View Full Version : Controlling PS3 with Harmony One remote


jbrandon5
01-02-09, 10:27 PM
I'm looking for a solution to use my Harmony One remote to control my PS3. I've seen a bunch of posts on this topic, and so far the only 2 complete solutions I've seen are IR2BT and the ps3toothfairy.

The problem is, the ps3toothfairy has said "sold out" for the past several months, and IR2BT now only sells a "professional grade" product for $150!

I've also seen the Nyko remote, but that doesn't have support for the PS button, and hence no power on/off.

Does anyone know of *any* other solutions out there? Right now, it seems that I either have to settle for a partial solution with the Nyko, or spend $150, which seems like a total rip-off.

bryansj
01-02-09, 10:46 PM
Here's the main thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016741

For example this one is available now http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html for $100.

The Nyko also has the annoying problem of stealing controller 1. The next cheapest option at $35 is the PS3IRX1 (http://www.schmartstuff.com/sony-ps3-ir-upgrad.html) which is basically a nice looking Nyko that doesn't steal controller 1, but doesn't have the PS button (no ON).

I have an IR2BT from the first order for sale. I guess that was the cheapest full solution, but that is a moot point now.

imdjenk
01-02-09, 10:47 PM
I'm looking for a solution to use my Harmony One remote to control my PS3. I've seen a bunch of posts on this topic, and so far the only 2 complete solutions I've seen are IR2BT and the ps3toothfairy.

The problem is, the ps3toothfairy has said "sold out" for the past several months, and IR2BT now only sells a "professional grade" product for $150!

I've also seen the Nyko remote, but that doesn't have support for the PS button, and hence no power on/off.

Does anyone know of *any* other solutions out there? Right now, it seems that I either have to settle for a partial solution with the Nyko, or spend $150, which seems like a total rip-off.

The Nyko is not that bad. It can power off but not back on. (But you have to load in a movie or switch games anyway, right?) The only other drawback is it takes up controller port one so for some games you have to switch the controller number. Another pro is the IR receiver is slick and hardly noticeable, kinda like a thumbdrive.

rettenhu
01-03-09, 09:48 AM
Here's the main thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016741

For example this one is available now http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html for $100.

The Nyko also has the annoying problem of stealing controller 1. The next cheapest option at $35 is the PS3IRX1 (http://www.schmartstuff.com/sony-ps3-ir-upgrad.html) which is basically a nice looking Nyko that doesn't steal controller 1, but doesn't have the PS button (no ON).

I have an IR2BT from the first order for sale. I guess that was the cheapest full solution, but that is a moot point now.

I have the original IR2BT as well which I believe sold for about $50 or so. The product suffered a bit because its firmware could not be upgraded by users. In fairness, the seller offered a one-time free firmware upgrade that was necessary to keep it working after a PS3 firmware update, and he even included free return shipping. I love mine and believe there is a void in the market right now for a solution in this price range. I just hope that future PS3 firmware upgrades don't impact its operation again.

crabbz
01-03-09, 01:36 PM
I have the ir4ps3, which is similar to ps3toothfairy, and am very happy with it.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13742086&postcount=1

pjb16
01-03-09, 03:14 PM
I have the nyko blu-wave, and I think it is fine. Turning on and off is the only thing, but like someone said I have to get up to chane games/movies anyway so no big deal.

DarrellG
01-03-09, 04:35 PM
I have the ir4ps3, which is similar to ps3toothfairy, and am very happy with it.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13742086&postcount=1

Wow, I haven't seen that one. How much did it cost? I already own the Bluetooth remote so this would be the best option for me.

crabbz
01-03-09, 07:19 PM
Wow, I haven't seen that one. How much did it cost? I already own the Bluetooth remote so this would be the best option for me.

The ir4ps3 was about $46.45 with shipping. In addition to the bluetooth remote you need to get your own power supply, which I picked up at radio shack for $6 or so. Here's a link to the forum the creator was posting in on remotecentral.com. He doesn't seem to have a web site for it. I just sent him an email requesting details for ordering and he sent the info fairly quick.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-custom/thread.cgi?14086,9#170

switch42
01-03-09, 07:41 PM
The ir4ps3 was about $46.45 with shipping. In addition to the bluetooth remote you need to get your own power supply, which I picked up at radio shack for $6 or so. Here's a link to the forum the creator was posting in on remotecentral.com. He doesn't seem to have a web site for it. I just sent him an email requesting details for ordering and he sent the info fairly quick.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-custom/thread.cgi?14086,9#170

I bought two of the ir4ps3 and I also got two of my friends to get one as well. They do rock and they are in the logitech database.

DarrellG
01-03-09, 07:55 PM
The ir4ps3 was about $46.45 with shipping. In addition to the bluetooth remote you need to get your own power supply, which I picked up at radio shack for $6 or so. Here's a link to the forum the creator was posting in on remotecentral.com. He doesn't seem to have a web site for it. I just sent him an email requesting details for ordering and he sent the info fairly quick.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-custom/thread.cgi?14086,9#170

Thanks. I sent him an email. That's right around an "acceptable" price range for me and I don't want to lose any features of my Blutooth remote.

