LinTronic

NewsLetter

October 18'th 2006

SETUP VERSION 001.002.060
In order to optimize our support by avoiding long-term version maintenance and conflicts, support of firmware versions earlier than 001.034.016 has been removed. If you run into configuration problems with an earlier firmware, contact LinTronic for an update.

October 17'th 2006

SETUP VERSION 001.002.059
Errors corrected: Automatic Memory Map restorage after BootLoad

SETUP VERSION 001.002.058
Errors corrected: Library path SETUP\TT455-RT-238\

TT455-RT-238, HW4 VERSION 001.034.027
Test913 added (Number of Actions reduced from 75 to 74).

October 16'th 2006

PANASONIC TV, RS232
Upon request from Bang&Olufsen HQ USA, we have added support for discrete commands MUTE ON and MUTE OFF on Panasonic TV offering RS232 control.

VELLEMAN HOMEAUTOMATION
We recently visited an exhibition in Brussel, where Velleman demonstrated the new and very promising VELBUS HomeAutomation System offering relays, dimmers, etc. etc. We plan to support it from the TT455-RT-238.
For more information see www.velbus.be or contact Mr Stephan Santens at ss@velleman.be.
As agreed with Mr Santens, please let him know I recommended you to contact him, thank you.

BLOCKING FOR USE OF CODES NOT YET UPLOADED TO WEB
We are concidering letting the SETUP program block for use of commands, not yet uploaded to the database. Reason is that we some times assist with a specific product, but when we later check the web-database, we learn that the product was never uploaded by the customer/installer. This feature has already earlier been added to the SETUP program and can be activated in a snap. However, it is somewhat annoying to work with, so before we either force you do that or simply upload all commands of which some might not work, please take a few moments to upload commands/products which are already tested and working. It is really a great help to new users, as you also benefited from the existing codes.

SETUP VERSION 001.002.057
Enhanced to support latest TT455-RT-238 firmware. Right click on subjects in Memory Map to get specific OnlineHelp.
AutoTestCommand added in CommandList. A major custor needed long time testing of "Power On/Off" of a TV screen.
Also we completely re-organize all CommandList files, Learned codes and Session files to be storee in the same library as the SETUP program. Each session now has its own library holding back-up of all relavant files, making it very easy for you to backup all you need.

TT455-RT-238 HW5 VERSION 001.034.027
The new firmware has been undergoing a number of changes/enhancements and we have tried our best to test it all, but it is quite comprehensive, so let us know if you experience problems. New features: WrongModeProtection has now become optional (see Memory Map onlinehelp), Exit function has now become optional.

TT455-RT-238 HW4 CONTROL OF BEOSYSTEM
We have had a couple of requests for control of the BEOSYSTEM from a Crestron controller. Yes, we can do that but we need a close cooperation with somebody to get it tested properly. If you are interested let me know. Also we are willing to release the latest firmware for TT455-RT-238 HW4 if anybody is interested, but this will be farewell-tour-no.3 for updates to HW4 :o)

LINTRONIC DATASAMPLER
Has been updated to be installed by InstallShield.

TESTIMONIALS AND PICTURES
We are very much interested in knowing what our products are used for. Please send us a few lines and pictures of what you are controlling. Your information will be shown on the web-site but treated confidential. Personal data will not be shown.
Also we are anxious to know what our customers think of our products and our service. Please send us your comments.

September 18'th 2006

SETUP
As we have received feedback from some Windows 2000 users, that the SETUP program some times behaves strange (text on some commandbutton is not shown, etc.) we have decided to drop our current installation program (MicroSoft Package and Deployment Program) and move to InstallShield as our preferred installation program. Tests show that it handles installation better and the mentioned problems have been solved. In order to get started with the new InstallShield and take advantage of the automatic program-updater, you need to uninstall your current SETUP installation manually, and then download/install the latest version 001.002.056 running in InstallShield. Next time we release a SETUP update, it can be 100% updated from web as earlier, if you decide to do so.

SIM2 PROJECTOR CONTROL
We have obtained the IR and RS232 commands for SIM2 projectors. If you work with SIM2 projectors, we kindly ask you to help us test the commands.

