X-10 FireCracker Computer Interface CM17A BRAND NEW X10

I finally got it to work in Window 10. Install the Firecracker software, then navigate to "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\X10\DriverInstall\Wireless Transceivers" and right click on X10ufirx.Inf. From the popup dialog, Choose "Install". The right click the FireCracker (Palm Pad in my case) window and Setup FireCracker. I'm not sure it is necessary, but I also set the program ("C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\X10\Common\firecracker.exe" in 64-bit Windows, "C:\Program Files\Common Files\X10\Common\firecracker.exe" I assume in 32-bit) to run in Windows XP, Service Pack 3 Mode and Run as Administrator.

I received the item in 4 days and it works as advertised!!! I plan on using this with ZigBee and other home automation products as x10 is being phased out, and this will work nicely. thanks for getting it to me so soon!!!

The X-10 Firecracker is an inexpensive way to dabble in home automation using the X-10 protocol, a Raspberry Pi, a USB-A to RS-232M Cable, an X-10 receiver, a few dimmer and appliance switches. In addition, you’ll need a free open source program, heyu, to interface with the firecracker. Using the AlarmClock widget on the Pi you can turn things like lights and appliances on and off on schedule.

If you are running Windows 10, don't bother trying to get the test software from the x10.com site working. It doesn't. After wasting an hour or two on Windows, I got some software (heyu) for it on my Linux system, and it worked fine. I now use the FireCracker to control X10 devices all over my house from my Linux system. You will need to do some research on X10 to get your devices working.

worked perfectly, shipped promptly

Wanted to control my old X10 devices with Alexa and smarthub. I bought this device elsewhere but want user to know how to use it. You will need the FireCracker on your desktop computer (may need a USB to Serial cable if you don't have a serial out on the desktop). It will talk to the X10 house controller. In my case it is a TM751 that receives the RF signal from the FireCracker (CM17) and injects the command into you AC lines to control the X10 devices.Tried out quite a few different control softwares that were free.One was FireworX-10. It was just a basic scheduler that could turn devices on or off or dim on different times and dates. It did not have a sunrise or set capability.Another one was Active Home Vista. This is the one to use if you want more than basic. It has an IOS or Android app that can control the AHV software on your desktop. It has a scheduler with many extra features and also voice control.At this point I do not have it controlled by Alexa yet. I will update when that happens.UPDATE - yes, the AHV software on the desktop and the AHV app on your smartphone are the route to go. On your Alexa app install the skill for TriggerCMD. Set up your X10 devices on AHV and then discover these new devices on Alexa TriggerCMD. I created Alexa routines that call these new devices. Works flawlessly.I just run all these on my local network but AHV says you can open a port to control devices remotely.

The hardware works fine, but the software was written for older operating systems. It works 1/3 of the time & locks ups up 1/3 and simply does nothing the rest of the time.It works in Window XP Service Pack 3 compatibility mode. See update in comment.