XXHighEnd

All,

Although I haven't spent much words on the WiFi remore business in the 0.9x-4 release notes, I can imagine a 100 questions.
On the other hand, maybe nobody owns a WiFi remote.

Ok, I possibly made it for myself only (and for the Philips Pronto TSU9600 I own), but I think it currently works flawlessly which I sure can't say of the IR solutions I tried.

The XXTCPSrv.exe from below zip I created myself, and it is a so called "TCP listener". It waits for a connection on the port given (which can be done now), answers to it, and next waits for a command. Note that it assumes that the connection will be closed by the client after this (the client being the remote, amd the Listener being the server doing absolutely nothing while waiting).

It seems a quite undoable task to explain just all, but might you have a WiFi remote and wish to get it going ... waiting for the questions in this thread.
One thing : this solution (as how it is now) does not execute commands on a running XXHighEnd. This, translated into the terms we are familiar with : it works at Unattended only ! This will change in near future, but we have to start somewhere, and that is at Unattended (being the most difficult obviously).

From here on I will try to create similar for IR solutions. But later.

Oh, for those who want to start off without questions : don't forget to allow the port given to pass through the firewall.
And don't forget ... whatever your remote passes at a certain command (being a string like "Volume_Up"), it can be obtained in the XXWiFiRemote.cfg configuration file. This means you don't need to reprogram the remote. But if you can, you can do that too of course.

Lastly, and to be clear : Currently this is all totally unrelated to the AutoHotKey solution. It could, it can (for better transparency), but I just did not.

Peter

PS: If nobody responds because actually nobody has a WiFi remote or can deal with it, at least I am happy with it. So no problem there ! :)

Hi Russ, I have moved your post to the AutoHotkey topic. Because of my resonse to it, I felt it went messy otherwise. Re: WiFi Remote (http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=724.msg5521#msg5521).
Peter

I have to get a dongle to test the Wiewsonic airpanel that otherwise cant install in Vista.

I'll try this as well then. But, its a IR to be used with a remote such as the Harmony or a wi-fi thing?

Telstar (tired and confused)

What I talk about here (in this topic) is about WiFi. This is unrelated to IR and a normal IR remote cannot be used. The AutoHotkey stuff is for IR (AutoHotkey Install (http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=724.0;all)).

It is a stupid difficult subject. :yes:

So will we be able to control XXHE with a handheld under Windows Mobile with a nice XXHE like interface someday?:prankster: Over Wifi, or bluetooth? (there should be some way to adress commands directly from a bluetooth control to XXHE, shouldn't there be)?
That would be neat!

Ava

Can you control xxhe with PDA with WiFi and remote desktop.
What is else is outhere!
That will not set me back like, 1200 euros!
(bluetooth keyboard on coffeetable, hmm)

See myself sitting (in near future, hope so) in the middle of the room with a small device in my hand that
controls my (audio dedicated or HTPC) pc and ofcourse xxhe by a small and gentle touch on the illuminated screen.

Music starts to play! Overwhelmed by sound quality, enjoying my own music-Database. :soundsgood:

TV or screen can be turned of, if wished

suggestions are welcome! :yes:

Roy :wacko:

Roy,

Remote desktop would work by standard, but then anticipates on just "seeing" XXHighEnd on that small screen, and the screen is too small (read : XX is not made for 320 x 240 and it will be tedious to scroll). So, it will need another version of the GUI (and somewhere down the line I am working on that), but there's another "problem";

Nothing would be more easy (and convenient I think) to dump a small display somewhere (could be a UMPC) and "run" XX over RDP/RDC. So, ready, done. However, in my theories (but hey, can't I measure that ? yep ...) it influences sound. So this is why I never went on that track, or adviced it.

Peter

Ava, I completely missed your last post. Reading it now, no real answers I'm afraid. This takes so so so much time, money for trials, and few chance for success, I rather spend time on more useful things. Now, I must admit of course that I am up and running with my WiFi remote. If not, things would have been different. :whistle:

Maybe we must think more in the direction of iPod Touch. At least that's made for it. No idea what can be done with it towards a PC, but I'd say : since it can be used with iTunes ...

http://features.engadget.com/2004/07/27/how-to-turn-your-ipod-in-to-a-universal-infrared-remote-control/

But for the time being,
Can I use something like a IrDa infrared usb adapter, (Dongle)
The one I found supports SIR, MIR & FIR-mode, IrDA conform 1.3
costs 9,99 euros

Then try something like Girder, IrAssitant or WinLirc
Using a ahk plug-in, Idunno, I guess (The autohotkey strings are endless as u know)
Then take an old remote control to play with.

Can I use it Unattented, peter?
Does anybody has xxhe working on remote?

And I still got dell axim x5 PDA laying around maybe get a touchscreen remote out of it

grtz

And does it even work on vista x64

The only thing it takes is a receiver program that can simulate keyboard keys. And of course can translate them out of a random IR remore command (like volume up from your TV remote).
But I can't find a reliably working one. This is just my inexperience I'm afraid.

So ...

Once you have one that can e.g. simulate Alt-U while XXHighEnd (the GUI) is running (this is unrelated to AutoHotKey), I take care of the rest.

Maybe I found something,

http://tvtool.info/go.htm?http://tvtool.info/english/sconi1_e.htm

Can it work with xxhe?

see also

http://www.pcremotecontrol.com/solutions/solutions.htm
And Girder
http://www.promixis.com/girder.php

and
http://www.pcremotecontrol.com/software/pcrcsoft.htm
grtz

This looks good, because it contains the IR receiver *and* the software. Note though that I have bought at least one such a combination - but even including the remote, and for the programming part (like volume button must do alt-u) it worked only half (like a key would like to work only once and then batteries had to be removed and put in).

Note this one doesn't mention Vista.

Thanks Roy.

I do understand the problem now,

It used to be easy with a 232 port.
No problem, The possibilities are endless in combination with autohotkey.

But nobody has that on its MB anymore.

IrDa in USB is not ment for Remote/controlling a pc. :sad:

I didn´t found one that supports vista en x64 vista is a bigger problem still.
So I don´t know how to get this to work. :dntknw:

thnx

Yeah, that's about what the problem comes down to.

Your best option may be to go to a shop (like Paradigit for sure will be in your neighbourhood) and ask there, so they immediately can show you.
I really gave up on arranging for this via the Internet only.

Btw you are correct; via AutoHotkey anything can be arranged for, meaning whatever code the software provides can be dealt with by AutoHotkey. However, it is another step, and software which just can turn the whatever IR code into "your command" directly (like Alt-U) avoids amending the XX.ahk configuration file.

Again, I am very sorry that I did not arrange for this myself, but my take would really be as good as yours (anyone's), and I really can't spend all that time on this stupid thing.

Btw, even serial connected thingy's promise not to work right out of the box, unless you can get one really meant for it. However, those (as far as I saw) work with WinLIRC, and with this as a variable in the equation ... you could say even I find it too difficult. And note it is just about this : more than one variable, and either can cause things not to work. So as long as you don't know one of them (when there are two), you just won't get there. Besides, how old is WinLIRC ? (without development).

But thanks Roy.
Peter

Something will come up, sooner or later,

Nothing is impossible.

No rush on this subject, but it would be so need,
To push 1 button on my remote and a string of commands does anything I wan't it to do.

grtz

PS:it's indeed a stupid difficult subject

Recently I stumbled on a program that allows you to control your PC with a mobile (smart)phone.
It works with bluetooth and Wifi.
Every program needs some javascript to control it.
With mediaplayer it works out of the box and gives you even the albumart on the phone!
You can find it at salling.com.
Maybe someone can make an awsome js-script for XXHE?

Gerard (A).

Coincedence,

Will test next week a (hopefully working) remote control solution.

maybe just maybe, it works.

 :grin:

It works...

Made a script with all the ALT-commands.
In attended mode with a Nokia N95 XXHE responds perfect. :)
In unattended mode not. :(
I'm trying to make the script nicer and if there is interest I'll post it here.

and problably effect soundquality, :(

When using WiFi or bluetooth.

grtz

Wifi is going through the network, not directly.
Maybe the radiation is bad, but then what to do about the neighbours wifi and bluetooth and the fridge or the airco in these warm days?

I don't hear the difference, but then I enjoy analog too!

The scripting/receiving program uses some cpu/memory but then maybe it is time to use different processorparts of the cpu more strictly?

BTW. In unattended it works too, but of course then you have to start auto-hotkey.

I added the script.

I am sure going to try this. Looks good so far !


Memory yes, but cpu or anything only when it's asked to do something. This is because this kind of software (when made how it should) just gets "called" and does not "poll" (the latter would use cpu (although still hardly measurable) and may influence sound).

Thanks Gerard,
Peter

Thanks for this effort.  This is just in time for me.  I've been watching the smart phones evolve and waiting until I was happy with all the features.  Finally I think BlackBerry has come out with one for my carrier that I'll jump into. (called The Tour 9630 in the US).  I'll give the script a try later.  I always play unattended with auto-hotkey.

What i need instead, is some way to communicate with iMON (one of the most common IR "multimedia" receiver). That way i can use my normal remote (the Harmony).

Telstar, you didn't read the forum at soundgraph.com or simon.com, everybody agrees the IMON-panel  is useless.
I have one in my htpc and cannot understand why they made such a mess of what looks like a great idea.
My  2 cents... :(

Well if your watch is broken you can see the time on your PC (if you can read the strange font...and don't wait to long.. etc.etc.)

Oh Yeah Baby,

Just controlled XX by IR-remote (true autohotkey, macro's). :P
It did Alt-n !!!! - Next  (in Unattended)
Its learning most of my IR-remote buttons. hehehehe
Can control anything, I guess.
And best of all, it works on W7.