CODES-DATABASE
One of the strong points about the LinTronic products, is the web located codes-database. In order to show the wide range of products controlled by for example TT455-RT-238, we kindly ask all users to please upload all TESTED codes you might have in local CommandList file, to the web database. Thank you.

September 5'th 2006

LINTRONIC RELAY 108
New firmware released allowing you to control the RELAY 108 by the colors of the BEO4. This is particular interesting if you own LC2 dimmers and do not want 'LIGHT <number>' operation to conflict with the light settings. OnlineHelp has been updated.

TT455-RT-238
Control of BEOSYSTEM timing error corrected. Support of more RS232 devices: Projectors, Light, etc.

SETUP
Now TT455-RT-238 supports Clipsal by RS232 commands. Our SETUP configuration program lets you generate the RS232 commands required for your needs, covering all groups, and ramp time/level combinations.

DATASAMPLER
Due to the increasing interest for control of RS232 devices, we have launched a small "LinTronic DataSampler and Terminal program". It's quite nice for spying on RS232 comm-lines to copy commands controlling a given device on RS232, so we can implement the commands into the TT455-RT-238. Also you can send commands in readable, ASCII or HEX.
Available from Download section.

TESTIMONIALS AND PICTURES
We are very interested in knowing what our products are used for. Please send us a few lines and pictures of what you are controlling. Your information will be shown on the web-site but treated confidential. Personal data will not be shown.
Also we are anxious to know what our customers think of our products and our service. Please send us your comments.

August 2'nd 2006

YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME
It is our understanding that only a very few people (if any at all) use the "DO NOT SEND TO BUS" and "DO NOT RECEIVE FROM BUS" settings in the TT455-RT-238 Memory Map. Anyway, we wish to advise that we are planning to remove these settings. If you have not yet played with the BusCommands, then take a look at how to use these commands, which offer much greater flexibility. If we get no feedbacks we plan to remove the above mentioned settings on next SETUP release.

TO UPDATE YOUR: SETUP and your TT455-RT-238
Connect the TT455-RT-238 to the computers serial comport or USB port. Open the existing SETUP program and click CheckForUpdates. Then let the SETUP update automatically. Accept download of TT455-RT-238 firmware. Save ZIP file and unzip files. Then click BOOTLOADER in the SETUP program and FIND the *.hex file.

SETUP VERSION 001.002.053 RELEASED.
Added automatic restoring of X10 settings after TT455-RT-238 firmware update. BEO1 remote control added. Digital Output 2 = BEOSYSTEM added. Decoder 754 added. Now includes PC storage of settings for LinTronic Relay 108. Earlier HOMEAUTOMATION, X10 CommandList files obsoleted. Name format changed to X10, IR - X10, IRRF and X10, PLC. Please download new X10 CommandList files if you need X10 control. Sorry for the inconvenience but the newer format is easier to use. Optional check for non-uploaded CommandListFiles added.

TT455-RT-238 FIRMWARE VERSION 001.002.025 RELEASED.
Added protection against unwanted behaviour when turning motorized B&O TV in STAND mode. Enhanced protection against unwanted operation of X10 (LIGHT 1-8) when operating RELAY 108 modules (LIGHT 11-64). BEO1 remote control added. Digital Output 2 = BEOSYSTEM added. See ApplicationNote. Faster execution and automatic skipping of Memory Map search if no functions are to be executed for detected Triggers (RC5, NEC, BEO, Input, X10) to enhance Crestron and other computer control speed. CodeSet 754 added.

RELAY 108 FIRMWARE VERSION 001.002.025 RELEASED.
Enhanced protection against unwanted relay operation when TT455-RT_238 is in LIGHT Red, Green, Yellow, Blue mode and RELAY 108 is controlled by the -238.

CLIPSAL
We are planning to include TT455-RT-238's and computers RS232 control of the Australian CLIPSAL LIGHT SYSTEM. If this is of interest then please return email with CLIPSAL in subject.

