IR sensors, hubs, flashers

dcp · 12-13-06, 02:37 PM

Looking to mount an IR sensor on the wall and relay signal to control 3 or 4 components in a cabinet.

Was a bit surprised at the prices top achieve this using systems on Crutchfield.
I could be boneheaded but couldn't find stuff on Partsexpress.com

Anywhere else to look?
Any recommendations on how to do this less expensively?

Thanks

ptsenter · 12-13-06, 02:57 PM

I'm using X10 pyramids to relay IR codes - very inexpensive.

dcp · 12-13-06, 03:28 PM

True - inexpensive but appear to be a little large and clunky. Hoping for more discreet wall mount sensor and I do not have a lot of room in cabinet for transmitter.

Not to mention how damn annoying the x10.com website is with all the flashing, moving, scrolling, fake pop up junk on it - almost reason enough to avoid their product IMHO.

boykster · 12-13-06, 03:32 PM

Its possible to put together a kit yourself, but here's one for about $100

http://www.smarthome.com/8225p.html

Targus · 12-13-06, 03:35 PM

Can you solder?

dcp · 12-13-06, 03:43 PM

That kit looks good.

Also believe I've found suitable solution on aforementioned website.

Sensor
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-314

Hub
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-315

Flasher
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-305

boykster · 12-13-06, 03:55 PM

That will do it,and the price point is pretty much in line with the kit I posted.

don't forget a powersupply too

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-317

dcp · 12-13-06, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Can you solder?

Yes. What solution did you have in mind?

Targus · 12-13-06, 04:59 PM

I've posted a tutorial on building your own system before, I'll try to find it.
However, everytime I suggest DIY...I get scolded for it...it seems to anger those who can't DIY.

DaveHolland · 12-14-06, 01:57 PM

Buffalo Electronics. Here's the cheapest place I've found.

http://www.automatedoutlet.com/home.php?cat=140

js5752 · 12-14-06, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Targus

I've posted a tutorial on building your own system before, I'll try to find it.
However, everytime I suggest DIY...I get scolded for it...it seems to anger those who can't DIY.

Personally, I'd love to see what you've got on the DIY front. I'm not the most skilled DIYer, but I do consider myself fairly skilled with a soldering iron.

Hey if it can be more reliable that my RadioShack IR repeaters, then it can't be all bad. I have to power cycle the receiver module daily, or else it stops working. It's a real pain.

-Jeff

Nightlites13 · 12-19-06, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Targus

I've posted a tutorial on building your own system before, I'll try to find it.
However, everytime I suggest DIY...I get scolded for it...it seems to anger those who can't DIY.

Hey Targus, I would be very interested to see what type of DIY solution you have as well. No one should complain because there are plenty of store bought solutions out there and plenty of suggestions from others for that so if you have time and can find it, thanks.

tlniec · 12-19-06, 03:33 PM

Add me to the list of folks interested in the DIY.

trpltongue · 12-19-06, 04:53 PM

I actually just installed the following from parts express:

8 of these receivers ($15 each): http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=182-834

1 of these connecting blocks and power supply ($39): http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-315

4 of these dual emitters ($7.85 each): http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=183-204

Total for 1 receiver, 1 connecting block, 1 power supply, and 1 dual emiiter is $63.

The receivers only use 3 single wires from the cat5 cable and they work outstanding! My runs are relatively long at ~50' and I have had no problems whatsoever. I was a bit skeptical about the receivers because of their price, but they've worked flawlessly so far.

Russell

DEZI979 · 01-01-07, 09:54 AM

Russell,
I'm curious as to why you purchased 8 receivers...are you controlling equipment from multiple rooms? (newbe question probably...!)

trpltongue · 01-04-07, 10:51 PM

Yeah,

We've got the equipment centrally located and are controlling it from 8 different rooms throughout the house.

They've worked pretty well so far. I'm having a bit of difficulty with 1 of the satellite boxes working intermitently but I haven't taken the time to troubleshoot it yet. The only downside to the buffalo distribution block is the lack of adjustment on the IR output. There is no gain control so if the IR is overpowering the equipment you have to use some filters to drop the intensity.

Russell

DEZI979 · 01-16-07, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trpltongue

Yeah,

We've got the equipment centrally located and are controlling it from 8 different rooms throughout the house.

They've worked pretty well so far. I'm having a bit of difficulty with 1 of the satellite boxes working intermitently but I haven't taken the time to troubleshoot it yet. The only downside to the buffalo distribution block is the lack of adjustment on the IR output. There is no gain control so if the IR is overpowering the equipment you have to use some filters to drop the intensity.