I come back on this its late now.

grtZZZZZ

Uhm i think i was wrong. I have IR Trans with my case.
My only fault is that i havent assembled the pc yet, waiting for the mainboard.
This is what i have:

http://www.origenae.co.kr/en/accessory_vf110.htm

Imon bay is a no go.
You can not even read the screen.
Garbage that what it is. ;)

grtz

Really Nice Telstar,

This is how it should be done!

Just Installed new MOBO, EP-45, and new RAM (all new all in warrenty, hehehe)
Hope this ends my problems.

Added 2x 2GB WD hdd's and made backups of all music, pffff (feels good to have back-up)

Now using the COM port on MOBO with homemade IR device. COM A port on MB---->>>backet with RS232 connector (9pins)----->>>homebrew IR dingie----->>>WinLirc.
And WinLirc learns them all, no problem in that.
So IR-remote is also possible.

Btw nice supprice is that the EP-45 sounds really good, more bass.

pushed one button on my remote,
and xx site opens before me, hahaha.

!p::Run www.xxhighend.nl

great!

So, everything programmed with IR-assistant.
Used Peter's AutoHotKey script that is in XX already.
Works flawless. (some exceptions, like previous doesn't work but thats in xx, I believe, but I can overcome this problem)
OSD (on screen display) with colors and fonts and choose were too put text

1 push on a remote button - opens xx, opens settings, selects engine 3, selects upsampling, then clicks Library button - AND NOW IS XX READY TO PLAY. :dancing:

Its also possible to program the Unattended settings under 1 remote button.
You can do anything you want, just personalize your version of XX.

Can even control the mouse pretty dawn good.

You only need a remote with a decent toggle button (left,right,up,down and enter)

Never thought it would be this easy!!  :whistle:

 :thankyou: ROY

PS: Range is about +30m.(depends on remote and battery's)

Very sweet. Just in time for my music PC (once i get the damn mainboard)

:yahoo: niiiice, much better and I guess handier than WLAN.
Thanks!

It does now, Peter, maybe some advise.

If you like I can send you a prebuild (and tested) receiver.
Have made 5 already.
Or maybe the scheme so you can build it yourself
And test this on your own PC
There is no hurry in this, eveything works fine but it could be simpler.


Grtz Roy

Hardware works 100% perfect and works with 99% of IR-remotes (so, pick a remote you like)

I'll post scheme and maybe guide later in seperate tread (this tread is about WiFi)
btw it cost you 5 euro's to build. (and software is freeware)
Can't garanty if it works on all mobo's.
But check if yours has a 9 pins com1 (A) port or RS232 port.

Hope Peter will pick this up in some time, maybe integrate some in XX.
Currently using IR-Assistant but there are more kinds of software that I will check out in some time.

Hi Roy,

Can you please tell me what kind of advise you want, or what you want me to do ?

I guess it is about this :


... but I can't guess how or what ... :sorry:

Peter

I know, I know,

Yep, make things simpler.

How or what, have to work with it a couple of days more, to give you more detailed info.

But it is like this:

When coming home from work, sit down, switch on audio-PC, from then on I would like to control xx fully by remote.
(Have also schematics to startup PC by IR, but later on)
So would like to leave out that keyboard and mouse, where I can.


1 - WinLirc doesn't start-up with windows so can't control with remote yet. (still have to go on pc to switch that on) - Taskschedular, maybe!
2 - IR-Assistant does not start-up with windows either. and you have to push activate button everytime program starts.
3 - I used mouse positions on screen (x,y) to do a start-up string, it is funny, but xx can shift his posistion on screen at startup. (solved in full screen ,static positions (x,y))
     (everytime xx is started have to select settings, select engine3 then upsample.)
     Is there another way? (Didn't try if this possible thru AHK)
4 - Have to work out a way to smoothly select another album (WiFi is liked for this !!)
5 - Whats that story with previous (Unattended)?
6 - Your DAC has a IR-remotly controlled volume control, right?


For now!

1 and 2 solved.
 :)

Didn't know that, but it can be done in task manager (never used it)

Created new tasks in taskmanager, so @ startup - WinLirc starts, IR-Assistant starts and activates  :grin:, XX.ahk starts and ofcourse its possible to
start XX also.

This would be a nice startup. for an audio-pc

Next the xx settings ???



Can you leave this out, maybe

Also nice,

Nr, 1,2,3 etc on remote can be used too,
With mouse clicks on screen position (full-screen)
Track 1 = click playlist, (pauze 500ms),click track 1, click play (or just select the track untill you press "play").
Track 2 = you can guess ;)
Track 11 = I don't know yet. (I have a TV/DVD button switch on my remote, so if I use both I can do 20 tracks) :P


This zapps a bit easier inside your albums
So you don't really need PREV 'previous' :grazy:

Play unattended would be: click settings, pauze 500ms, click show as wallpaper, click unattended, maybe click play could be next.


Also in startup process too leave the mouse pointer near or on your music tree (yes the one that is going to be bigger (longer) in new version of xx, hahaha)
Use Toggle buttons from there too select an album

And program a remote button for the "<"  button in your gallery.
so going back would be easy this way

Hmm, this is really going to work :biglol:

Ok, I think I understand that all. I will focus on it myself and complete things where needed (like that < button).


