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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
 Posted - 01/02/2008 : 10:12:18 AM
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JLTSoft would like to formally announce a new Insteon-compatible software product coming Q1 2008:
Announcing “J-LTFX”, a low cost, light-weight Internet-based home automation software solution for Insteon…
Features (Subject to change)
- Remotely manage and control your entire Insteon network via the Internet using just about any computer, Smartphone, or wireless mobile device. Turn on, turn off, or dim any Insteon device from the “Remote Control” page.
- Configure Insteon links, timers, and events from the easy-to-use web interface.
- Supports virtually an unlimited number of timers and events.
- Create special “away” timers that randomly command selected devices on or off at configurable intervals during selected times
- Automatically polls the status of your Insteon devices at configurable intervals for a more accurate view of your Insteon network.
- Built-in dedicated, light-weight web server runs as a Windows background service for added reliability and uses very little CPU resources. Handles multiple concurrent sessions and users, and can be configured to listen on multiple TCPIP ports.
- Create multiple user accounts with passwords and set the security level for each user to limit their access.
- Web pages are streamlined for wireless mobile devices such as PocketPC, Palm Pilot, and Smartphone devices. Web pages use no client-side scripting for maximum compatibility with the widest range of devices and browsers.
- Web page appearance can be customized by selecting several different pre-built styles, or customize your own style by editing the included CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) files.
- Every configuration setting can be adjusted entirely from the web interface.
- Configuration is stored in an easy-to-understand XML file that can be manipulated outside of the software if needed. Configuration is automatically backed up whenever a configuration change is made.
- Configure alerts to automatically send email when certain events occur.
Requirements (Subject to change):
- CPU: Pentium II 500 Mhz or faster
- Operating Systems: Windows XP/2000, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista
- Minimum Memory: 10-20 MB
- Requires PLM (PowerLinc Modem) from Smarthome, sold separately
J-LTFX will be available sometime before the end of first-quarter of 2008, and will be given an introductory price of $39.95.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
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Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
Edited by - Xpendable on 01/02/2008 8:55:52 PM |
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digger
Advanced Member
USA
1508 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2008 : 10:14:18 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Xpendable
JLTSoft would like to formally announce a new Insteon-compatible software product coming Q1 2008:
Announcing “J-LTFX”, a low cost, light-weight Internet-based home automation software solution for Insteon…
Features (Subject to change)
- Remotely manage and control your entire Insteon network via the Internet using just about any computer, Smartphone, or wireless mobile device. Turn on, turn off, or dim any Insteon device from the “Remote Control” page.
- Configure Insteon links, timers, and events from the easy-to-use web interface.
- Supports virtually an unlimited number of timers and events.
- Create special “away” timers that randomly command selected devices on or off at configurable intervals during selected times
- Automatically polls the status of your Insteon devices at configurable intervals for a more accurate view of your Insteon network.
- Built-in dedicated, light-weight web server runs as a Windows background service for added reliability and uses very little CPU resources. Handles multiple concurrent sessions and users, and can be configured to listen on multiple TCPIP ports.
- Create multiple user accounts with passwords and set the security level for each user to limit their access.
- Web pages are streamlined for wireless mobile devices such as PocketPC, Palm Pilot, and Smartphone devices. Web pages use no client-side scripting for maximum compatibility with the widest range of devices and browsers.
- Web page appearance can be customized by selecting several different pre-built styles, or customize your own style by editing the included CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) files.
- Every configuration setting can be adjusted entirely from the web interface.
- Configuration is stored in an easy-to-understand XML file that can be manipulated outside of the software if needed. Configuration is automatically backed up whenever a configuration change is made.
- Configure alerts to automatically send email when certain events occur.
Requirements (Subject to change):
- CPU: Pentium II 500 Mhz or faster
- Operating Systems: Windows XP/2000, Windows Server 2003, or Windows Vista
- Minimum Memory: 1024 MB (including operating system)
- Requires PLM (PowerLinc Modem) from Smarthome, sold separately
J-LTFX will be available sometime before the end of first-quarter of 2008, and will be given an introductory price of $39.95.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
How the heck will SH compete with that??????? |
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GraysonPeddie
Senior Member
USA
317 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2008 : 11:13:34 AM
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What? You need 1GB of memory for this home automation server? I don't think so!
Why does J-LTFX require 1GB of memory?
I could develop a server software that doesn't require that much memory...but only if I know all the Insteon Commands for PLM, as an addition to turning on lights and executing groups... |
Using Vista Business for webserver until I get WS08 Web Edition.
Proud-owner of PLM! 
I'm a computer programmer (Visual Studio 2005 with C#/ASP.net/SQL Server 2005 Express). |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2008 : 11:38:07 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by GraysonPeddie
Why does J-LTFX require 1GB of memory?