June 19'th 2006

LINTRONIC RELAY 108.
Version 2 including integrated B&O IR receiver now released from production. Existing orders being shipped in a couple of days. Please bare with me. We appreciate the big interest in this relay board and we have listened to the incoming suggestions. We now ship the board "as-is" as some of you wanted to save the price of the enclosure/cabinet. You now order the enclosure/cabinet separately if you want it. Ordering system has been updated to accomodate this. This has resulted in a price reduction equivalent to the price of the cabinet. See updated PDF file about the cabinet. As promised, all existing orders will be shipped with a TT-IR-1455 and to compensate those of you having waited 2-3 weeks for this version ... you get a cabinet free of charge as well. Also we have changed the default firmware timer settings so the relays ON-time is set to 1 second. This will allow you to run a small test of for example curtains fro the BEO4 even without configuring the relay box. Simply connect the B&O IR receiver and activate: LIGHT <1-4> UP or DOWN.

SETUP VERSION 001.002.051 RELEASED.
Some interesting new features this time. Most of them invisible. We have changed the download procedure when getting commands from the web-database to support XML format. This has reduced the download time for the entire database from approx 12 to 2 minutes. This is an improvement step to cooperate with our upcoming HomeAutomation and -Media program.

BOSE LIFESTYLE 18, 28, 35, 38, 48
We can now support RS232 control of most BOSE LIFESTYLE systems from the computer and from the TT455-RT-238. Also you can now set the BOSE LIFESTYLE to send out NEC codes when controlling for example the AUX device, let the TT455-RT-238 decode this IR signal and hence use the BOSE RF remote to control our upcoming HomeAutomation and -Media program.

HOMEAUTOMATION BETA RELEASE 2
Next version of our free of charge HomeAutomation program is released. Allow me a few days to update the OnlineHelp. Be advised that to protect as much information as possible this version looks like the previous version, but does not look like the final product. For example will the Graphical User Interface (GUI) change magnificantly. At this moment we are not prepared to say more. Some changes compared to the first version: You may operate the HomeAutomation program by a touch-screen, mouse-click, from a BEO4 (in PC mode) or a BOSE LIFESTYLE (in AUX mode controllling a NEC TV, code set 0245). Programming procedure remains the same. We have listened to customer feedback and have added some changes in the MUSIC player which still is based on the free of charge WINAMP. I am very interested in feedback regarding a media-player handling music, film-formats, picture-formats, etc. Which features are you missing in for example MediaPlayer, ITunes, etc. and which features which you rather be without. Send us your wish-list and we will create the to-die-for media player.

May 31'th 2006

LINTRONIC RELAY 108.
Thanks for the many feedbacks regarding our LinTronic Relay products, continiously being updated with new features. We are currently adding the new function SPEAKER allowing you to swap speakers or turn speaker set A/B On/Off in a private home or in an audio showroom. If you already know you need more RELAY 108's soon, then I suggest you order them now, as we have a hard time keeping up with order volume. Shipping existing orders soon.

TT455-RT-238 FIRMWARE: 001.034.023 RELEASED.
Old (SAT) and New (DTV) BEO4 supported. New Modes supported: A.AUX, TEXT, PHONO, A.TAPE2, N.MUSIC, N.RADIO, DTV, VMEM, AMEM. Samsung timing enhanced. Keyspan IR control enhanced. Thanks to Manzen in Saudi Arabia for his testing support. Improved immunity for illegal modes in TT455-RT-238. Thanks to Geert in Holland for his suggestions. Decoder for Philips RC5 codes now enhanced to filter 14 and 15 bit codes in 38 and 56 KHz, supporting for example Grundig and Canal Digital Sat receivers. Thanks to S�ren for borrowing me his Grundig Sat. Canal Digital Sat Receiver codes updated in web-database for standard support. RS232 control of new devices. Digital output of BEO signals to allow control of BEOSYSTEM 1, etc. on data input. Tested on Crestron computer. Optional RS485/RS232 selection disables adaptive-bus-data-collison-control if choosing RS232, saving 12-15 ms when communicating in RS232 with the TT455-RT-238 from computer. Option RS485 (default) is recommended covering full and half duplex communication.

SETUP VERSION 001.002.049 RELEASED.
Updated support of TT455-RT-238 and RELAY 108 features.