Why ? because this is another message in the sequence of booting the PC ?
I just leave it on all the time ...

Anyway, I don't think it should go because it just informative. I didn't anticipate on people rebootiong their PC twice a day though ...
:15a:

Kinda gets old having to "ok" that hotkey message each time I start it up... and ya, sometimes  i reboot more than twice a day hehe.  Can't you put a chk box on it saying "don't show this message again" ... I know how to set up hot keys by now and don't need to see that "warning" each time I start it.

And the scroll up en down button in Gallery. can be keys too. ;)
On your remote could that be PROG +/- (channel zappen)
And leave the toggle button work as mouse to select an album.

He audiodidact congratulations, nice job.
Sorry for me I don't have a serial com-port on my PC anymore...
My IR works through USBCIF, I guess they don't want us to mess around with this because I don't find much homeware for this. BTW where did you find the IR-Assisant?

Gerard.

WinLirc and IR-Assistant are both freeware so I'll can post them here, I guess.
Btw there is a USB solution too, only little more difficult to build.
But Gerard check you motherboard (on the motherboard itself) for a COM port. (little rectangcular box with 9 pins)

groeten Roy

btw Peter,

Having problems to startup XX in taskmanager.
Like to be able to startup xx also, at bootup. (otherwise it has to be another button ALT-X)
No problem in that, but just working out what is possible.
There is a conflict with xx, at startup with ir-assistant, ahk and winlirc, I guess they both have to access the macro´s or something like that.

And a glitch in W7, don´t get my wallpaper back after playing Unattended. - Forgot to tell you sooner.

And can you explain what services are switched off (or maybe other stuff) in Unattended.
Because I find the difference is SQ very minimal, or maybe my audio-system is not good enough.
Or because most services are switched off already.
But also have to admit that I don´t play Unattended a whole lot, but will be in future.
What are your experiences on this subject.

 :scratching:

Or maybe,

Add a blue stroke (blauwe balk) in the Gallery, so you can use your toggle buttons for that.
And scroll with that, then push enter to select catagory, then push enter to select artist ,then enter to select album
Just like a simple dvd menu.

(KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid !)

 8)

It does this already, I see now.
So you can use the cursor keys to do that.
It becomes really simple this way.

Hoi Roy,

Sorry to say but more and more manufacturers skip serial and parallel ports, because we don't use them anymore. I saw the USB-version on tweekers, but I don't want to do anything lowlevel when everything is already there, only the nice program to make it possible. Maybe Girder can do the trick but then why pay 50 dollar for such a simple thing? Other programs already have plugins for USB-remote, like DVBviewer.
I guess it is still a big secret... So for me the mobile phone is doing the trick, but not for free too.

Note: you can put programs to load at windows startup just putting a link to the executable in the "startup" folder of start menu. I do this with Console.

My wishlist:
-control other programs (in particular Console, i need a button to have it load my configuration setup. I think there could be a command line option, but havent had the time to investigate). In console i need with remote the on/off button (it's the best mute for me). I have big issues with my soundcard drivers if i pause or stop a track, i need to mute through console first.
-more integration with IRTrans (not sure what u need, u said that is similar to what you are doing).

For better UI of xxhe i think we have to wait for the next release. I REALLY need that longer treeview.

IRTrans does things the same way like I do (just listens to incoming IR) and you need (or can use) the same prog. like IR-assistant, girder and winlirc and a dozen more you can give a try.
Only IRTrans can do more, like tranmitting a IR signal (but who needs that, a remote is transmitter), it can startup pc by remote.
Like to use remote to automate some more in future (prog or lights or security).
But IRTrans costs around 100 euros I believe.
Would rather spend that on a nice remote.
But don't trust me on this a 100%, so look for yourself.

my object was to first try this IR thing and if that doesn't work.
look for something else. - for me it does the job very well.
Really, the fun I have for 5 euros.
And when playing music I really don't need covers all over the place.(on small screens)
Just a simple remote for eq next or volume up or down .

But your audio-pc is almost finished, It becomes the center peace of your room, right?
together wih dac and rest.

I know I would really like to avoid that keyboard and mouse kinda shelf on the wall in a backbreaking position
selecting an album.
If you know what I mean.

hey guys ..

if you don't want that message box appearing why not simply 'comment' the line out within the XX.ahk script that brings it up !

Open up XX.ahk with notepad, and look for line 31 or thereabouts starting with ...

msgbox ,48,,% StartUpDir . " <<== sho

Insert ;*** at the start [note space at the end of last asterisk] and *** at the end [note space at the beginning of first asterisk], and you won't see that message again.

It should end up looking like this ..

;*** msgbox ,48,,% StartUpDir . " <<== should show your current XX folder." . chr(13) . "If not, Hot Keys work out wrongly !!" ***

See the commented lines at the start of the script to check how the syntax should look.

