iRule - Page 239

Not exactly as it all depends on whether the OEM has published an RS232/IP control document like the one I posted last week for the JVC (or you contact iRule support to verify if your device is predefined in their DB). For instance I have an Oppo as well (93), but they decided not to support IP control.

I think as I remember w/ the itach devices you have to go into the iRule software (Gateways) and define your devices to the IR outputs for CH1-3 on the WF2IR. Have you tried that?

OK, thank you.

I looked through the database and it appears the only one that is not controllable via ethernet is the Toshiba. So I could move that one to IR, which would use all the available ports, and the rest on ethernet.

Would that hub work? If so, I will go ahead and order that one today.

Thanks again.

UR welcome.

If you're like me I have about 30-40 HD-DVD's but rarely play them anymore and only use IR as well (with no issue and no real advantage because it doesn't provide feedback and doesn;t do 3D so don't have to worry about IR flooding in the room...(which is one of the main bene's of using IP/RS232 w/ the JVC).

When I read this post, I initially thought you were saying the IP2IR only controlled 8 devices via IR simultaneously, but then I realized you were talking about 8 remote device (tablets, smartphones, ipod touches).

Anyway, I was wondering if I am able to send the IR output of an IP2IR to the input of a Niles MSU-480 (IR connecting block) instead of using the Global Cache emitters? I already have the Niles IR distrubution system set up in two locations, and they are linked together, so I would prefer to keep that distribution system in place. This would allow me to maintain backward compatibility with my URC remotes while I slowly work my way into the iRule system.

I checked, and the Niles and Global Cache IR wiring standards for the TRS connector seem to be the same (IR signal on the tip, and the ground on the sleeve). If that is correct, it seems I would not need to make a special cable to connect the IP2IR to the Niles MSU-480.

Thanks.

Mark

I have an IR dist system in my rack as well but it's Xantech (also use URC remotes for IR throughout the house). If it's the same as Niles then you'll need to use the cable below from output port one to feed your block with the iRule commands (I guess it depends on the frequency range that Niles uses):

The GC-CGX is used to connect a Global Caché IR output (GC-100 or iTach) to a Xantech IR input. Global Caché IR outputs are converted to meet the IR input requirements for a Xantech IR distribution environment. IR signals from 30KHz to 72KHz can now be sent through an existing Xantech IR installation directly from one of our units. The GC-CGX is optically isolated to ensure circuit isolation and protection.

Thanks for the info. I searched for it on Amazon because I was curious about the price, and found this description:

Product Features
Translates GC-100 Network Adapter IR outputs to Xantech, Niles and SpeakerCraft IR inputs
Optically isolated to avoid noise and ground loop issues
IR outputs operate and function as if the commands were sent by the third party device
Supports an IR frequency range from 30 KHz to 500 KHz
Requires no power supply

Oddly, this appears to be more information than GC has on their web site, which is strange.

Mark

That is a bit odd Mark, but the reason I recommended it to you is I thought I remembered during install it saying something about Niles, and sure enough (from GCs website)... I think this is what you need.

GC-CGX Guide

I just finished the majority of work setting up my HT with iRule on an iPad. What a great system...yes, it has a steep learning curve, but the tutorials and a few Google searches solved most issues. I am using:

GC-100-12 for RS-232 and IR (Rev. 2.0.8-12r2)
Panasonic AE-4000 projector
Integra DHC 9.9 Processor
Oppo BDP-93
JRiver Media Center in my HTPC.

iRule is just amazing with all its capability and customization. It took me a while to get comfortable with the builder, and it still seems slow to respond even though I have a high speed FiOS connection.

The only problem I have run into that I cannot solve is the feedback for the Oppo BD player. I cannot get any of the feedback to work on the iPad. Feedback for the Integra and projector works well. Does anyone have the Oppo feedback working properly? Any ideas?

The Oppo doesn't generate any feedback by default, you have to put it into verbose mode, and you can only do that by sending an RS232 command. So define a new network command with the following code:

#SVM 3\x0D

then assign it to a button and press the button to send the command. After that the Oppo will generate feedback. If you lose power or otherwise reset the Oppo, you'll have to send the command again to turn feedback on.