X10 EXAMPLE OF MIXING MEMORY MAP FUNCTIONS AND 'X10 LIGHT AND APPLICANCE'.
I am often asked how we may make a smart combination of the Memory Map functions with the default X10 Light and Appliance feature. I have now added a small example on the X10 page on our web-site. Be aware it only shows the contents of the Memory Map taking advantage of the LIGHT COLOR mode. The default X10 control is not listed in the Memory Map.

FUGA-IR-455 NOW OBSOLETED.
We have about 30 pieces on stock if you are still interested.

May 19'th 2006

LINTRONIC RELAY 108 - READ MORE
Thanks for the many feedbacks regarding our LinTronic Relay products. We have taken the consequence and added an IR receiver input allowing you to remote control the relays directly from a B&O remote control (and later more remotes as software evolves). Also we have added a full set of commands allowing you to address up to 32 relay boards of each 8 relays. Either from a computer or from a TT455-RT-238. Or you can connect up to 8 relay boards in parallel and control up to 32 curtains Up/Down, Open/Close. Or up to 64 individual relays On/Off. Or a GarageDoor by X10 over power line, etc. etc. etc. An endless number of combinations and possibilities.

SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL JUNE 1'st 2006 - AUTOMATIC UPGRADE OF YOUR ORDER.
All existing orders holding a "LinTronic Relay 108" and NEW orders received before June 1'st 2006, will automatically be upgraded to include the new IR receiver input AND a TT-IR-1455 at no extra cost. Please be aware that the board holds the receiver input, but not the receiver itself. Normally you will need to order an external IR receiver in case you want to remote control the relay board directly from a BEO4.

B&O IR RECEIVER.
For environments including a plasma screen, the TT-IR-8087030 is recommended. For environments NOT including a plasma screen, the new TT-IR-1455 is recommended.

FUGA-IR-455 SOON TO BE OBSOLETED.
With the continious and endless possibilites of the TT455-RT-238, the sales of the FUGA-IR-455 has nearly dropped to nothing although it is excellent as pheripheral receiver for the TT455-RT-238. Be aware that FUGA-IR-455 is not plasma protected, works on RS485 only (not Rs232) and cannot transmit IR. Therefore we wish to obsolete this product. As a LAST-BUY opportunity we hereby offer a 60% discount on the FUGA-IR-455 on orders received before June 1'st 2006. If you are interested then be quick about it, as we only have about 40 units on stock.

RS232.
We are currently adding control of as many RS232 devices as possible.

April 28'th 2006

LINTRONIC RELAY BASIC
We have now released the new LinTronic Relay Box holding 8 programmable relays. The RelayBasic is carefully designed to control curtains, screens, blinders, etc. The configuration program SETUP, supports the relay box allowing you to specify different control modes, individual relay timing, etc. Initially it reacts to the Light commands of the BEO4 over RS232/RS485 from the TT455-RT-238, and we are currently adding commands for direct PC control. One of the many benefits is the automatic timing turning each of the 8 relays off automatically, when the individual curtain has reached the top or bottom. Also the special LinTronic Addressing System allows you to control one or more relays with one single command allowing for example group control. This is really an advanged relay box yet easy to operate and configure.

TT455-RT-238, Firmware 001.34.021 released
Features, see below.

TT455-RT-238, BANG&OLUFSEN CODES ON DIGITAL OUTPUTS
The B&O codes can now be copied to the Digital Output. See Command 039/701.

TT455-RT-238, BEO4 LINK
The -238 can now be programmed to react to LINK codes. The SETUP program helps you configure it.

TT455-RT-238, X10 LIGHT AND APPLIANCE CONTROL
Due to many requests, we have now added enhanced X10 support. Currently updating OnlineHelp but it is so easy, that you will be able to go ahead before we finalize the help. The SETUP program helps you configure it. See special section for X10.
The firmware in the TT455-RT-238 has been enhanced to automatically detect the presence of a 2-way power line modem when powered up.

SETUP, VERSION 001.002.046
Relased to support the above.

RS232
We are currently adding control of as many RS232 devices as possible. Please read more online.

PIONEER SR BUS
Thanks to an idea from Frank, Denmark, we are now currently trying to support the Pioneer SR bus system. We will be back to let you know whether we suceed.