No, that's not correct. J-LTFX does not require 1GB of memory. That's just the initial suggested minimum memory for the total computer. We'll probably even lower that to 512MB of ram when the software is closer to being finished. J-LTFX itself actually uses very little memory -- probably less than 10 MB, and most of that is the .NET 2.0 framework. You wouldn't really notice the memory usage. In fact, J-LTFX has no graphical user interface of any kind (except for an icon in the system tray) outside of the web interface. This helps make for a very small footprint.
I'd edit the original post and clarify it if I could, but I get an error when I try to edit the original post. I think others have reported this as a forum problem recently. |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
Edited by - Xpendable on 01/02/2008 11:44:16 AM |
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digger
Advanced Member
USA
1508 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2008 : 1:45:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Xpendable
quote:
Originally posted by GraysonPeddie
Why does J-LTFX require 1GB of memory?
No, that's not correct. J-LTFX does not require 1GB of memory. That's just the initial suggested minimum memory for the total computer. We'll probably even lower that to 512MB of ram when the software is closer to being finished. J-LTFX itself actually uses very little memory -- probably less than 10 MB, and most of that is the .NET 2.0 framework. You wouldn't really notice the memory usage. In fact, J-LTFX has no graphical user interface of any kind (except for an icon in the system tray) outside of the web interface. This helps make for a very small footprint.
I'd edit the original post and clarify it if I could, but I get an error when I try to edit the original post. I think others have reported this as a forum problem recently.
I didnt realize it was a project of yours. I hope you understand that my previous post was actually a compliment. The functionality stated seems great especially for a reasonable price point. SH was not able to do that for twice the price.
I think you will have a big hit there. |
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mtippen
Junior Member
35 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2008 : 4:59:29 PM
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This looks very interesting.
Can you give us a feel for how this differs from the functionality of the ISY-26? (Other than it looks like your solution is software-only). Also, I assume your product will need to work with the Smarthome PLM, right? And finally, because it is software-based, does it mean that the computer will always need to be on?
Sounds like a great project and I wish you every success. |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2008 : 5:50:44 PM
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Thanks, mtippen.
I don't have an ISY-26, so I can't really do a valid comparison to it. What I can tell you is this:
Yes, it is software-based.
Yes, it will require the computer to be left on.
Yes, it requires a PLM (as mentioned in the requirements).
It allows you to manage your Insteon network via the Internet (linking and control).
It allows you to create and edit timers and events via the Internet.
J-LTFX is being designed to be fast, efficient, and reliable. It won't necessarily have everything that everybody wants or needs. It has a set of core features that we are focusing on. We do plan to add additional functionality and features in the future if the product is well received, and we hope that it will be. |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
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msmcknight1
Starting Member
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 3:39:21 PM
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Since it's based on .Net, does that mean it will require the use of IE for full functionality?
Thats my biggest gripe with HomeSeer is that it doesn't work correctly with Firefox. Things like status updates, menu options, etc either dont work at all, or you have to manually "refresh" in order to see them.
Please tell me you have fully tested with Non-Microsoft browsers!
Also - will we be able to download a demo/evaluation version in order to try it out before we make a purchase?
Thanks!
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 3:52:11 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by msmcknight1
Since it's based on .Net, does that mean it will require the use of IE for full functionality?
No, it absolutely does not require IE.
quote:
Thats my biggest gripe with HomeSeer is that it doesn't work correctly with Firefox. Things like status updates, menu options, etc either dont work at all, or you have to manually "refresh" in order to see them.
It should work with Firefox just fine.
quote:
Please tell me you have fully tested with Non-Microsoft browsers!
We are still in development with this product and extensive testing on other browsers has not been completed as of yet. But I can tell you that we are purposely designing the pages served by the software to be compatible with most web browsers by not using specialized features such as client-side scripting, ActiveX, or Java. We do use CSS, but the pages will still be fully functional even if your browser does not support CSS (and most browsers do support it). I can tell you that when we get closer to release, it will have been extensively tested on IE, Firefox, and Mobile IE.
quote:
Also - will we be able to download a demo/evaluation version in order to try it out before we make a purchase?
Yes, we plan to release an evaluation version. |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
Edited by - Xpendable on 01/03/2008 3:53:42 PM |
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Charlie911
Starting Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 6:02:23 PM
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Probably a good piece of software, especially for the price, but when it came out that the host computer needs to be left on 24/7, I turned green and tuned out. A little surprised that you were not familiar with the ISY-26. It is in a different price range, and the programming is probably more limited than you will have, but it's a few watts vs a hundred or so. Will your device work if the computer goes into sleep or hibernate mode? If you set up control over the internet, that would seem to imply external access to the whole machine, with the attendant securicy implications. Rather let'm try to hack my ISY-26!
Charlie |
Charlie |
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GraysonPeddie
Senior Member
USA
317 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 7:11:13 PM
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Don't be surprised if anyone haven't used or not familiar with ISY-26.
To each their own, though I have no need for ISY-26.
I am also in process on designing a software for Insteon PLM, however, I halted the development, as I don't know how to get status (like light level) from a device, like LampLinc or an ApplianceLinc. |
Using Vista Business for webserver until I get WS08 Web Edition.
Proud-owner of PLM!
I'm a computer programmer (Visual Studio 2005 with C#/ASP.net/SQL Server 2005 Express). |
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jhimmel
Average Member
114 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 7:52:55 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Charlie911
Probably a good piece of software, especially for the price, but when it came out that the host computer needs to be left on 24/7, I turned green and tuned out.
To each his own. Many people have a PC running 24/7 anyway - so this would actually be MORE economical.
Personally, I have a PC running 24/7 that does the following -
Web server for my personal web site.
HomeSeer web server
Security camera DVR software
Security camera web server for remote camera viewing.
FAX reception using Venta4Net.
As a matter of fact, because of this, I don't need a dedicated FAX machine plugged in or a dedicated camera DVR - so that offsets the power consumption, and there is no display monitor running either. I access the system using Remotely Anywhere from any PC.
I might also mention that those are the ONLY functions of that PC, and it is extremely reliable.
However, I do understand your concerns in your particular case.
Jim H. |
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christoc
New Member
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 8:29:03 PM
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| Interesting software thoughts. Glad to see it's a .Net application as well! Any chance the source will be available? |
http://www.domoticsblog.com/ |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 8:36:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Charlie911
Probably a good piece of software, especially for the price, but when it came out that the host computer needs to be left on 24/7, I turned green and tuned out. A little surprised that you were not familiar with the ISY-26. It is in a different price range, and the programming is probably more limited than you will have, but it's a few watts vs a hundred or so. Will your device work if the computer goes into sleep or hibernate mode? If you set up control over the internet, that would seem to imply external access to the whole machine, with the attendant securicy implications. Rather let'm try to hack my ISY-26!
Charlie
I am familiar with the ISY-26, I just don't own one and haven't used one myself. J-LTFX is a software based solution, and it does require a computer to be on 24x7. That's what it's designed for. It obviously can't function if the computer is put in sleep or hibernate mode, which would defeat the purpose. As far as security implications go, I don't think there's much you have to worry about there. If you don't want to open up the outside world to J-LTFX, you can simply choose to block outside access to the port in your router or firewall. And since J-LTFX generates the web pages dynamically on the fly, there's no risk that J-LTFX is going to serve up sensitive files on your computer simply because it can't. |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2008 : 8:37:03 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by christoc
Interesting software thoughts. Glad to see it's a .Net application as well! Any chance the source will be available?
Nope, sorry! That would kind of defeat our ability to earn money off of our hard work! |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
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rhughes
Average Member
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2008 : 11:12:13 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Xpendable
quote:
Originally posted by christoc
Interesting software thoughts. Glad to see it's a .Net application as well! Any chance the source will be available?
Nope, sorry! That would kind of defeat our ability to earn money off of our hard work!
LOL. The fly in the ointment of open source, at least for the little guy. Good luck with your product! It sounds very interesting. |
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christoc
New Member
USA
18 Posts |
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SnyperBob
Starting Member
11 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 11:19:22 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Charlie911
Probably a good piece of software, especially for the price, but when it came out that the host computer needs to be left on 24/7, I turned green and tuned out. A little surprised that you were not familiar with the ISY-26. It is in a different price range, and the programming is probably more limited than you will have, but it's a few watts vs a hundred or so. Will your device work if the computer goes into sleep or hibernate mode? If you set up control over the internet, that would seem to imply external access to the whole machine, with the attendant securicy implications. Rather let'm try to hack my ISY-26!
Charlie
Bah, if you're that worried about hackers, I'd say to shut off your PC now and unplug it from the wall, in case them wild hackers come down the power line....
I don't understand those that are 100% against having a pc on all the time. It's 2008, not 1995. Everything runs off/on a computer. Personally, I have at minimum 3 PC's running 24/7.
Also, how much is 1 gig of ram these days? Like $4? Seriously guys....