Russell

Gotcha,

I install the Buffalo Electronics receiver, block and 4 emitters last weekend and it works flawlessly. Now on to find a quality universal remote for around $100. Looking at MX-500 and URC-200 along with logitech products.

Any thoughts?

Speedskater · 01-16-07, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEZI979

Gotcha,

I install the Buffalo Electronics receiver, block and 4 emitters last weekend and it works flawlessly. Now on to find a quality universal remote for around $100. Looking at MX-500 and URC-200 along with logitech products.

Any thoughts?

How sensitive is the receiver? With my old pyramid, you have to point the remote right at the sensor.

lastplace · 01-21-07, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEZI979

Gotcha,

I install the Buffalo Electronics receiver, block and 4 emitters last weekend and it works flawlessly. Now on to find a quality universal remote for around $100. Looking at MX-500 and URC-200 along with logitech products.

Any thoughts?

Sams has the Logitech 676 on sales in your price range

aviman33 · 01-21-07, 09:13 AM

I got the Hot Link Pro and I'm very pleased with it. One big plus is the size of the receiver. Most of the systems in this price range have a huge receiver, or a very expensive compact add-on. The Hot Link is very sensitive and works well withl my plasma.

http://www.hot-link.com/products.html
Jon

RTBrandy · 01-21-07, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aviman33

I got the Hot Link Pro and I'm very pleased with it. One big plus is the size of the receiver. Most of the systems in this price range have a huge receiver, or a very expensive compact add-on. The Hot Link is very sensitive and works well withl my plasma.

http://www.hot-link.com/products.html
Jon

I'm about to pull the trigger on this, too.....lookslike it will cover all my needs...

aviman33 · 01-21-07, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTBrandy

I'm about to pull the trigger on this, too.....lookslike it will cover all my needs...

The receiver is super sinsitive and easy to hide. I have mine mounter behind the TV (out of line of site) and it picks up the remotes reflections perfectly. It even has a blue LED for signal feedback . You really can't go wrong with this one.

Jon

UpSide · 01-21-07, 04:13 PM

I just jumped on this PRO setup for $99. Look like exactly what I have been searching for, thanks for the advice.
-J

RTBrandy · 02-06-07, 02:07 PM

I got this, and am using it..

Very happy with it, and easy as pie to set up....my only issue is that I'm having a lot of trouble extending the reader eye. The instructions say use Coaxial cable with RCA connectors...so i bought rg59 RCA subwoofer cable (6 feet) from monoprice....no luck...the blue flasher eye picks up a lot of interference ....

but it workjs great without the extension...

Marcus111 · 04-17-07, 02:43 AM

Hello Randy:
Did you get your RG59 extension cable to work with the Hot Link Pro?
If noisy, check to make certain all connectors and adapters are metal and fully shielded.
At your service,
Marcus, Microsmith Inc.
800-999-8846

RTBrandy · 04-17-07, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus111

Hello Randy:
Did you get your RG59 extension cable to work with the Hot Link Pro?
If noisy, check to make certain all connectors and adapters are metal and fully shielded.
At your service,
Marcus, Microsmith Inc.
800-999-8846

I actually wound up ordering the actual extension cable, and it works great.....Very pleased with this solution...

thanks Marcus !!

jspielmann · 04-18-07, 12:57 PM

Has anyone spliced the emitter cables to lengthen them? I have a long run to a projector and was wondering if anyone has spliced and soldered a longer wire. My run is almost 20 feet.

Marcus111 · 04-18-07, 01:17 PM

No Worries:
We have people splice emitter cable and add twin lead all of the time.
Just mind polarity before the cut and do one at a time and check.
All emitters are in series and thus need to be in correct polarity with eachother.
Warranty is not affected either...
Best regards,
Marcus, Microsmith Inc.

Marcus111 · 04-18-07, 01:18 PM

Oh, usee the emitter closest to the outside corner for best noise injection prevention.
You may add up to 100 feet...

12-13-06, 02:37 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
dcp Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 16	IR sensors, hubs, flashers Looking to mount an IR sensor on the wall and relay signal to control 3 or 4 components in a cabinet. Was a bit surprised at the prices top achieve this using systems on Crutchfield. I could be boneheaded but couldn't find stuff on Partsexpress.com Anywhere else to look? Any recommendations on how to do this less expensively? Thanks

12-13-06, 03:35 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Targus AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,617	Can you solder?

12-14-06, 01:57 PM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
DaveHolland Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 135	Buffalo Electronics. Here's the cheapest place I've found. http://www.automatedoutlet.com/home.php?cat=140

01-01-07, 09:54 AM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
DEZI979 New Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2	Russell, I'm curious as to why you purchased 8 receivers...are you controlling equipment from multiple rooms? (newbe question probably...!)

