Re: [LHA-misc] You want opinions? (was: Another article ...)

[Neil C. <nc...@ho...>]

John wrote:
> 
> Yes, I've got some nerve popping up from the depths a launching
> torpedoes...

Torpedoes in the water ...
 
> On Wed, 1 Nov 2000, Neil Cherry wrote:
> 
> > So where does the project stand (I your opinion, of course)? Don't be
> > afraid to hit me hard if you feel it's necessary. I'm not really sure
> > I know what I'm doing, I just know what I want!
> 

> Without strong management, everybody scratches their particular itch and
> rare is the developer who itches for QA, documentation, or effective UI
> design.  Weak management never has the will to halt new feature work in
> favor of bug resolution when a release is imminent.

This is what I hope to provide, it sounds like I'm on the right track but
the progress is very slow (I've gotten used to internet time, everything
fast).

> My Goals wishlist:
> 
> V1.0
> - UI agnostic <-- This just saved my butt[1].
> - Device agnostic
> - Common device properties
> - Extensible device properties

Nice list
 
> V2.0
> - Inter-server communications
> 
> If these elements are properly defined, scalibility comes for free.  It
> provides a lot of flexibility.  As long as somebody can write a driver for
> their bright shiny new toy, we can support it.  Want to support telnet,
> web, and LCDproc clients?  As long as they can work with the common UI
> specification, not a problem.  Yes, yes, it's my 'frameworks' argument.

We look real good right here, our interface is telnet and ASCII. This
simplifies most of the development and debugging. I am having a tough time
with what the standard commands should be. I may simply say: If x10 is
supported on device X then accept on a1, off p16, dim/bright as the basics
for X10. Then say: xmcd (extended command) ..., and xdata (extended data)
... .

The standard commands have been a problem, I have devices with digital,
analog and X10. I want only 1 set of commands for the x10 no matter what
(same holds true for digital I/O and analog I/O). I prefer to keep the
database of device names to I/O names out of the device interface. Though
I'm not sure if that's such a good idea yet.

The basics for X10 are the sending of on/off dim/bright commands. The next
level is the receiving of commands (from RF or power line). The next level
is extended commands. Somewhere in there is the Leviton preset stuff and
similar unusual commands. 

> And to be completely harsh: you want funding?  You need to have a fairly
> solid 1.0 release firmly under your belt and be well on the way to
> V2.0.  Gone are the heady days of the Internet Gold Rush of '99.  The new
> millenium *demands* profitability.  Come, let us build the new Silicon
> Valley over the abandoned mine...

I don't expect funding anytime soon, it's just a dream right now. But you
are 110% correct. Unless we have something good to show venders will have
no interest in the product.

-- 
Linux Home Automation           Neil Cherry             nc...@ho...
http://members.home.net/ncherry                         (Text only)
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/lightsey/52           (Graphics)
http://linuxha.sourceforge.net/				(SourceForge)