Cheers,

Russ

THNX Calibrator  :veryhappy: (and bye bye is message box)

Thanks, this works.  I can understand having the comment to help people setup hot-keys, but I don't need it anymore.

Yep, you are right about the serial ports, just checked lots of of newer motherboards and its not looking good.
But if USB remote can do the job its good also, right!
Its works just the same only hardware is different

Did spend some time in your WiFi solution, but didn't get it.
How to make this work, and how to select for eg. an album or next (what do you see on your phone display and how to select things).
Would like to try also, but whats needed. (hardware-wise).
And how to set it up.

Grtz

Now using cursor keys from keyboard to scrolls thru gallery with remote.
This works really nice.

But there is one problem:

When I am at the end of the gallery tree, how to select an album from there???

Try this yourself use cursor-keys (←↕→) to go thru your gallery you will run stuck at the end. (imagine this is by remote)
How to select an album,

And I thing more GALLERY TEKST IS TO SMALL to use your tv or 17'' for example
Don't say it must be bigger. (or maybe adjusting screen settings or fonts in windows settings)
But just thinking about how to integrate this in my livingroom later on.

Roy

Agreed. Also the explorer treeview text is too small... hmm all xxhe text is too small ;)

Thats what I ment to say ;)

Gotcha.
I really need to install all and see what it can do. Maybe i dont need your help to do what i need with Console.


Harmony are good, i have their ex top of the line (bougth used). But for my next universal remote, I think i'll go for something else. Reason: the keys are bit wacko. two went off, glueing stuck them, but the other keys work fine. Until i find something really better. I'm aiming for an OLED touchscreen, also with better ergonomics.


That's the goal :)
Need to improve the speakers before DAC.


I can almost do w/o keyboard.

But the mouse... still need it. About mice:
I have the mouse on a small table, where the monitor sits now. I just hate to get the mouse in my hands to do things. Besides the cordless desktop set mouse is of LOW quality. double click precision sucks. But I'm TOO WELL used to the awesome steelseries ikari. Been a fan of logitech mice in the past. Not anymore. NOTHING compares to the Ikari. I forgive them the first one that had a microcontroller problem and that i had to rma. Replacement is working totally flawless for over a year now.

Hoi Roy


First you install the demo of salling clicker on your PC and select the phone you are going to use. The software makes an installscript for your phone which you install and follow the directions. On your phone you start the new program and this will connect through wifi to a pc you choose. By installing the extra script in the 'my scripts' directory you can add extra options to the menu inside sallingclicker which you will see on the phone. On the phone you get the menu with all the options peter gave us, like 'volume up ^ and next > '. It depends on your phone if the layout looks good and fits the display.

When you click a key you see the command on your screen and XX reacts the way it is supposed to.
Other menu options are moving the mouse and zooming in and out, and much more.
Only problem is it cost you $24 after one month, and of course everybody needs a phone to control the pc.
I like how it works but don't use it much yet  ;)
I want something to control all the programs/options like you do with your tv. And which can be used by the rest of the family too!

oh yes,

The schematics

Some info about IR via USB:

Also USB remote:
http://gathering.tweakers.net/forum/list_messages/1059735/0

and

http://www.irtrans.de/en/shop/usb.php

It works all the same with the same software.
So if you don't have a serial port use USB then.

Hi Roi,

I found what I was looking for at :
http://www.byremote.com.au/Hip/mce_remote_faq.htm

My MCE-remote over USB can use a program called HIP the same way as winlirc/irtrans etc...

I'll try and see if I get this working with XX.
An MCE-remote is quite cheap, is included with USB-receiver and works with all modern PC's.

Gerard, I think you are up for a prize ...
I will get an MCE remote myself and see how far it brings me (without Girder or HIP etc.).

Roy, a few days ago I created a somewhat longer post which tried to tell you in a nice way (can I ? :swoon:) that serial is just not the route. I didn't post it afterall, because, well, there wasn't another good solution and I sure did not want to spoil your motivation which is VERY much appreciated, if not by others then by me. You know, this is -so far- a typicle subject I couldn't solve myself.

Gerard, don't spoil your day at trying, while I possibly can see more easily what is going on. But might you have some experience by now (did you sleep tonight ?) don't hesitate to spit it out.

Thank you all !
Peter

If he makes the IRTrans (which is usb) work, i think is all good, isnt it?
The IRTrans is of course MCE compatible. 2+2= ?

Hey all,

Would like to see a solution for all people here,
Hope we can control xx, from a standalone pc, without using a key board or mouse.

If it can be done by USB with MCE remote, fine with me.
But the integration with xx, still needs improvement. (like selecting an album) ;)
Hope you can find a way to integrate this in xx.

So IR it is!

Btw Telstar IRTrans can also do TCP serving

The major problem is that there is more than one variable, and it is hard to recognize. But I slowly learn myself. One of them (well, I think) is that the protocol must be RC6.
Another is the USB receiver itself, of which I still don't know whether that can matter. But of course, once I have something running, that will be clear within seconds (how many do I have by now ?? :heat:).

