Learning IR on a PPC

[rrebel123]

Hello,

I have an Ipaq 2200 series PDA with remote control abilities. NR 2 used to have a learn ability I used to learn codes from my remotes. I find learning on my UIRT with Girder 4 painful. I tried learn the code for a Belkin HDMI switch on Girder, it learned fine but when test transmitting, the code is sent, the screen then flashes black and often crashes Girder with no error messages. This is on XP SP2, new install, latest NR2, Girder installed.

So, the questions:

Can NR on PPC still learn IR? If no, will an older exe help? If yes how can I fix it? Does someone have a copy on an old exe? Does anyone have the Belkin switch codes?

Thanks,

Scott

[Ron]

Sadly the latest versions of NR no longer support direct IR.

[rrebel123]

Thanks Ron. Can I used an old exe file? Do you guys have one?

[MC Chod]

Sadly the latest versions of NR no longer support direct IR.

Wow that's a real shame when options start to decrease. I have been meaning to setup ir for a while now it's gone!

[vitello]

Sadly the latest versions of NR no longer support direct IR.

Ron,

I understand the licensing problem. When you say the "latest versions of NR", which versions do you mean?

Thanks,

Peter

[Ron]

99 and up.

[Ginsonic]

Sadly the latest versions of NR no longer support direct IR.

What ? Why ? Is this only a bug, which will be corrected in future versions or will newer NR versions really not be able to learn IR ? This would be a great shame and would make my PPC with NR useless. Could You please explain, why this has happened ?

EDIT: Will sending IR only work in future versions, or will native IR be cancelled totally ? I just noticed the possibility to learn IR codes via NR Designer (using USB-UIRT). Will this function remain ?

Regards,
Dieter

[tmorten]

Here's the situation as I understand it:

NetRemote was using an IR library from a 3rd party. That 3rd party decided to stop offering the library, so it could no longer be included with NetRemote.

It is probably possible to recreate this functionality with original code, with some time and effort (consumer IR on PDA's is a bit of a kludge... the frequency of the emitter/receiver on PDA's is slightly different than consumer electronic devices are using, so some tricks have to be played to get them to work together).

In the mean-time, USB-UIRT is the way to go for learning. Sorry for the inconvenience -- it's a shame that the library is no longer available.

Best,
Tim

[Ginsonic]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for Your statements !


That 3rd party decided to stop offering the library
I already thought, that this has happened. What I do not understand is, that the IR library can be omitted, although I had to buy a separate license for it in April.


In the mean-time, USB-UIRT is the way to go for learning
So I will have to purchase one.

But do You know, if the sending function will remain in NR despite of the missing library ?

Regards,
Dieter

[vitello]

Dieter,

My understanding is that the loss of direct ir means no PPC learning or sending. Ron would have the definite answer to that, but the notice on new NetRemote purchasing states that native ir is not suported any more on PPC's.

Check https://www.plimus.com/jsp/dev_store1.jsp?developerId=37072

Peter

[speedbump49]

Hey guy's, My experience might be helpful. I have the Dell Axim v50, I loaded my first entertainment room's IR codes and tested it for a number of weeks. I then understood that Wifi is the way to go, it more reliable. So I invested in IRTrans SBus kit and the Girder software. While I'm not finished, this setup provides the whole house univerisal remote plateform I'm was looking for.

The IRtrans provides IR blasts to each room. The Girder gives provides the gateway to IRtrans and serial control, in my case, CAV6.6. You may want to consider the Global cache devices too but they are a little more $$$. My setup has cost me about $800 as follows:

Netremote whole house $150
Girder $150
used Dell Axim V50 (ebay) $200
IRTrans Contents of the 3 room packages $300
• 1 IRTrans USB
• 2 IRTrans IR Busmodules
• 1 USB
• 3 MiniDIN 8 plugs
• Software and comprehensive manual


-mw

[tmorten]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for Your statements !


I already thought, that this has happened. What I do not understand is, that the IR library can be omitted, although I had to buy a separate license for it in April.

The license you bought should still work with the version you purchased it with -- I believe it is only new releases that disable it.



So I will have to purchase one.

But do You know, if the sending function will remain in NR despite of the missing library ?

Regards,
Dieter
I believe both sending and receiving with the PDA are disabled. That said, I am MUCH happier sending over WiFi to Girder, which then uses USB-UIRT and GlobalCache blasters. That way, I don't have to worry about line of sight from the remote, and I can even control the system from my backyard. :)

Best,
Tim

[MC Chod]

mmmm not so easy though if you want to just use it to switch on a light with ir which I have in all the rooms in my house (came like that). Or switch on the fire in my garage/studio. this is really bad news

[tmorten]

In that case, I guess your options would be to either use the older version with the IR license (assuming you still have it), or to swap those switches (and relay for the fire) to Insteon, which would let you control them independently from any room. Or you could wait for Promixis to develop its own IR library, which is within the realm of possibility :).

Best,
Tim

[MC Chod]

insteon is out as I am in the UK and they don't do them for our power system but I am looking at setting up an x-10 system sometime.

[tmorten]

x10 will do the trick... it's slightly harder to set up, in that you will probably need a phase coupler to get signals across the various circuit phases in your house, but other than that x10 works pretty well.

Cheers,
Tim

[Ginsonic]

Or you could wait for Promixis to develop its own IR library, which is within the realm of possibility

In my case, girder and a HTPC are not an option, because I have many standalone devices in my homecinema, which are only controllable by IR and I do not want to switch on my HTPC all the time to control them. So please Promixis, do not cancel IR support and implement an own library.

BTW a USB-UIRT for me is useless for learning IR codes, when transmitting will not work :rolleyes:

Regards,
Dieter

[tmorten]

You can use a GlobalCache device with no need to have a server on. That would be the most elegant solution.

Also, keep in mind that older versions that supported IR from the PDA should still work, so if IR from the PDA is important to you, hang on to that previous version you were happy with. Life definitely would have been easier if the 3rd party had continued to offer their library!

Best,
Tim

[Ginsonic]

Hi Tim,


You can use a GlobalCache device with no need to have a server on. That would be the most elegant solution
Yes, this is true, unfortunately another USD 300 ;-)


Also, keep in mind that older versions that supported IR from the PDA should still work, so if IR from the PDA is important to you, hang on to that previous version you were happy with.
Also this is true. I will use version .98 until I will upgrade my system maybe to GlobalCache.

Best regards,
Dieter

[tmorten]

Yeah, I wish the GlobalCache devices were cheaper... the cheapest I've found is about $135: http://www.provantage.com/smarthome-8114~7SMHM01A.htm. Funny that they incorrectly list it as being made by SmartHome :).

Best,
Tim

[Ginsonic]

And in Europe (I am Austrian) it is also really hard to get it. Does someone know a reliable distributor ?

Regards,
Dieter

[Manser]

Try this link:


http://www.techsupply.ch/

[Ginsonic]

Thanks Simon, I will try. I emailed the German distributor "Audionetwork" twice with no answer, and it seems, that they do not need me as a customer :( !

[Ginsonic]

Try this link: http://www.techsupply.ch/

I emailed them. TechSupport is only selling to Switzerland not to Europe, but I am still trying to buy it via Audionetwork in Germany.