I want to distribute IR from a central location over six existing RG6 cables carrying a cable TV signal, but the solutions for IR over coax I can find (Xantech, Channel Plus, along with a few no-name brands) all use 12 volt IR signaling. I want to use two Global Cache IP2IR units to distribute to the six locations, but these output 5 volt IR signals. Global Cache sells optically isolated cables for $39 that convert the 5v IR signal to Xantech's 12v signal, but I'd need a similar cable on both ends, plus the IR coupler on both ends, which will make for a very expensive solution!
I can't seem to find any IR over coax solutions that utilize 5 volt IR like the Global Cache hardware does, but I wonder if it is possible to "roll my own" for a lot less money. As far as I can determine, an IR coupler like Xantech's CPL10 is essentially a diplexer. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think I could put to use a dozen old satellite diplexers I have laying around along with 3.5mm mini female to F type male cables to connect the IP2IR's IR outputs to the DC passing "satellite" input, the cable TV to the antenna input and send the combined signal down the RG6 cable. On the other end I'd use the same solution in reverse to pull the IR signal out and connect to IR emitter(s) taped to the IR "eye" on the equipment I wish to control.
One potential problem I can think of is that the IR over coax solutions I see being sold appear require power on one end. Confusingly, sometimes the power appears to be required on the end adding the IR signal to the coax, and sometimes the power is required on the end taking the IR signal out of the coax and sending it to emitters. Maybe I'm just not knowledgeable enough, but it seems to me there's no reason why I should need additional power for my application. The IP2IR's IR ports deliver .25A @ 5v, and that power and voltage across RG6 amounts only a 5% loss even at 50 meters (and my runs aren't that long) So I should have plenty of power at the other end, since I will be taping the emitters directly to the equipment, and not trying to run a high power IR blaster. I guess I don't know exactly how much power IR emitters require, but I assume that the ~1.2 watts of power I should see at the remote end ought to be plenty.
Is there any chance what I'm proposing will work? I know, I should just try it and see, and I plan to, but first I wanted to see if anyone could tell me why I'm an idiot and this definitely will not work so I don't waste my time. But if no one can tell me why it won't work, maybe it will work. If not, back to the drawing board. Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone can provide!
I can't seem to find any IR over coax solutions that utilize 5 volt IR like the Global Cache hardware does, but I wonder if it is possible to "roll my own" for a lot less money. As far as I can determine, an IR coupler like Xantech's CPL10 is essentially a diplexer. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think I could put to use a dozen old satellite diplexers I have laying around along with 3.5mm mini female to F type male cables to connect the IP2IR's IR outputs to the DC passing "satellite" input, the cable TV to the antenna input and send the combined signal down the RG6 cable. On the other end I'd use the same solution in reverse to pull the IR signal out and connect to IR emitter(s) taped to the IR "eye" on the equipment I wish to control.
One potential problem I can think of is that the IR over coax solutions I see being sold appear require power on one end. Confusingly, sometimes the power appears to be required on the end adding the IR signal to the coax, and sometimes the power is required on the end taking the IR signal out of the coax and sending it to emitters. Maybe I'm just not knowledgeable enough, but it seems to me there's no reason why I should need additional power for my application. The IP2IR's IR ports deliver .25A @ 5v, and that power and voltage across RG6 amounts only a 5% loss even at 50 meters (and my runs aren't that long) So I should have plenty of power at the other end, since I will be taping the emitters directly to the equipment, and not trying to run a high power IR blaster. I guess I don't know exactly how much power IR emitters require, but I assume that the ~1.2 watts of power I should see at the remote end ought to be plenty.
Is there any chance what I'm proposing will work? I know, I should just try it and see, and I plan to, but first I wanted to see if anyone could tell me why I'm an idiot and this definitely will not work so I don't waste my time. But if no one can tell me why it won't work, maybe it will work. If not, back to the drawing board. Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone can provide!
