Re: Home IR Control

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

"Dave Houston" <nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:43cfbd84.691800218@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> "Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> >How can I tell what frequency my remotes operate on?  I have an A/C, a
space
> >heater, a video switchbox and drape controller that I am trying to unite
> >under an Ocelot-controlled automation program.  I've already had trouble
> >teaching three of the devices to my X-10 learning remote which leads me
to
> >believe they incorporate a non-standard IR control method.
>
> Without an oscilloscope and a photodiode, you can guess. ;)

Well, I do have that little pen/PC oscilloscope from RatShack.  IIRC, it
wasn't suitable for 110VAC work, but it might be useful for this.

> You can build the CIR device at...
>
>      http://www.ziplabel.com/cir/index.html
>
> and use the free software supplied to find the carrier frequency. I
haven't
> tried that on anything later than W98Se so don't know whether it will work
> on later systems.

I think I have something from them in my Uncle's HA closet.  IIRC, it's a
Parallel port IR emitter/receiver.  PC-IR?  I'll have to look.  I've got a
number of W98 machines, so it shouldn't be a problem testing it.

> You can also buy USB-UIRT and capture the codes in Pronto CCF format which
> has become the lingua franca for IR codes. I have tried it on later
systems.

We'll see what the junk box yields first.  I suppose all I really care about
is if the Ocelot can decode and emit IR from all the remotes that I use.  I
guess I'll have to buy one to find out.

> >If I read you right, I would be better off using an IR receiver that cost
> >more because it's likely to handle a larger number of devices?
>
> You don't read me right.

That's why I ask these stupid questions!

> If your remotes use carrier frequencies outside the most common range of
> 32-40kHz, the home brewed system I cited will do you no good because it
can
> only receive and replay ~38kHz.
>
> The CPU-XA/Ocelot/Leopard can only receive in the 32-40kHz range (they use
> an earlier Vishay 36kHz receiver) but can play back other carriers if you
> know the carrier and program it accordingly. (I don't recall the range -
ask
> on the ADI forum - but I don't think it can do the B&O 455 kHz.)

So, I assume this means an Ocelot is more likely to be able to transmit a
code with a carrier outside the 32-40kHz range than it would be able to
recognize such a code.  I assume, then, it means the code is actually
programmed via numbers rather than learned in the traditional way.  This is
probably a good thing because I am seeking to use the Ocelot to generate IR
that these oddball devices would recognize - probably in response to an IR
code from the UR24A 8-in-1 remote which I know the Ocelot can read without
problem.

> Some A/C and other controls use codes which are too long for the ADI
> devices. And, as I noted earlier, there are an increasing number of
devices
> using esoteric carrier frequencies.

I'm worried that I own four of them because they are unlearnable by the
UR24A, even after it has had its memory erased.

> Your starting point really should be to learn what carriers and codes you
> need to transport. The USB-UIRT is well worth its cost but you'll have to
> come up with your own excuse when the wife comes across it. ;)

Nope.  We're way, way, WAY over HA budget from last year and I am still
trying to justify the Ocelot.  If I can clear the decks of Powermids and
their appliance modules AND control the oddball IR gear via translation,
then I can have my toys.  The damn gas and oil prices have really cut into
disposable income.  The heating bill was the largest on record.  :-(

> There is software to convert from CCF to ADI's format but you'll have to
> chase that down on your own. I haven't kept track and am busy with other
> things.

I've been reading through the ADI IR forums slowly but surely.  IIRC, it
looks as if you can plug in a remote IR receiver which I assume means
bypasses the older, internal unit in the Ocelot with a new one that might
even be CFL resistant.

> BTW, if you replace the IR receiver inside the ADI devices (or build your
> own plug-in unit) with the TSOP1100 you can receive a much wider range of
> carriers *BUT* you still need to know the carrier for playback as the
> firmware assumes ~36kHz.

I think I will look at building my own plug-in unit (although I think
Worthington sells one pretty cheaply) that's CFL resistant because the
Ocelot will not be where it can see any remotes.

Would I be able to interface the circuitry from the

http://sevinsky.20m.com/ha/ir.html

site with the Ocelot's IR input jack or would I be better off just doing it
optically via the IR net's light output into the Ocelot's sensor?

> Maybe you can get Jeff Volp to experiment with the TSOP1100 as a plug-in
IR
> receiver for ADI.

Sshh!  I'm hoping he's locked in his basement shop working on the world's
best X10 RF receiver.  I'll go bother the guys in the ADI forum with this.

Thanks again, Dave!

--
Bobby G.