Press Release For Immediate Release From: MAX Systems & DataQue Software Sacramento, CA Ontario, OH 44862 Date: April 7, 1990 re: X-10 PowerHouse Software Development MAX Systems, and DataQue Software are pleased to announce a "joining of forces" for the development of software for the programming and control of the CP290 Computer Interface made by X-10 (USA), Inc.. The X-10 PowerHouse system is a wide collection of hardware for use in controlling electrical devices of nearly any type ranging from simple home lighting control to security system control to certain industrial process control. The X-10 PowerHouse is able to accomplish this control WITHOUT the need for expensive custom electrical wiring by sending the control signals through the existing building 120vac wiring system. The X-10 system is completely FCC approved, and carries the Underwriter's Laboratory seal of approval. The applications possible with the X-10 PowerHouse system are limited only by the imagination of the user. MAX Systems has been, for the last month, in the development stage of a system called MAX-10 for the Atari 8-Bit computers to allow sophisticated X-10 control by means of a "dedicated" computer to increase the abilities of the X-10 controller by adding, in effect, at least 64K of RAM, a disk drive, and a CPU. MAX-10 will allow for user-written "modules" for special applications, an "artificially intelligent" ability to make decisions based on input, much more detailed timed events, and many other features that will move the X-10 PowerHouse into the range of much more expensive dedicated control devices. DataQue brings to the MAX-10 project: many years of programming experience; a wealth of information in the Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning ; and a strong background with many personal computer types. MAX-10 Press Release Page 1 of 2 These valuable skills will allow, among other things, for MAX-10 to be "ported" to many different personal computers, including: Atari 8-Bit; Commodore 64/128; IBM PC/"clone"; Atari ST; and Amiga. While each version will take advantage of the host computer's abilities, there will be much in common in the user interface so that moving from one version to another will be a simple matter for the MAX-10 user. The planned release for MAX-10 will be in several stages, with the Atari 8-Bit version being first, followed by the Atari ST, IBM PC/"clone", Commodore 64/128, and Amiga. For all machines, there will be several "stages" of the program: A Public Domain demonstration; A Shareware version that will support access to the X-10 unit; An "entry level" commercial version with more features than the Shareware version; And the complete commercial version with full abilities. Upgrade paths for owners of the "lower level" versions will be provided. Exact release dates have not been set as of this date, nor have exact prices been set. Any comments or suggestions are welcomed! For more information, you may contact: MAX Systems DataQue Software 4005 Manzanita Ave. #6-216 PO Box 134 Carmichael, CA 95608 Ontario, OH 44862 GEnie: MARTY.A GEnie: DATAQUE.1 BBS: The Breakfast Club BBS: DataQue Support 300/1200/2400bps 300/1200 Bps (916) 331-4722 (419) 529-5197 MAX-10 Press Release Page 2 of 2