Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / October 2004

On the chance that you are disconnecting the serial cable
between the PC and CM11 after programming it, make sure
to disconnect the cable at the CM11 end.  Having a CM11
cable disconnected only at the PC end (even with a switch box)
is a frequent cause of the CM11 clock time going bad.

I started out using the ActiveHome software, and was disappointed with it.
So I started writing my own software a year and a half ago.  I call it Home
Domination.  It is a far more capable software than ActiveHome and allows
you to use multiple house codes.  You can create an unlimited number of
macros without using any additional house codes.  The software can monitor
email for commands, and there's a network client that lets you control it
from anywhere in the world with Internet access, and there are security
features to prevent unauthorized access.  It supports video, allowing an
unlimited number of video sources.  And you can use macros to snap pictures
from the various video sources and store them to your hard drive.  And
that's just the beginning.  I've got a lot of other things planned for the
future including many features for home entertainment.

The software hasn't been released yet, however I'm close to being able to
release it as a Beta version.  However, if you don't mind a lack of
documentation and a few features that aren't completely implemented, you can
download it and try it now for free.  Check out www.homedomination.com for
information and go to the Demo page if you want to download and try it.  If
you would like to become a Beta tester, just email.  Being a beta tester
makes you eligible for 50% off the retail price when the product is
released, and you get to use it for free until that time.  Also, your input
as a beta tester will be used to enhance the product, so this is a great
opportunity to get the software you've always wanted.

So please check out www.homedomination.com and please email
hstrand@homedomination.com with any feedback on the website or my product.
The software is quite intuitive, but if you need any help with anything,
please email hstrand@homedomination.com with your questions.  And also email
me if you would like to Beta test the product.  I'm planning to limit the
number of beta testers to 100 so I can keep the beta test manageable,
although I may increase that if the situation warrants it.

Harry Strand