iRule - Page 255

Oppo owners, I have a 93 and I just got my feedback working (Power, Audio Type, chapter/time etc.) via RS232 with my iPad2. My main question revolves around the Power feedback - I have a status panel that the Oppo updates fine when I'm in iRule but when I 'close' the iRule app and 'open' it again, the status field is blanked out. All my other devices that I have feedback for continue to display the proper status - does anyone else lose their status field? Is there a way to keep the field when iRule is closed/opened?

jidelite

This is practically universal amongst the AVR manufacturers. As someone pointed out, the only good solution is using RS232 via an iTach, as the iTach will support eight simultaneous connections.

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts!

I don't think iRule is "insisting" on persistent connections; rather, they're doing it the way it works well. It would seem to me that if you only opened a connection when you sent a command, you'd be moving the connection delay at app/panel-open time, to whenever you sent a command, which would make for a very unresponsive remote. It might be OK for something non-critical like a music player or something, but not anything that you want to be very responsive, like a volume control, or a transport control (i.e. most of what we do with our remotes). Also, if the connection weren't open, how would you receive and display feedback?

The problem isn't iRule or Roomie - it's that these manufacturers need to get on the ball and support simultaneous network connections for devices that make sense, i.e. at least 3 connections in an AVR that supports 3 zones. Seems like this would be pretty obvious, but for whatever reason, the mfrs are just way behind on this.

SC

I was able to use the tutorials from Mickelin to get feedback working that is dynamic. Its kind of cheating, but its cool..

I did this with all of my events.



If you have questions, let me know.

Hi. Would someone had some walkthrough on how to put some image on a Source button (instead of just typing text)? I had most of the layout ready now, so I am in the phase of creating buttons and make it look nice I do not have any photoshop experience, but I got GIMP installed. Appreciate much!

Fight4yu, go onto iRule Builder and look under Users when browsing for images and search for john's industrial shiny and use those if you want.

I have access to Pandora via my htpc, directv, avr and tv and I prefer to use iRule to open the Pandora app on my iPad. I then select my avr using AirPlay and have easy access to see what's playing on my iPad, make changes and change volume all in 1 place. My only issue is training users to select the avr if they aren't familiar with AirPlay. I wish there was a way to select the avr when I open Pandora, but that doesn't seem to be doable.

I'm curious what you mean by this as I'm still able to do it. I'm using Chrome. I'm kind of a graphics guy so if you would like some button ideas, let me know.

The lack of the capability of executing a command prior to launching an external app with a single button press is problematical. Would be nice to be able execute a command and then launch an app as part of a macro. For instance: Switch AVR inputs>launch external Oppo app. Wonder why that isn't possible

If it were up to me I would give iRule users the option of non-persistent connections. It only takes a few milliseconds to establish a TCP connection (just check it with Wireshark), so you wouldn't notice any delay. I wouldn't have iRule disconnect immediately, but only after a connection has been idle for a user-defined number of seconds. This is enough time to receive feedback from query commands, which I think represents 90% of the usage cases for feedback. Asynchronous feedback does require a persistent connection (and users would still have that option) but people with a single connection limitation can easily give up asynchronous feedback and use a model where they periodically send explicit queries instead.

A useful side effect of this model would be seen when it's the target device (or gateway) that closes the connection. Examples of this are the GC-100 which only supports one connection but allows another client to "steal" the connection if it's been idle for 10 seconds, or other devices that close a connection which has been idle for a certain time. Currently iRule doesn't work when the gateway closes the connection, it simply tries and fails to send subsequent commands. But if iRule were prepared to re-open the connection on the next button press it would be able to share single connections much better.

That is why you see 2 buttons for XBMC, iTunes and COMCAST on my panels in the images I posted. Believe me, that feature has been suggested.

Not sure why executing commands and launching an app doesn't work for you. I have a button link to Pandora that has multiple commands and the link to the url page.

Here's the page:



The Pandora button links to the url page, changes the input on the avr and turns off the tv. What it won't do, is preset the Airplay to my avr, so users have to double click etc as in the instructions, which are, of course, no longer on the screen...sub-optimal to say the least. What I need is access to pre setting the airplay selection.

For any of you who haven't yet set up guide data in iRule and have the intent to do so I've gone ahead and shared out the work I've done. There are two things you can use which should be a good starting point.

1. A device named "DirecTV Channel Queries" - This contains all the normal direcTV network commands plus specific queries for channel data inclusive of all Sunday ticket channels, several premium channels (HBOs, etc.), Family/Kid channels and a few of my own local stations. This will continue to grow as I work on adding channels. Every channel I have a query for guide data built I also have a fast direct tune action so you can quickly tune the channel without emulating button presses (ie: tune to 501 vs. 5, delay, 0, delay, 1, delay, enter)

2. A feedback set named "DirecTV Channel Data" - This contains feedbacks for title and episode data for the channels mentioned above, the feedbacks are a little more categorized because it's easier to do so with feedbacks than it is within device codes.

The way I set this up is as follows.

1. I use one instance of the device for each DirecTV receiver I have this allows for direct tuning as well as getting data around the currently tuned channel for each receiver.