Now, because of the pure misery of not being able to get a complete set (remote + receiver) - which btw for Vista is produced by Philips - I ended up with this : http://www.nedis.nl/datasheets/MANUAL_CMP-MEDIAREM11_COMP.PDF which should all work the same (yea, should) but with the advantage of RF and 30m reach (and I think it will shut off the microwave at using it :)).

The most official combo will be this : http://www.informatique.nl/412473/philips-rc1974506-remote-control-mce.html and this : http://www.informatique.nl/651756/philips-ovu412000-ir-receiver.html (so, get those and compatibility is guaranteed) but rather expensive *BUT* also including a transmitter. Stupid thing is - and what I get from it - those remotes being able to power on/of the TV should all have a transmitter, or otherwise it wouldn't be possible. Yeah right. But most remotes don't even come with a receiver, let alone a transmitter. You can fairly easu get completely crazy of this all. Look at that Mediarem11 ... now try to find ONE webshop that explicitly tells the receiver is included. I couldn't. All these stupid shops copy that one standard text, and even in other languages it is the same (though translated). The receiver is included allright, once you have a close look at the package.

I don't know anymore how many hours I have spend on this, but I hope the last 4 just passed this morning. I should have that König fairly soon (could be tomorrow, or otherwise the day after), and as said, as soon as one set is working I (we) will be able to discern the variables (hmm ... maybe then it is not the best idea to start with an RF receiver...).

For those already owning an MCE remote (of which I'm fairly sure it can't be the "XP" one), the info in here may be as useful as the info Gerard put through earlier : http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MCE_Remote
Note that this too explains about WinLirc and things.

WinLirc  has a function called "RAW CODES" to see if any IR is being received.

You can bet it will be the first thing I do myself, once I have one going.


Yea, that's what I thought. So here is your safety net, because the TCP thing is there too (XXTCPServ). Well, assumed IRTrans is common software (and I recall it is, because I installed that at some time, and although it comes with the IRTrans hardware (too expensive IMO) the software is written by (IIRC) some German who just liked to do it. But here we go again ... will that work with the IRTrans hardware only ? does it RC6 ? will it work with an USB RF receiver (the latter I guess so).

To keep in mind for those who really want to exploit this once the first steps have been taken : Don't underestimate the power of a transceiver (= receiver + transmitter); Once you have that on the PC side, your PC will be able to control just everything, and in the exact way YOU like. Thus, you aim your remote at the PC receiver, some program (script) turns that into what you want, and sends it out through the room, all your devices waiting for IR commands, similar to what e.g. a Harmony can do. In this case, however, you are in complete control. So, if you think you may want something like this, be sure to have a transceiver instead of a receiver alone (like the Philips I showed in the before post).

Another interesting link:

http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/ir-server-suite-irss-165/ir-server-suite-version-1-4-2-test-build-3018-a-33512/

This IR-serversuite seems to work with a lot of different remotes and can send codes to the transceiver.
Only 96 pages to read through....

BTW Your thinking of an OSD-menu to help with the remote-commands?  ;)

Yes, that for sure slipped my mind. :)

Hmm ... I don't know where I got that "rather expensive" from, because remote + transceiver are EUR 25 together (the König is EUR 37) incl. VAT.

Well, in order not be in lack of remotes at any time I ordered both, and the mail man just brought them. So let's see what can be done with them.
Btw, the König looks very nice and slick, while the Philips is plastic.
The König comes with a driver CD which says "This driver is for using the character input for your remote, please install it before using Windows XP MCE / and Windows Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate". I don't know what that means, but I guess I start with the König ...

Good Luck,

But it is rewarding!

LOL!

Well, another 5 hours wasted.

Gerard(A), did you get anywhere with the link you gave ?
After replacing the driver I never saw anything coming from the remote anymore ...

:wacko:

IRTrans wants to see its own hardware (as far as I can judge).

WinLirc : won't see anything (but I have in mind that COM1 can see USB ?).

The driver that came with the König ? seems to do nothing - may not even install properly. I don't think it is related anyway.


I hate this ...

Well, you volunteered!

I installed IR Server and this looks to be the solution for all of us. It accepts all the remotes I ever heard of and even the ones I gathered over the years.
Like creative, Pinnacle, Imon, MCE and also IRTrans.

Does it work for me? I don't know, my htpc is occupied to much by the children.
And when the remote works the wife will make me have to find an other hobby!

But I can't wait to try it...
And then of course find a comfortable way to integrate all the other programs.

Uhm ... did you drink one too many, or did I (three) ?  :) :)

I can't get what you are actually saying. :(

Btw, forgot to tell, I tried everything (from your link) with HIP.

Tried IR Server too, but maybe gave up on that too soon ...
Can't these guys be more to the point ? So far I didn't see one clear guide to setup things.

:cry::cry:

Ah, I see, the HIP might be easier for XP, for Vista they talk about replacement drivers and dll's and this looks messy.

