Can Girder send an IR command?

[SteveV]

Chris,

While the Slink-e will support X10, you'll still need the X10 CM11A interface to make it work. Unfortunately, this requires a serial port connection.

[Mark F]

It depends on the IR Transmit hardware you are using. For example, Girder has a plugin for the SLink-E which can transmit IR. (here (http://smarthome.com/1331.html)) Girder will soon have an X-10 ActiveHome plugin which will tranmit X-10 commands that can be translated into IR using a standard X-10 -> IR box. (here (http://smarthome.com/8010.html)) There are also serially attachable IR transmitters. (here (http://smarthome.com/8002.html))

_________________
Mark F

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mark F on 2001-06-06 00:02 ]</font>

[Mark F]

You need to have some sort of IR emitter if you want to send an IR command to, in this case, the screen controller. The IR has to be generated somewhere. Do you have other components (amps, receiver, subwoofer, etc.) that also require IR control when you put in that DVD? If you want Girder to automate those as well, you can use the same IR controller with another emitter (or a room blaster).

Here is another disturbing idea: leave your pronto plugged into the PC's RS-232 port and use Girder to force pronto edit to cause the pronto to emit the IR for you. :smile:

Since your screen also responds to contact closures (relays), you don't happen to have a receiver or pre amp or amp or subwoofer that will generate a compatible trigger, do you?

Just thinking out loud. :smile:

[Mark F]

The parallel port plugin does not do OUTPUT to the port, only reads, and poorly at that.

[jediperry]

Surly the simplest solution (If you have some experience) would be to use the parallel port plugin and build a simple interface. You would only need a few resistors, a BC108 & a small relay. Then connect the relay to your screen.
Well, its probably the cheapest solution anyway. :smile:

Mike

[rickd]

If so how is it done Rick

[rickd]

Is there anything simpler than this all I want to do is pull my screen down it is IR controlled or relay controlled but it would be nice to control it from Girder based on events. For example putting in a dvd starts ATi player, pulls screen down turns on projector select VGA pass thru on Quadscan.

The only missing link is screen pull down which would require an IR command.

Currently a macro does this on my pronto but having all control from Girder is a better way.

Rick

[rickd]

Ok I really want to send IR to several other componenets for example I have unit which is toggle on off rinning another room, it would be nice to track it's state in girder and issue on off ir commands only when required.

Also want to track stuff on my processor.

What is the best way to trigger a specific IR command from Girder and what hardware is required. Rick

[cpete]

Rickd, Markf,

Thanks for your ongoing help with my QuadScan problem :smile:. I have a screen (Stewart) that is remote controlled by my Pronto, but it could just as easily be controlled by computer/Girder as Mark suggests. I have a X-10 relay that provides 12v when switched on. I have the relay assigned to a X-10 unit number and I control it with the X-10 IR receiver unit IR543.

The X-10 commands can be controlled by computer if you have the ActiveHome module plugged into a serial port. I don't use this interface myself, because I don't have a free serial port and I think the software is a bit flakey. But it could be done that way, or with a S-Linke emitter, which I do have. That's probably the way I would go - s-linke.

It sounds like all the pieces are in place with Girder, or soon to be...

Chris

[cpete]

While the Slink-e will support X10, you'll still need the X10 CM11A interface to make it work. Unfortunately, this requires a serial port connection.

Yes, you're right. Now I remember, that's the other reason I dumped the CM11A. However, you can use the IR emitter on the slink-e to send X-10 IR commands to the X-10 IR receiver unit IR543. No CM11A unit is involved. You would still need a serial port for the slink-e box, but it can control other equipment too, so it's a lot better use of a serial port. I dedicate com2 for my slink-e box for my CD Jukebox (CDJ) that I control through my computer.

Chris

[jon_rhees]

rickd,

You may want to check out the UIRT development that is going on. It is very simple and cheap, but unfortunately at this moment you have to build one yourself.

The software is still being refined, but that's basically getting it to emulate/learn a wider range of IR protocols.

The added bonus is that it handles both IR reception and transmission, which means you tie up a single serial port.

-Jon