About Fireck32.exe

Fireck32: Command Line
Utility for X10's Firecracker

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.

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.

I think 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 too 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 you 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).