To the best of my knowledge, there's no simple way to export automation across process boundaries.
set myShObj = Wscript.CreateObject("Wscript.Shell")
However, MC 9 may have a beefed-up Web Remote built-in for remote access... basically automation via. HTTP and XML.
It may be worth talking to either the Glissando or the Net Remote authors. (they're doing similar things)
Anyway, it seems that there are plenty of other COM Automation servers that can be called from external scripts, implying that it can be done. I sure wish MJ could support it!
So I have developped an out-of-process OLE server that communicates with a plugin installed in Media Center.
If anyone is interested in testing this, please let me know.
Can you help a non-programmer? I have MJ8, love it.
Problem 1. I run a float center (opening June 1 - yay!). I need to let my customers control PC or CD-player sound (volume, next, pause, etc.). Speakers are transducers on the outside tank wall. I'm PC literate, can build a system, but otherwise green.
Can I get or customize a remote, to be used from within the closed float tank? RF remote? What components or software do I need? Remote controlled self-powered speaker system from Creative, or... ?
Problem 2. Can I control the float tank pump / power strip from the PC (maybe through x10?)? How? Specific software, components, etc., please! See next related question.
Problem 3. Can I execute a pre-written timed sequence of x10 commands? What software do I need?
Problem 4. Can I access the float center PC from home to execute the timed sequence before I leave for work? What software do I need for that?
First of all, what is a Float Center? Sounds interesting.
The simplest to thing to do is get a wireless keyboard and/or mouse.
However, if you want to control it more like you would a home theater component, then use an RF remote control such as ATI's Remote Wonder
I recommend an X10 starter kit from homeautomation.com or x10.com.
Question was: Can I control the float tank pump / power strip from the PC (maybe through x10?)? Answer: Yes. Get the starter kit I described above, and plug your power strip into an appliance module, which the computer can turn on/off. The X10 remote can also turn it on/off without the aid of the computer. Be sure to watch the ampere rating of the appliance module.
Question was: Can I execute a pre-written timed sequence of x10 commands? What software do I need? Answer: The ActiveHome software that typically comes with a starter kit has these features. There are many other softwares, too, some of which may be better. Two others that come to mind are Girder, HouseBot.
Question was: Can I access the float center PC from home to execute the timed sequence before I leave for work? What software do I need for that? Answer: As long as you get network connectivity between the two locations, you can. Use any number of remote control solutions to cause the float center PC's desktop to appear on your home PC,...