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2005 JDS is in the process of adding UPB support to
Stargate. The first release will utilize Stargate's com port
#3 connected to a Serial-to-UPB powerline interface module
(PIM), to provide two-way UPB control. However, due to the
additional memory requirements, the UPB firmware version will
only function with Stargate-Lite (Stargates without the
telephony board). Ultimately JDS is hoping to develop an
RS485 interface to handle the UPB traffic and leave com port 3
available for other purposes. But until another solution is
developed, this will at least accommodate Stargate-Lite
owners.
For owners with Stargates who don't want to
sacrifice the telephony functions, a different (though less
elegant) approach for UPB is still possible for controlling a
moderate number of UPB devices. This entails adding ASCII
events for each UPB device (following the UPB protocol) for
on, off and dim level commands, also requiring a Serial-to-UPB PIM
connected to Stargate's com 3.
Over the past two years, with the growing
popularity of more affordable and flexible telephone services
such as cellular and VoIP, JDS have seen a noticeable decrease
in the demand for land line telephony functions. The industry
has also seen a tremendous increased in demand for
web/network-enabled control and touchscreen interfaces.
Consequently, JDS will be discontinuing the telephony board on
future Stargates and replacing it with the Web Xpander
(network interface) and several user interface
software options, including Pocket WebX and the soon to be
released HomeRunner (date to be announced). Details will soon
be posted on our website.
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