12-13-06, 02:57 PM	#2 \| Link
ptsenter Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 576	I'm using X10 pyramids to relay IR codes - very inexpensive.

12-13-06, 03:28 PM	#3 \| Link
dcp Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 16	True - inexpensive but appear to be a little large and clunky. Hoping for more discreet wall mount sensor and I do not have a lot of room in cabinet for transmitter. Not to mention how damn annoying the x10.com website is with all the flashing, moving, scrolling, fake pop up junk on it - almost reason enough to avoid their product IMHO.

12-13-06, 03:32 PM	#4 \| Link
boykster AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 2,114	Its possible to put together a kit yourself, but here's one for about $100 http://www.smarthome.com/8225p.html

12-13-06, 03:43 PM	#6 \| Link
dcp Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 16	That kit looks good. Also believe I've found suitable solution on aforementioned website. Sensor http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-314 Hub http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-315 Flasher http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-305

12-13-06, 03:55 PM	#7 \| Link
boykster AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 2,114	That will do it,and the price point is pretty much in line with the kit I posted. don't forget a powersupply too http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-317

12-13-06, 04:59 PM	#9 \| Link
Targus AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,617	I've posted a tutorial on building your own system before, I'll try to find it. However, everytime I suggest DIY...I get scolded for it...it seems to anger those who can't DIY.

12-19-06, 03:33 PM	#13 \| Link
tlniec Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 544	Add me to the list of folks interested in the DIY.

12-19-06, 04:53 PM	#14 \| Link
trpltongue AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,445	I actually just installed the following from parts express: 8 of these receivers ($15 each): http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=182-834 1 of these connecting blocks and power supply ($39): http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=182-315 4 of these dual emitters ($7.85 each): http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=183-204 Total for 1 receiver, 1 connecting block, 1 power supply, and 1 dual emiiter is $63. The receivers only use 3 single wires from the cat5 cable and they work outstanding! My runs are relatively long at ~50' and I have had no problems whatsoever. I was a bit skeptical about the receivers because of their price, but they've worked flawlessly so far. Russell

01-04-07, 10:51 PM	#16 \| Link
trpltongue AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,445	Yeah, We've got the equipment centrally located and are controlling it from 8 different rooms throughout the house. They've worked pretty well so far. I'm having a bit of difficulty with 1 of the satellite boxes working intermitently but I haven't taken the time to troubleshoot it yet. The only downside to the buffalo distribution block is the lack of adjustment on the IR output. There is no gain control so if the IR is overpowering the equipment you have to use some filters to drop the intensity. Russell

01-21-07, 09:13 AM	#20 \| Link
aviman33 AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hershey, PA Posts: 1,712	I got the Hot Link Pro and I'm very pleased with it. One big plus is the size of the receiver. Most of the systems in this price range have a huge receiver, or a very expensive compact add-on. The Hot Link is very sensitive and works well withl my plasma. http://www.hot-link.com/products.html Jon

01-21-07, 04:13 PM	#23 \| Link
UpSide Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 43	I just jumped on this PRO setup for $99. Look like exactly what I have been searching for, thanks for the advice. -J

02-06-07, 02:07 PM	#24 \| Link
RTBrandy Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 156	I got this, and am using it.. Very happy with it, and easy as pie to set up....my only issue is that I'm having a lot of trouble extending the reader eye. The instructions say use Coaxial cable with RCA connectors...so i bought rg59 RCA subwoofer cable (6 feet) from monoprice....no luck...the blue flasher eye picks up a lot of interference .... but it workjs great without the extension...

04-17-07, 02:43 AM	#25 \| Link
Marcus111 Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 25	Hello Randy: Did you get your RG59 extension cable to work with the Hot Link Pro? If noisy, check to make certain all connectors and adapters are metal and fully shielded. At your service, Marcus, Microsmith Inc. 800-999-8846

04-18-07, 12:57 PM	#27 \| Link
jspielmann Human Sponge Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 358	Has anyone spliced the emitter cables to lengthen them? I have a long run to a projector and was wondering if anyone has spliced and soldered a longer wire. My run is almost 20 feet.

04-18-07, 01:17 PM	#28 \| Link
Marcus111 Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 25	No Worries: We have people splice emitter cable and add twin lead all of the time. Just mind polarity before the cut and do one at a time and check. All emitters are in series and thus need to be in correct polarity with eachother. Warranty is not affected either... Best regards, Marcus, Microsmith Inc.

04-18-07, 01:18 PM	#29 \| Link
Marcus111 Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 25	Oh, usee the emitter closest to the outside corner for best noise injection prevention. You may add up to 100 feet...