What type of power cord does this require? I saw someone say they used one from a cell phone and I have a bunch of cell phone chargers lying around. The one that comes to mind is the Nokia charger which has a pretty standard connector.

http://mat.su/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/Nokia_charger.jpg

switch42
01-04-09, 09:24 AM
Thanks. I sent him an email. That's right around an "acceptable" price range for me and I don't want to lose any features of my Blutooth remote.

What type of power cord does this require? I saw someone say they used one from a cell phone and I have a bunch of cell phone chargers lying around. The one that comes to mind is the Nokia charger which has a pretty standard connector.

http://mat.su/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/Nokia_charger.jpg

You can power it with a USB cable. That is what I use as I have a Motorola cable box with a USB connector on the back and I keep the cable box on all the time so the unit is always on.

****EDIT****
This is what is written in the PDF that he emails out.

External Power Supply:

An external 3V to 9V DC power supply is necessary (sold separately). A 500 mA power
supply is not required, 100 mA is also fine. If you have erratic behavior with a TRUE 3V
supply we suggest using one equal or above 4.5V. Possible choice for this power supply:
• www.thesourcecc.com, Catalog Number: 2731755. This one output more than
3V even if specified at 3V.
• www.radioshack.com, Catalog Number: 273-025. The following site
<http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/batteries/pwr-acdc-ref.htm> is a
good list of available Radio Shack power supply.
• www.bestbuy.com, Model: JEN300 SKU: 7152813. Includes many plugs. Set this
one to 4.5V for proper operation.
• Most discount/overstock electronic stores do have similar universal power supply
and often at very low price.


The external power jack is an adapter plug type A. O.D.: 2.35mm. I.D.: 0.7mm. This plug
is very common. It is also included in universal power supply kit that comes with
multiple plugs.

• www.thesourcecc.com, Catalog Number: 2731704
• www.radioshack.com, Catalog Number: 273-1704

crabbz
01-04-09, 12:43 PM
You can power it with a USB cable. That is what I use as I have a Motorola cable box with a USB connector on the back and I keep the cable box on all the time so the unit is always on.


Where did you get the usb cable with the proper end to plug into the ir4ps3?
I've looked around but couldn't find anything.

DarrellG
01-04-09, 11:18 PM
Thanks, he replied to my email. I'll be ordering one this week.

Perfect for me and a great price.

gm2376
01-05-09, 12:48 PM
I ve read in other posts now that harmony has mapped a way for the ps3 to be turned off with the nyko...does anyone konw how to do it...i just got the bluwave and it seems like only th triangle, o, square and x are mapped to it.

jbrandon5
01-14-09, 12:47 AM
Thanks for the info everyone. I ended up buying the Nyko Blu-wave, and it works fine with my Harmony.

As far as I know, there is still no way to power on/off the PS3 with the Nyko, because the PS button on the controller is only mapped through Bluetooth, and can't be accessed through the USB interface. But as other people have said, this isn't that big a deal, because you're usually getting up to insert/eject discs anyway when using the PS3.

imdjenk
01-14-09, 02:45 AM
Thanks for the info everyone. I ended up buying the Nyko Blu-wave, and it works fine with my Harmony.

As far as I know, there is still no way to power on/off the PS3 with the Nyko, because the PS button on the controller is only mapped through Bluetooth, and can't be accessed through the USB interface. But as other people have said, this isn't that big a deal, because you're usually getting up to insert/eject discs anyway when using the PS3.

With the latest Sony firmware you can turn the PS3 off with the Nyko/harmony combo. There is an off option in the XMB so you would macro the harmony to go left like ten times, up 2 or 3 times, x, pause, and x.

bryansj
01-14-09, 07:51 AM
Thanks for the info everyone. I ended up buying the Nyko Blu-wave, and it works fine with my Harmony.

As far as I know, there is still no way to power on/off the PS3 with the Nyko, because the PS button on the controller is only mapped through Bluetooth, and can't be accessed through the USB interface. But as other people have said, this isn't that big a deal, because you're usually getting up to insert/eject discs anyway when using the PS3.

The Nyko became annoying to me for a couple reasons. The first reason is that I often use my PS3 as a media server. There is no "you're usually getting up to insert/eject discs anyway when using the PS3" when you are playing streaming media. The other issue with the Nyko is that it always takes over controller 1. When the first IR to BT converter was released I snatched one up.

At least the Nyko is cheap.

DarrellG
01-22-09, 11:43 AM
I just ordered the IR4PS3. It cost $53 with shipping and I already own the Sony BT Remote. I got it for $17 as an open box item at BB.

It will end up costing me $70 total, not bad.

DarrellG
01-30-09, 02:11 AM
I finally got my IR4PS3 today and I am very happy. It's a wonderful feeling being back down to one single remote again. No more of my fiance' asking me, "Which remote is it?" anymore.

Ahhh...

This is great. Especially since I have EVERY function of the PS3 available on my Harmony 659.

mulder_fbi
01-30-09, 08:58 AM
I use the nyko blu-wave solution too. Best $10 I've spent on the ps3.

