Hi Everyone,

Here's an app I've been working on for the past year. It allows you to layout a touch panel for your desktop, then "connect" buttons to a command file that controls devices over a local network. The "Panel Designer" allows you to do the layout, the "Command Editor" does device/command definitions, and the "Desktop Panel" pulls these two files together to provide a UI that sends command strings from your desktop. All three programs are included in the download.

This version is limited to 5 pages, 5 buttons per page, 5 devices, and 5 command strings per device, although unlimited files with these restrictions can be created.

Each device can have its own IP and port number.

Command strings can be sent as ASCII, Hex, or a combination of the two.

Button states in this version are momentary only with no feedback.

This might be a useful testing tool for both hobbyists and integrators (hopefully?).

To download:

1. Go to the website (URL is below).
2. Click "Downloads" in the toolbar.
3. Click "BiziSuite" from the choice of folders.
4. Click "BiziSuite Free" or "BiziSuite Free - 64 Bit" depending on your OS.
5. Click "Download File".

Just one request - To keep this thread on-topic, program-specific support requests should be handled through my site (preferably in the forum) rather than here.

Thanks and Enjoy,
Chris

4/5/11 - Updated - Please see latest post below.

Looks impressive.

Is there a wiki or something for a quick look at the control specs on how to send commands and parse feedback?

Thanks for the response, wall-e.

In the help file for the Command Editor under Devices and Commands - Configuring Commands, there's an explanation on the string structure. Basically ascii is entered as-is, and hex is prefixed with the delimiter "\X". The program looks for the delimiter and sends the next two characters as hex. Feedback is done in the same fashion.

I'm currently working on a Web Panel to compliment the Desktop Panel. The Web Panel would be installed on a local (home or business) server running asp.net and allow control from any browser. It may also allow creation of pages/buttons small enough for phones or PDAs

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Hi Chris,

No, I think that's good! The great benefit of a web based home control app would be (for me) the easy re-scaling.. The market is growing with all kinds of mobile platforms..

Maybe you want to give developpers a free full version. With this strategy you can reach more developers. In the end, they are the one's who are selling it to the great public...

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick update. I have completed work on a totally rebuilt version of the application. Here are some important changes/additions.

1. Resolved an issue where the designer would not function on Windows Vista or Windows 7.

2. The new (free) version is limited to 3 pages, 3 buttons per page, 3 devices, and 3 command/feedback strings per device.

Now for the good news...

1. This version allows the development of Microsoft IIS/ASP.net web panels - install the developed panel files on a web server and take control from almost any browser.

2. The web panels can be sized to fit most cell phone displays (or just about any other display size).

3. Only one file is used to run the Desktop Panel (easier deployment).

4. Command and feedback strings can be up to 250 characters.

To download:

1. Go to the website (URL is below).
2. Click "Downloads" in the toolbar.
3. Click "BiziSuite" from the choice of folders.
4. Chose the 32 or 64 bit installer depending on your OS.
5. Click "Download File".

Enjoy!

Chris