The IR Server is more Vista oriented and does not need extra drivers.
But, no manual, just 96 pages of newsgroup-reading.

When I get it to work I will share it, but first a drink? (No alcohol for me anymore...!, maybe better I try?)

So,
 ← @ □ 1 (Back at Square one) :scratching:

Btw maybe Telstar can test the VF110 (with IRTrans architecture or TCPServ) for us.
WHEN his mobo arrives.

Just a thought ;)

I tried to get the grasp of that too, but after a few pages of reading and some random in the middle, they seem to be further already and it is about "blasting" or IOW send an IR command to the PC (which obviously should work) and let the PC send another command to e.g. the TV. That already starts at post 2.


Yeah, whereever I can I should do it of course. But it only brings me more and more remotes. And a drinking problem of course. :)

Btw note : Maybe it was IR Server where I read that in Vista it is not possible to emulate keyboard commands because that has been eliminated from Vista (opposed to XP) ... and that may be why I gave up on that (too ?) soon. In the end, though, I am not even using keyboard commands so I don't think that is importand. The only thing I think is important, is that AutoHotkey can receive commands like VolUp so a VolUp: label can be made. But this is where the vagueness starts and although AutoHotkey is made for such a thing, how to send such a command to the internals of the PC where AutoHotkey picks it up ... right ... that must be keyboard commands. So :

When this doesn't work, the TCP server (mine) comes into play, because that is far more direct and always understandable. You send a command (just a string of characters you make up) to an IP address, and my server can do with that what we want. Keep in mind that chances are high that we can't do without my server (or AutoHotkey) because we always need the If/Else's as you see them in the AutoHotkey script.

Anyway, when I said "I can better see what happens", I referred to stuff like the above, and not to let a remote work in the first place. I already was fedup with that, and now I'll start throwing with the remote towards the receiver first. :thankyou:

Couldn't let it alone ... and got it working ! IR Server Suite indeed.
I used the Philips remote, and its own driver (which is called "eHome Infrared Receiver (USBCIR)".
Edit : It does not work (or not like this) for the König.


I will work it out in full and it also needs a provision for pressing a button too long (in the scripts or in XXHighEnd).

For now in very brief :

• Delete the 4 registry entries in :
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\HidIr\Remotes\745a17a0-74d3-11d0-b6fe-00a0c90f57da
  delete the keys "CodeSetNum0", "CodeSetNum1", "CodeSetNum2", "CodeSetNum3"
  (they have the respective DWORD values 1, 2, 3, 4 in case you want to recreate them ... but ... which goes automatically at updating the MCE remote driver).
  
  
• Reboot.
  
  
• Download : http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/ir-server-suite-irss-165/ir-server-suite-version-1-4-2-test-build-3026-a-33512/ and use the Zip file in the first post ! ("attached files"). Note this is a beta, but who is not used to betas ! :)
  
  
• Setup IRServer as a service (you will be asked about it during the install);
  
  
• Edit : Run the IR Server configuration, choose Setup from the green ball in the taskbar tray, and choose the remote you have (Microsoft MCE in my case). I chose Configure but changed nothing in there.
  
  
• Run it (but only run it once ! -> check TaskManager if needed, it's called IR Server.exe). Notice that it can have been started automatically (a bit depending on what you do).
  
  
• Start Translator.exe, rightclick on the green icon in the taskbar tray and choose Setup;
  
  
• Press New in there, and aim your remote at the receiver (this needs to be more directional / closer than normal useage).
  
  
• When the buttonpress is received (it will tell that, like "Reveived : Pause"), give the command a nice Description, go to the Run tab, choose XXHighEnd.exe for Application, give it the parameter like how it currently is from the alt keys (like E from Alt-E is PausE -> see the AutoHotkey script), choose Window style hidden, tick use Shell Execute (though not important I think), click Set, press OK.
  
  

So here is the start, and that is for Unattended (Attended won't work like this). It doesn't use anything else (like AutoHotkey).
Now I am going to do something else. :yes:


PS: Note that IRTrans also contains something like IRServer, and that sure is NOT it.

As far as I can see the König just won't do it, also not after replacing the driver as per the "FAQ" link earlier from Gerard. I guess this needs adding the König as a remote, but I'll leave it with this.


For sale !

Many slick looking remotes, all brand new in their original cases etc. etc., worth quite some KG's. Those who take them all are promised a fair discount.
Along with it, a knot of receivers of various kinds.
Some come with attributes like HD Sat receivers (PCI), but who cares about those. One of the hot items is a Firewire (external) SD Sat receiver.

Now, I'm going to blast along.
Peter

Respects !!!!,

Small zap for men but a giant beam for mankind.

THNX

Haha. But don't forget, it is Gerard who deserves the credits. I am only good at buying remotes. And didn't sell anything yet.

Ofcourse credits to Gerard,
But also to you, (how many hours and remotes later?)

The path is there, now the way to walk it !!  

That will bring up another discussion, I think.

Thanks for the credits, but I'm in the dark now too.

It was easy to read the little bit of information that came with it and I managed to start a program with the green startbutton.
But after that nothing else anymore.
I guess the translator will have to do the work, maybe it looks like girder and hip so for people who now these programs it's a peace of cake.
(For Girder and Hip there's a lot of info on the net)

What I like to is the virtual remote that you can use from other networked computers! But it did not work with me (yet).

So audiodidact, put your teeth in this one!

I DO control everything with my Harmony. The htpc being the only one not under control yet ;)
And not completed cuz of the fricking mobo. If only i can find a place with it really in stock... (Roy u got an email since u seem to know LOCAL shops which are really fully stocked...)

Very much willingly!
I need to find another shop who actually CARRY my mainboard and that doesnt close all august :(

Ya'll need to get up off your fat asses and Peter needs to get back to more important projects
http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=642.msg6590#msg6590
hehe, jk.  good for you all ... I'll continue stumbling over to the keyboard 7 ft away for awhile longer.

Gerard, to my current findings there are a couple of things to keep in mind :

1. Don't mangle with the remore settings (IR Server Setup), or otherwise the system will tell you to reboot, and then things get vague.

That already happened to you ?

2. Keep looking at those 4 registry entries. They tend to disappear ! I feel this is related to the above, and when IR Server "thinks" it cannot operate, something is shut off, and at a reboot the entries come back. *Then* for sure it worn't work anymore. So, remove those entries again, and of course again reboot. Next because of 1 happened, you'll have to mangle in there again, and the first thing what happens, is ... well, the same. I spend 45 minutes yesterday on getting it running again, with my PURE LUCK that I already knew it could work. Still it took me 45 minutes.

2a. Always use the Translator to test whether the remote is still working. Don't do that and you will be blind.

3. It is easy to receive a message : "IR Server will be restarted to reflect the changes" (similar). WRONG. It doesn't restart; sometimes just nothing happens, sometimes it has gone, but it never restarts. So, when you see this message, always do it yourself (remove it with Taskmanager, and restart it).

4. Keep in mind the remote itself is important. I know now ! So, the König is (officially) as compatible as the Philips, but the Philips is official and the König is not, and wonder oh wonder, the König does not work. Also keep in mind you must have version 2 of the MCE remote, might you have an official one.
Note : I guess all remotes can get to work, but there you are again : 2 variables at least (if not 10) once you didn't experience one situation working.

5. Now I think of it, the IR Server Configuration shows a checkbox for Transmit. If you don't have that, it should be unchecked of course. I hope this doesn't incur for #1 above. But if so, you know what to do (and always keep on checking those registry entries after a reboot !!).

6. An important very first check might be : does MCE even work !!? It should right out of the (remote) box. So, if not (press the green button), the remote doesn't work in the first place. Actually this should be #1. But KEEP IN MIND : MCE only works when those 4 registry entries *are there* (see my earlier post how they are called and what values they must have).
a. When MCE starts (green button) IR Server won't work (or can't work) but the remote works.
b. When MCE is out of the way (delete registry entries), IR Server should work. Without knowing/testing a. you're blind.

7. Lastly, look below. If the first line (eHome) doesn't look like that, you can just as well forget it I think. The "MCE Remote" you chose in the Configuration will communicate with this driver (device), and no other. If you have something else there, I'd (pray a lot and) remove the USB dongle, uninstall what you see, reboot, hope nothing showed up again, and pop the dongle in again. If the same turns up again - bad luck.
In case of bad luck, try to find the eHome driver (I have no idea where to look), choose upgrade driver, and point at the .inf file (by means of "have disk" !!). If it doesn't dig it ... you have a different remote. Next I would never go the route of adding the remote via Configuration (btw, where is the help file of IR Server Suite ??) if I had some self confidence first and knew how things look like when it runs. Better get yourself that Philips for EUR 25 ! (look hard and you will find it for less than 20, but getting the receiver is a tough job).

One more thing : in order to make the start of the repeat last longer, you'd *have* to dive into #1. Also, the 450ms it standard is at, is too low (I set it to 1500). So, once you're into that, take a deep breath and expect some 10 reboots to do.

Last night I have been using it flawlessly (Unattended only) and 100 times better and more reliable than my (EUR 1200) Pronto (which never worked correctly with WiFi).

HTH !
Peter

Peter,

I have MCE version 2 which worked ok with MCE, Imon (partly) and dvbviewer with an extra plugin.
I know sometimes you have to stop a proces to stop MCE to react to the remote.
With IR-server I don't know yet what to do with Translator, can you give a screenprint of this?

BTW, you first tried HIP with the replacement driver? I think this can mess up your setup/registry?

I'l try it tonight again and check your tips, but don't make SeVered angry, please!

Yes, I tried HIP first, but that doesn't matter (Update the driver -> automatically, and all is fine again).

See below; while that small screen is waiting, it should receive a keypress from the Remote, if it is working.

About SeVeReD ... I've done a lot of useful things today. Not with the DAC though ...