PS2, UIRT2.. Ready to rumble? Still testing?

[Antti]

Ok. There seems to be two different design developments going on by now? Correct? The difference between "old" UIRT and PS2 model is quite obvious but what about UIRT2? There are several posts about firmware, part lists and PCB layouts. Where do "we" stand actually? Is Luc's design at the point of being safely built and used? Still some beta version? What about the PS2 then? How about a PS2UIRT2? :) I'd like to know about the actual differences and advantages since all those posts and threads are a bit confusing.. I think.

It's not really polite to ask but are we going to see a web site about UIRT2 or PS2UIR? I mean like PCB, parts, firmware, drivers and so on. Something like Ruud's page maybe?

[Luc]

There is only one completely new design in progress now: the PS2 UIRT.

Several adaptations have been made to Ruud's original "old" UIRT wich had one major disadvantage: the power derived from the serial port regulary caused problems. Changes to the hardware with external power and more emitter power. Both Jon and Danjiel improved the PIC firmware but a major step forward was the firmware by Jon wich had a lot of new features. You can build your own circuit based on Jon's schematic and include just what you need.

My hardware design is made to fully use all these possibilities and I've tried to make it as flexible as possible. Only the schematic and hardware are new.
I know some people already build one based on this schematic, others are busy. We all wait on the first results, I can only test on a few PC's and remotes but I don't expect major problems.

I can't comment on the quality of the IR part of the different firmware or plugins but only Jon's has the extra outputs, input and possibility of "stand alone" operation.

About the website: I am an electronics engineer and not a programmer but have tried to publish what I did and it's still growing (just added some new versions and files).
And the best news is that PGPfan will make a nice one..... :wink: