note about support: If you have problems or have questions
about this software, you may email me but I can't guarantee any
kind of response time. I will try to answer all reasonable
questions but you may find it faster to have someone else help
you if you know someone who is knowledgeable about computers.
Nothing is too unusual about this software so it shouldn't be
hard to figure out for someone with the background. Also, my
response may be slow to questions since the address listed on the
web site is not my primary email address. If you are not aware,
many advertisers comb the web for email addresses so they can
send junk, unsolicited email to every address they can find. I
don't want this junk email coming to my primary account, so I am
not publishing it and I will only check my listed email account
occasionally.

If you have suggestions or would just like to send feedback (good
or bad), you may also email. Any offensive, harassing, explicit,
erotic, etc. email will be deleted immediately and your email
address may be blocked so I never receive another email from it
again.


Known Conflicts/Problems
  
     Palm Desktop software will interfere with the use of the 
      Firecracker if it is set to use the same port as your 
      Firecracker. The solution is to put your Firecracker on a 
      different port or disable the HotSync software from
      automatically starting.   
     As with any Windows software, Fireck32 relies on Windows 
      to know about the hardware present in your system to work
      correctly. The port that you use to attach your Firecracker
      must show up in the Windows Device Manager. I suggest that
      you make sure that the Firecracker works with the basic
      utility from X10 before you install Fireck32.   
     Often a port not showing up in Device Manager occurs 
      because it is disabled in the BIOS setup for your computer. 
      If you don't  have any idea what a BIOS Setup is or how to 
      get to it, I suggest  you check with your computer
      manufacturer for assistance.


Basic Info

Filename: Fireck32.exe (with support files) or Fireck32.zip (in
the archive)

Version: 1.0

Author: Scott Fisher (Based on .OCX by Joseph Sola see above for
web address).