Yes, it would be better if you could enable feedback from the Oppo menu, but they don't support that.

Thank you. That did it!

Sv: iRule

I have just started using Netflix. I would love to be able to control the Netflix Metro app in Windows 8 with iRule.

90% of the time my HTPC is the playback source (Media Center) which I control with iRule and MCE Controller. If iRule could launch and control the Metro Netflix app it would be awesome.

Any suggestions about how to do this?

Skickat från min LT18i via Tapatalk 2

Ok, stupid question... I have a cable box that seems to be RF controlled.... can I control this using an IR emitter and where do I place it to make it work? Sorry, just a last few things I'm trying to figure out, but otherwise, still have high hopes for this system!

I tried out the iRule builder trial, and was going to post that it did no seem intuitive or responsive. I see I was not going crazy after all!

I was looking at possibly getting into iRule for around $250, and then using an iPod Touch 2nd generation I have to program a remote control for the children, just as a starter project. I searched in iRule Builder for the three devices I would need for this project, and two are not available; the Netgear NEO TV550, and the Moxi DVR. So, it looks like I would have to invest an additional $100 in the GC-IRL IR Learner. The picture of the GC-IRL (se below) looks like it has a 3.5mm plug, so I assume it also requires a CG-RG1 IR receiver in order to learn the commands? If so, that would cost me an additional $55. This is starting to get pricey, but maybe I am incorrect in my assumptions. I checked the GC-IRL manual on the website, and it did not indicate how it is used or any additional items that may be necessary.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

Mark

To control IR devices you need a global cache device of some kind. The good new is that the cheapest of these, the Itach ip2ir (wired) and Itach wifi2ir (wifi) have built in learners. The former can be had for about $100. So along with the Irule license and an ipod or android device this is all you would need. The device you show above plugs in to the global cache gc-100 series of equipment and unless you already have one or have a line on a used one for cheap I would avoid as the newer Itach series is cheaper and offers more, though you lose the ability to do IR, RS232 and contact closure control all in one box as you can with gc-100.

I'm not familiar with either of those devices you can't find commands for in the builder, but contacting Irule might yield something as they may be in there but hard to find....

Hope that helps, feel free to ask any follow up questions.

IR and RF are 2 different things. Unless the box accepts both IR and RF commands (like a Directv box) then you may be out of luck. Irule does not work with RF. If it does accept IR commands and you can't immediately see the eye on the front (or an IR in 3.5mm jack on the back) then you can do a crawl. Place the IR bug on the front and hit a command on the irule app, then move it a bit and hit the command again, repeat until the unit responds.

I was reading the irule release notes and seems like the builder had template for iphone5, but the app does not support it yet, is this correct?
My question is, if I use the iphone5 template in the builder to build it and sync with my iphone5, what would happen? I assume I will just have black bar, is this correct?
I just got my IP2IR device last week, but not have a chance to hook it up. Hopefully can start do some test-build soon, but want to know what template I should be tweaking first. Thanks all.

that picture is of the GC-IRE, not the GC-IRL. you can see where it says GC-IRE right on the sticker on the product in the picture. the GC-IRL has the IR sensor built right into it (see below). but either way, like seldomseen said, if your initial $250 included something from the itach series, then you're all set.

I guess I should have looked closer at the picture on Amazon. My initial $250 does in fact include the GC IP2IR, iRule Pro, and the GC-CXG IR Converter Cable to link to my Niles IR connecting block.

Thanks.

Mark

Great news. My initial $250 does in fact include the GC IP2IR, iRule Pro, and the GC-CXG IR Converter Cable to link to my Niles IR connecting block, so I would be all set. I cannot find any pictures of the front of the IP2IR, so is the IR receiver for the learning functionality on the front? Whenever I would need to learn a new remote, then I would need to disconnect it, bring it to my computer, and learn the remote?

Thanks for all the help.

Mark

It's next to the power port - from the GC website:
Question:
How do I use Global Caché products to learn the codes to control my TV/DVD Player/IR receiving device?