X10 WIRELESS SECURITY SYSTEM, SC28
We have played with this very nice wireless Alarm System. We will be back with more information.

March 20'th 2006

NEW PRODUCT
We are soon launching our new programmable relay module. We are in the process of developing firmware, but we need your help. Let us know which features you would require from such products: How many relays, how many inputs, what would you use it for, etc. See the PDF document and send us an email with your wish list and suggestions. This will make it easier for us to come up with the right products/prices.

Email subject: RELAY. All incoming emails holding suggestions will be allowed a 20% discount on ANY ITEM IN THE ORDER including a relay module when we are ready to take orders. The relay module has been designed to close a project which must be installed in the beginning of April, so it will not take long.

X10 MARCH DISCOUNT TERMINATES
In 11 days the X10 discount will terminate. If you are interested in our X10 products ... order them now.

March 2'nd 2006

LINTRONIC APPOPINTED AS X10 DEALER
It is our pleasure to announce that we have been appointed as X10 Dealer. X10 is a wired or wireless HomeAutomation system sending and receiving signals over the mains power lines (PLC) for the Do-It-Yourself person whom want to automate lights and appliances all over the Home. We have added a bunch of features to the TT45-RT-238 which expands the basic functions of X10 dramatically. Especially the light scene control is very nice. We offer 10% introduction discount on all the LinTronic promoted X10 goods in the whole of March 2006. Get started testing NOW so you add even more units at the lower introduction price during the rest of the month.

SETUP PROGRAM / TT455-RT-238
We have added TT455-RT-238 Trigger control from a Keyspan remote control. To be released soon.

CODES-DATABASE
One of the strong points about the LinTronic products, is the web located codes-database. In order to show the wide range of products controlled by for example TT455-RT-238, we kindly ask all users to please upload all TESTED codes you might have in local CommandList file, to the web database. Thank you.

TESTIMONIALS AND PICTURES
We are very interested in knowing what our products are used for. Please send us a few lines and pictures of what you are controlling. Your information will be shown on the web-site but treated confidential. Personal data will not be shown.
Also we are anxious to know what our customers think of our products and our service. Please send us your comments.

January 12'th 2006

WELCOME TO 2006
LinTronic wish you all the best for 2006. Even though January is only 12 days old, we have already had a fantastic start.

LINTRONIC APPOPINTED AS SONOS DEALER
It is our pleasure to announce that we have been selected as Sonos Dealer. Sonos is a Wirelesss MultiRoom Player system. Control all of you music from all over the house and play it in any room you want. If you have not already seen Sonos on our web-site then have a look at the presentation. Even though the presentation is very nice, it does not quite justify the extreme quality and finish of this to-die-for system. The handheld wireless remote control with LCD display, backlit keys and automatic motion sensor is really out of the ordinary.

SETUP PROGRAM VERSION 001.002.044
Prepared for control from BOSE remote control (NEC code variant).
Added: Philips RECS80, Decoder 751 and other varios enhancements.
Colors added to improve service/assistance.

TT455-RT-238
Split 725 timing enhanced to work better with Pace sat receivers.

LUTRON
Currently working to support the new Rania dimmer series.

BOSE
TT455-RT-003 has been enhanced to include hard disc control of the BOSE LIFESTYLE 38/48 from a BEO4 remote.
Free download of updated firmware for both Hardware Version 4 and 5 available now.

CRESTRON
The interest for TT455-RT-238 is continiously increasing. Crestron programmers have really started to like working with LinTronic's open source protocol. Therfore we are now able to convert IR codes from Crestron to Pronto and LinTronic format.

X10
There is an increasing interest for individual control of X10 ligth dimmers. We are rady to improve that. If you have ideas or wish to be part of the test group then send me an email with subject: X10.

OEM
We are currently engaging with 4 new potential OEM customers and currently running tests and creating specific software to accomodate their needs. More about that in a couple of months.

WWW.BEOWORLD.CO.UK
Meet new friends and dedicated LinTronic Owners at this very good place to discuss your LinTronic solutions/requirements. Please observe that a special LinTronic sub-forum is available.
http://www.beoworld.co.uk/forums/index.php?s=c2b554f6442b6c8edf6656ef6f75e6f6&showforum=39