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RWCS
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| Posted: May 27 2006 at 21:53 | IP Logged
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I'm currently using PH and a RedRat to run my entertainment system. I'm moving soon and the next house isn't going to be friendly with the RedRat wiring. . . besides we have experienced "blocking" problem as people move about the room. I'm thinking about a direct contact emitter system, and was looking for advice on what to buy. Some questions are:
Will I have to "re-train" ALL those IR codes?
What system works well without breaking the bank?
Ease of use, affordability & reliability are important.
Bob
Edited by RWCS - May 27 2006 at 21:54
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QuickCarl
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| Posted: May 30 2006 at 13:13 | IP Logged
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I use this product from SmartHome called HotLink Pro but it is probably available from the manufacturer or another distributor for much cheaper. It works like a dream for me.
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dhoward
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| Posted: May 31 2006 at 12:54 | IP Logged
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Bob,
I had exactly the same problem with the "blocking". My favorate way to solve this is to use an Ocelot with a SECU-16IR module. It solved two problems I was having. Both the "blocking" and sending discrete signals to individual equipment because I had a couple of devices that used identical codes.
The SECU-16IR module allows for 16 discrete zones each powered by a stick-on emitter. The SECU-16IR can be located by the IR equipment with the Ocelot located by the PowerHome PC. They connect to each other using a simple RS485 bus or just a single piece of cat5 will do.
You would have to re-train all of your IR codes however but the Ocelot opens up the possibility of expanding your automation into digital and analog input/outputs.
I checked out Carl's HotLink Pro and it looks like it would solve your problem as well without having to scrap the RedRat or needing to re-train.
Your other option would be to cobble something together similar to the HotLink Pro by using something like the X10 IR PowerMids to couple the RR signal to a 1/8" jack and then to an IR distribution block with multiple stick-ons.
Dave.
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Lazyman
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| Posted: June 01 2006 at 13:47 | IP Logged
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I am not using Powerhome with my home entertainment but would like to start doing so. How do I get my computer (Powerhome) to send IR signals to the components (which are not in the same room)
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TonyNo
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| Posted: June 01 2006 at 22:10 | IP Logged
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I would suggest a USB-UIRT and a set of Powermids.
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RWCS
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| Posted: June 08 2006 at 17:14 | IP Logged
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I only have direct experience with the RedRat which is similar to the USB-UIRT Tony mentioned. The tedious part of the setup was teaching the computer (PH) all the different remote codes, which I suspect is going to be the same for every system. You have 4-5 remotes with 30-50 buttons each that have to be set up one at a time. Once that was done I found that just like holding the remote when someone walks between you and the equipment you "button push" is lost. I managed to find some high output IR diodes and beef-up the driver and supply for my RedRat, but there isn't enough power in the world if someone is standing right in front of the unit your trying to control. When I was looking at setting this up about three years ago the Ocelot was available but pricey. Don't know what it is now, the base unit required add-ons that required individual transmitters, which added up to real $$$. Looking back on it the $$$ would have eliminated many headaches. I'm thinking the direct contact transmitters is probably the best way to go. The more I think about the Hot-Link thing the better it sounds for me. . .
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dhoward
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| Posted: June 11 2006 at 23:07 | IP Logged
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Bob,
When you learned the IR codes, did you right-click each button individually and select "Learn" or did you use the "Auto-Learn" function? Using Auto-Learn isnt so bad and I can learn about 30 buttons in minute and a half.
Just hoping that you knew this feature was available  .
Dave.
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RWCS
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| Posted: June 12 2006 at 06:06 | IP Logged
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It was a few years ago, but I remember having to name each button then "teach" PH through the RedRat, place it on a page, and assign a keyboard key to each. In an "Auto-Learn" scenerio I would at least have to go back after the learning session and rename, place and assign keys to each of them. I can also see that order of entry would be an issue to keep it all straight. This is not a criticism of PH, it is just one of those things in the custom software business that takes set-up time. I think the investment in time is worth it, because you get it to work the way you want. Being the lazy bum that I am, I was looking to avoid the work the second time.
Bob
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dhoward
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| Posted: June 12 2006 at 17:18 | IP Logged
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Bob,
The easiest way to do it is to first setup all of your IR buttons with descriptions and key definitions. Leave the incoming code and outgoing code columns blank and define everything else. Save and then do "Auto-Learn". It'll blaze through the learning process for you.
If you do decide to upgrade to the Ocelot one day, most of your work is already done. You'll just need to overwrite the outgoing code and incoming code columns with a numeric value representing the Ocelot IR number, save, and "Auto Learn". Nothing else really needs to change. I would definately "export" all of my IR equipment first though in case you want to go back and not lose your RR2 codes  .
Dave.
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Topic: IR control