Anyway, good to hear about this software. I can't wait until it's released! |
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cmhardwick
Senior Member
377 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 06:46:57 AM
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First, show me where you can get 1gb of ram for $4 and I'll buy lots 
One concern people have of leaving computers on 24/7 isn't so much security but power usage. I can't say anything, I have 4 that are on 24/7 usually for various things. |
Cicero
New to home auto and driving my wife CRAZY!! (well, not new to driving her crazy, but you know what I mean) |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 07:42:08 AM
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Just to reiterate in case anyone missed it: J-LTFX itself only uses somewhere between 10 and 20 mb of ram. I'm using it in my house right now and it's using about 12 mb pretty consistently. If you only have 512mb on the computer, that would probably also be fine.
As for power usage due to a computer that's left on 24x7... I guess I shouldn't talk because my main computer has a 1000 watt power supply, 2x BFG Geforce 8800GTX cards in SLI and 6 120mm case fans. And I have a couple of other computers and laptops that are left on all the time. Oh yeah, and then there's the Vista media center PC that I built that runs our main TV, lol! |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
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bhlonewolf
Senior Member
325 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 07:55:41 AM
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Security: a non-issue. If you want it exposed to the internet -- and assuming you're using a router -- you just don't expose it directly and instead require a VPN or similar connection back into your network.
As for power -- I agree this would potentially be a valid issue -- but then, my win2003 server that stays on 24/7 draws very little -- I don't have it hooked up to a monitor, etc., and frankly does a lot more than just home automation. |
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GraysonPeddie
Senior Member
USA
317 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 08:30:14 AM
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Yep! With my AMD Sempron64 single-core processor, I can run at 800Mhz with 0.875 volts! That puts out 30 watts of power, when used with mATX motherboard, on-board video chip, IDE 60GB hard drive, and that's about it!
With Windows Server 2008 that I'm beta-testing, there isn't any sluggish at all. |
Using Vista Business for webserver until I get WS08 Web Edition.
Proud-owner of PLM!
I'm a computer programmer (Visual Studio 2005 with C#/ASP.net/SQL Server 2005 Express). |
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jbauer
Average Member
USA
120 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 12:43:46 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Xpendable
As for power usage due to a computer that's left on 24x7...
Just to argue for the pro-pc based HA camp for a while...
It is very possible to run a decent computer with 1 HDD for about 30 watts. I target 30 watts for all of my file servers because I am very concerned with power usage. I think it is perfectly acceptable to have an HA product that requires your PC to be on 100% of the time, and I look forward to trying your product.
However, I do have a minor feature request...
Is it possible to run your software on one computer and have the PLM plugged into another computer? It is fine if a software bridge runs on the PLM connected computer, just as long as 100% of the functionality is available through the software bridge.
- jason |
http://www.efundies.com - Make electronics fun. |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 3:02:17 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by jbauer
However, I do have a minor feature request...
Is it possible to run your software on one computer and have the PLM plugged into another computer? It is fine if a software bridge runs on the PLM connected computer, just as long as 100% of the functionality is available through the software bridge.
Sorry, there are no plans for this. The PLM must be hooked up to the machine that the software is running on. |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
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CopyRon
Average Member
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 3:25:16 PM
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Xpendable,
My system specs.
Good enough for 12th place last PC pitstop contest.
With an 8800 GTX, I could have probably made 5th.
Vista Ultimate SP1
Home built 'puter, Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wifi AP
P4 QX6850 3.0 Quad OC'd to 4.0 1800 FSB,
eVGA 8800 GTS 640 meg DDR3
2G Twin3X2048-1800C7DF G Ram,
4 Raptor 36 Gig HDs Raid 0
2 250 Gig IDE HD
Antec 1000 Quatro
Water Cooled CPU
2 120 case fans set on low
2 40 chipset fans set on low |
Ron Copsetta
It wasn't broke til I fixed it! |
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ejacobs
Starting Member
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 04:55:05 AM
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| Any update on this? Are we still on target for sometime during the 1st quarter? If you need someone to beta test, let me know. |
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 06:34:26 AM
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| I'm still working hard on J-LTFX! I've written over 10250 lines of code so far, although that does include the blank lines (so probably a little over 8000 lines of actual code). I think we're probably still a month or two away from a beta and we're about 70% done with overall functionality. I'm really excited about J-LTFX, and will be sharing some screenshots in the not-so-distant future. |
Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
Edited by - Xpendable on 03/02/2008 06:37:25 AM |
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techno_goof
Starting Member
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 08:25:57 AM
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Different subject but,
Any word on getting LSM to work with the PLM?
Thanks |
Bryan
Visit: http://techha.com with HA Webring, Virtual Community, Icons, Resources and More!
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Xpendable
Advanced Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2008 : 12:15:12 PM
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Yes, we're releasing a new version of LSM late spring/early summer that will require the PLM. See our news update on our website at http://www.jltsoft.com
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Use Light Show Master to create animated light shows using your Insteon equipment. See how at http://www.jltsoft.com |
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Topic |
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Coming Soon: J-LTFX!
