If you are experiencing difficulties getting MouseHouse to communicate with your home automation hardware, please follow ALL of the directions below.
The best way to check if your hardware is working properly is to first try to get the "Synchronize Clocks" feature in the Preferences window working properly.
Make sure the latest version of all required software is properly installed:
- MouseHouse 2.0.6
- "Serial Tool" 1.0.2 Extension or later
- "Serial (Built-in)" 1.1.3 Extension or later
- "AppleScript" 1.1.2 Extension or later
- "AppleScriptLib" 1.2.2 Extension or later
- MacOS 8.1 or MacOS 8.5 or later
Software is available on your MacOS installation CD.
Make sure the following software is NOT installed:
- Serial port arbitrator Extension
- AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA) Extensions and Control Panels
- If using your Printer Port, make sure AppleTalk is turned OFF by checking the "Chooser" under the Apple menu
- If using the Modem Port, make sure all Fax and Modem software is turned OFF
- On certain PowerBooks and Performas, turn the Express Modem Control Panel OFF, check "Use internal modem instead of Port"
- Make sure you are not using any Global Village Modem/Fax software
Make sure your Date & Time Control Panel is set to "US Defaults" for both the date and the time. We are working on correcting this.
Make sure all cables are securily connected.
If the ActiveHome is not responding, remove the batteries and unplug the unit for 15 minutes. When hooking up the ActiveHome hardware, first connect the ActiveHome to your Macintosh, then plug the ActiveHome into the wall, then install the batteries. The ActiveHome can occasionally store corrupt data when swapping serial cables, when using the port for another application, when experiencing power outages, or during installation. These steps should correct the problem.
If you are having trouble sending events, start off by sending it a single event from a new house file. If this works, your house file may be corrupt and you may need to use a backup.
Make sure your hardware is plugged directly into the wall outlet. Running the hardware through a surge protector or powerstrip could filter out your commands. Placing your hardware in close proximity to electric motors, printers, vacuum cleaners, or non-digital clocks, could cause similar loss of commands.
Try running MouseHouse with the base set of MacOS Extensions to determine if one of your Extensions or Control Panels is causing the problem.
If your ActiveHome is still not working, please download our ActiveHome Test Scripts.
©2008 MouseHouse.net