Answer:
First, one should understand what an IR code is. An IR code consists of on and off pulses, which are represented by a numeric string. Each on pulse must have a corresponding off pulse, which means that you must have an even amount of values for the code to work. To determine the length and value of your on/off pairs, you will need a Global Caché IR learner. If using the GC-100 family of products, there are multiple options. The GC-IRL is a serially connected IR learner that connects to your GC-100 or a PC's COM port. The GC-IRE is a serially connected device which can be used with a sensor to catch IR signals. A GC-IRE with a GC-RG1 connected to a GC-100 or COM port will be recognized as a learner. In the iTach family of products, each and every unit contains an on board IR learner, which is located in the small hole below and to the right of the power port.
Now all you need is an application to control and use your IR learner. Go to www.globalcache.com/downloads and download the free iLearn.exe application. Once running, choose which learner scenario you have: GC-IRL on GC-100, GC-IRL Serial or iTach Learner, enter the IP address of the unit, or the COM port to which your GC-IRL is connected, and press connect. If you are using a GC-IRE with a GC-RG1, act as though it is a GC-IRL, designate the IP address or COM port and press connect. At this point, all you need to do is fire codes into the learner. Codes successfully captured by the learner will show on the main window of iLearn. Depending upon the equipment meant to finally receive the learned IR code, a certain length of coding needs to be sent. A good way to test this is to begin by repeatedly testing one button, watching what happens to the captured code string when the button is held down for a length of time, or if it is only fired once. Depending upon the controller and the device meant to receive the code, it could take a little experimentation to make things work the way you want them to. Global Caché format IR codes begin with "sendir,:,,,,", followed by the on/off pulse values. IR commad syntax is fully documented in both the GC-100 API, and the iTach API. iLearn use is documented further in the iLearn Tutorial in the support section of our website.

I have the GC-IRL and it works great by connecting with a serial to USB connector. Download the software to your PC or Mac and use it to cut and paste your learned Hex strings. The other posts are correct that the iTach devices have the IR reader built in but I didn't like it because it was installed behind my rack making it too difficult to work with. Being able to hook this up to my main machine upstairs where I design my iRule pages makes this little tool invaluable.

This is very true. I have only had the need to learn about 4 commands since I started using iRule at launch. The 4 commands that I did learn were a bit of a pain due to where everything was set up. Running from equipment closet back to computer, getting the commands to be accepted was a struggle (you have to have a dim room and the remote pressed right against the itach receiver).

So, if I were ever in need of learning an entire set of commands for 1 or more remotes, I would grab the GC-IRL. You don't NEED it if you have an itach, but it will save a lot of time and effort. So decide what your hourly rate is for this project and see if you come out ahead

Your assertion is correct. No app support yet. Also you won't be able to sync if you use the builder for the iPhone 5 currently. It's in the builder only so you can plan your remotes. Same is true of iPads with retina display.

I might consider picking up an iPad on Black Friday, and was wondering if anyone can comment on the memory requirements for using iRule. I checked in the iTunes store, and they only note the iOS requirements for the iRule app. Would an 8Gb model be sufficient, or do I need 16Gb?

Thanks.

Mark

I have an iPhone5 and just use iPod panels for now, you are correct that they don't have the iPhone5 templates working yet

8gb will be fine. The app with all of the possible image files you could ever need wouldn't come close to exceeding 1gb I would think.

I pulled the trigger last night and purchased the items. I agree it is better to probably cough up the extra dough for a GC-IRE to make learning easier; time is money, after all! I want to have it on top of my desk, and the computer (mid-size tower) is on the floor. So, does it matter if I use a USB extension cable to extend the length of my current USB to serial converter or an RS-232 cable after the USB to serial converter? I prefer the RS-232 cable, as I have a bunch of those (regular and null modem) lying around.

Thanks

Mark.

You'd have to work really hard to make the app take even 100MB. Typically, it's in the 10-50MB range; the high side of that is for large screen and/or high-density handsets. I've been using iRule with 8GB iOS devices for years.

SC

Thanks! Maybe I should wait a bit then, because I do not want to redesign again.. BTW, how difficult is it to move through 1 design to another? (say from iphone4 to iphone5?)