BigFoot_Lives
02-14-09, 02:59 PM
I just wanted to post and report my positive experience with the IR4PS3. Just go through the assembly procedure (which is a lot of the fun) and plug in the device. It was that simple. Great accessory product for people with a Harmony remote.

- BigFoot_Lives

steven975
02-14-09, 04:53 PM
I ve read in other posts now that harmony has mapped a way for the ps3 to be turned off with the nyko...does anyone konw how to do it...i just got the bluwave and it seems like only th triangle, o, square and x are mapped to it.

I use a shutdown macro.

DirectionLeft * 8
DirectionUp * 3
X
200ms Pause
X

I have it set up in the Activity settings to do this upon leaving the Activity. Adds less than 5 seconds

moonman13
02-24-09, 05:22 PM
I use the Nyko with the PS3 & Harmony One. I've programmed 2 custom buttons under "e.g. Watch DVD" activity that turns off the PS3. Yesterday, I had a Level II Tech. map the sequence thus it now works with one click from the power button. It is also set up to turn off the device when you exit the activity.

Too bad it won't turn it on but ya, you're usually up anway.

uqmoore
02-24-09, 06:31 PM
I have the nyko blu-wave, and I think it is fine. Turning on and off is the only thing, but like someone said I have to get up to chane games/movies anyway so no big deal.

The nyko blu-wave solution is the best value. When ppl ask me about this sutff, I dont even mention the more expensive options.

DarrellG
02-25-09, 09:36 AM
Guys,

I'm having some slight trouble setting up my Harmony exactly the way I would like it. I need to tinker a little more but here's what I want:

I want to be able to turn on the PS3 when I hit the "Watch DVD" button (already mapped my "Play PS3" to the button). Currently, I have to hit the "Watch DVD" button, then hit the "Help" key to turn on the PS3. I'm thinking because I "turned off" the IR4PS3 when I hit the "off" button, it can't receive the signal.

Also, I don't want the PS3 to turn off when I go to other functions, like "Watch TV". I almost have that set up right because it doesn't turn it off, BUT when I hit "Off" to turn off my TV, the PS3 will turn on if it's off.

I'm sure you guys have mastered this setup, but I'm still having some slight issues. The instructions Ben has provided in his PDF regarding Harmony setup don't really apply anymore because Logitech changed the wording of some of the Harmony's setup functions.

Thanks in advance.

D~

mboojigga
02-25-09, 09:38 AM
By the way in relation to the Harmony One remotes I went to Circuit City on Friday and got 2 of them for half price. If they are available in your area you should go check it out. I replaced my 890 models and Harmony One has been another great purchase.

JasonSuave
02-25-09, 11:20 AM
I use a shutdown macro.

DirectionLeft * 8
DirectionUp * 3
X
200ms Pause
X


Whoa! What is this? There's now a shutdown macro, which allows you to bypass use of the PS button? Is there a startup macro as well? Where did this info come from?

bryansj
02-25-09, 11:25 AM
Whoa! What is this? There's now a shutdown macro, which allows you to bypass use of the PS button? Is there a startup macro as well? Where did this info come from?

All that does is navigate to the far left of the XMB and select OFF. You still have to get to the XMB before you can shut it off, which means you have to hit the PS button and/or exit the game/movie. There is no startup macro or button for the Nyko since it is unpowered when the PS3 is off.

rotelmania
02-26-09, 08:09 PM
I use the Nyko with the PS3 & Harmony One. I've programmed 2 custom buttons under "e.g. Watch DVD" activity that turns off the PS3. Yesterday, I had a Level II Tech. map the sequence thus it now works with one click from the power button. It is also set up to turn off the device when you exit the activity.

Too bad it won't turn it on but ya, you're usually up anway.

What is the phone number that you use to get in touch with level II tech? I cannot find it on the website.

thanks

Larry M
03-02-09, 01:56 PM
So if I get the PS3IRX1 it will work just like the PS3 controller minus the power off feature?

No problems with BR or DVD right?

bryansj
03-02-09, 03:17 PM
So if I get the PS3IRX1 it will work just like the PS3 controller minus the power off feature?

No problems with BR or DVD right?

It'll work just like the PS3 game controller, not the Sony Bluetooth remote. That means you will have to rely on the triangle button for most of the special commands where the BT remote has direct mappings. Off the top of my head I think the PS3IRX1 will map 14 commands and the BT remote has 51 commands.

Larry M
03-02-09, 04:30 PM
It'll work just like the PS3 game controller, not the Sony Bluetooth remote. That means you will have to rely on the triangle button for most of the special commands where the BT remote has direct mappings. Off the top of my head I think the PS3IRX1 will map 14 commands and the BT remote has 51 commands.
The BT remote is the Nyko?

Nevermind, I see the BT remote now

bryansj
03-03-09, 07:21 AM
The BT remote is the Nyko?

Nevermind, I see the BT remote now

The PS3IRX1 is similar to the Nyko. The PS3IR-Pro is similar to the Sony BT remote (able to output all of its commands).