2. I also set up one additional DirecTV device which is used for guide data queries. The main reason I do this is that I have a H34-700 at my house, this receiver is quite a bit beefier than the others so I beat it up with the guide data queries and leave the lesser receivers to only handle things that are local to that receiver (tuning, etc.)

This is all tested and working well in my setup, if there are any questions let me know. I'll continue adding more channels to the devices for both feedbacks and queries, direct tuning, etc. I'm not sure my local stations will be that useful for anyone who doesn't live in Austin but they are there none the less

I just upgraded my HTPC video card and went from TMT3 to TMT5 and now have issues with iRule control using my MCE device. I read that there are diff codes for TMT5 vs TMT3 (um, why would they do that?).

Anyway, before I go researching and recreating a new device, I was wondering if anyone had an update MCE device and command file they could share?
JClam

As I'm continuing to work up these DirecTV guide data retrieval feedbacks and device codes I'm finding myself wishing I could do this repetitive work outside of a browser in a proper editor where I can quickly build things out. I see there is a way to import devices into iRule but is there a way to export feedback groups and devices so I can edit them and re-upload? Even if the upload is a new device that's fine I can use the handy replace device capability to deal with that.

You got a little bit excited to quick. iRule will NOT launch an APP with additional commands. What you explained has nothing to do with LAUNCHING an APP

I am using chrome on win7 x64. I used to be able to go in the image library, click on the eye to view a set of shared images and then click on one and drag it into windows explorer. This no longer works. I emailed irule and they responded that they disabled this functionality. I assume they did that to protect people's hard work... But you say it still works for you? Thank you for the kind offer of button creation, if I need anything I will definitely give you a shout out!

I believe that function only works in older browser versions. I keep IE version 8 on my PC to do that specific task. Does not work in Chrome or newer IE versions.

I tried using a transparent background picture in the url widget html-file, but it didn't work. It just showed the underlying white background of the widget itself.

Well, it actually does in a way. You can use a url widget to launch an app on the device (at least in IOS, don't know about Android). That's how it was done before iRule added the launch app function. Using that technique you can issue commands and then launch the app all from one button.

I'm also using W7/64. The Builder now requires a CTRL/CLICK/DRAG action. I find it most convenient to drag to my desktop. I wouldn't think it would be any different dragging a file to explorer.

I might be doing something wrong, as I tried that also and was unable to get it to work.

Can someone help me out with URL Widgets on Android....... I can't seem to get the "Corner Radius" setting to do anything. I want rounded corners on the URL Window, but it doesn't work on my Xoom Tablet.

I know I am sharing at least 4 diff ones and I have downloaded about 20 others over the years that I have used. Icons r deff not a problem. There is everything outvthere one would need. We all share and have built the user base for this app over the years.

You have to take the time to look.

Others have said what else I was going to add.

Using Chrome version 18.0.1025.162 m.
In Builder, browse, image libraries, find the images you want, click the eye, and then CTRL+left click and drag to desktop.

Hopefully the CTRL+ Click works for you too.

Hey John, not sure if I'm overreacting to your post, but that seems to be a bit of a harsh reply...not to mention wrong. I am in fact launching Pandora on my iPad from iRule using the URL functionality. The following is in a panel called "Listen Pandora"



I link to this panel from a button link that also executes some commands as I detailed previously. So I think I was answering Willie's question about "executing a command prior to launching an external app with a single button press" . If I misunderstood the question, happy to discuss it. Politely.

Yep.


Willie, if I misunderstood your question, please let me know...If I got your question right and you want to share specifically what you're trying to do, I'd be happy to try and help.
JClam

Hi Jim,

Guess I am still confused. I understand that you can execute a series of commands from a single button that can also be turned into a link to switch panels. My questions is: How do I add launching the external app with out adding another button press after the panel switch?

Willie

Thanks guys, just tried it out and CTRL+ Click works! Thanks!

Here you go. Assuming you have the Pandora app on your iPad::
1. Create a Panel called Pandora, add a url, match it to my post above.
2. Create a panel called Launch. Create a button link and link it to the Pandora panel. Add some commands to the link as well, separated by a short delay.
3. Save, open iRule in your iPad, sync.
4. Panels, select the Launch panel. Press the button link you created. It will open the Pandora panel and the url will execute automatically, launching the Pandora app and executing the other commands in sequence. You may have to adjust the delays between commands. I'm using .4 sec.
5. To get back to iRule. double click the home button and select iRule. Double click home and select Pandora to get back.

Good luck and happy new year.

Let me start by saying I love all the great info in this thread.

Jim, that is a great work around for iOS devices. I am unable to replicate it for my Android devices because either I don't know the proper syntax to launch it (different than iOS), or it flat out will not work.

Seems to me the missing capability of having the app widget included in a single button macro should be standard in this software. Maybe someone on the iRule team can explain why it isn't, or perhap offer the syntax that will make the URL work around work on Android devices. For me this would allow the use of the Oppo and Time Warner apps seamlessly through iRule.

Go Bucky!

Hey Willie,
I went back an re-read your original posts...Sorry I missed that you were using Android; I only use iOS so I'm not sure if/how Android devices work with launching apps via URL.

I also missed that you were trying to launch the Oppo app...even with iOS I can't launch some apps from iRule using URLs, including iControlAV2 for my Pioneer Elite AVR.

Good luck, and have a great new year.