MCE REMOTE/BLASTER - REMAPPING QUESTIONS

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kiwijunglist

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#54006 15-Dec-2009 08:38

Hi

I just got HP MCE Compatible remote + blaster.

I pluged it into my computer, XP and it is instantly recognised as eHome Infrared receiver in device manager without installing any drivers. The remote works instantly as MCE compatible remote in Mediaportal which is great.

What do you think the best way is to remap the Vol +/- buttons to send an IR blasting command to my audio receiver? Has anyone actually done this?

I tried using HIP, but it didn't seem to recognise my remote.

Regards
Kiwi

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

mcraenz

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#282608 15-Dec-2009 11:16

Not sure about the hp remote but the Microsoft MCE allows the volume buttons on the remote to be re-programmed. i.e. learning from another remote. Not for mute unfortunately though. Receiving and reblasting volume will be a bit slow and annoying, it's bad enough for mute. As for blasting I use a combination of a IR Server suite tools and a hacked up copy of MPtray (c#). Basically it handles powering the amp and TV on and off, switching inputs (amp&TV) between xbox and pc as well as loading MediaPortal with the green button. If you're a bit familiar with c# I can give the code.

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sbiddle

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#282612 15-Dec-2009 11:23

On the genuine Microsoft MCE remotes the volume and power buttons can be remaped as the remote is a learning one. No idea if it works on any of the 3rd party remotes.

The TV, VOL +, and VOL – buttons on the remote control for Media Center PC can
“learn” IR commands from other remote controls. This feature lets you use the TV
button to turn on your TV and the VOL + and VOL - buttons to adjust the volume on your
TV or another device, such as an audio receiver.
Notes
• By default, the VOL + and VOL - buttons on the remote control for Media Center PC
control the system volume on your computer, and the TV button has no command
assigned to it until it “learns” one.
• Do not perform this procedure in bright natural or artificial light.
To program buttons on the remote control by using the learning feature
1 Place the remote control for Media Center PC head to head (2 to 3 inches apart)
with the remote control from which it is learning.
2 On the remote control for Media Center PC, press and hold the DVD MENU and OK
buttons at the same time until the remote control lights turn off
(2 seconds).
The remote is now in learning setup mode.
3 On the remote control for Media Center PC, press and release the TV,
VOL +, or VOL – button, depending on which command you want it to learn.
The remote control for Media Center PC lights blink once to confirm the selection.
4 On the remote control that is teaching the command, press and hold the button that
you want the corresponding button on the remote control for Media Center PC to
learn.
The remote control for Media Center PC lights blink twice to confirm the selection.
If the remote did not learn the command, the lights blink quickly four times. To try
again, repeat steps 1 through 4.
5 Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other buttons that can learn commands.
To restore the default remote control settings
1 Press and hold the DVD MENU button and LEFT navigation button at the same time
until the remote control for Media Center PC lights turn off.
2 Press the OK button.
The remote control for Media Center PC lights blink twice to confirm that the buttons
have been reset. The TV button will have no command assigned to it and the VOL +
and VOL – buttons will adjust the Media Center PC system volume.
If the default settings were not restored, the lights blink quickly four times. To try
again, repeat steps 1 and 2.

If that doesn't work you'll have to use 3rd party software like HIP to learn the commands and use an IR blaster in front of the other devices.

kiwijunglist

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#282620 15-Dec-2009 11:34

i eventually got HIP working using some replacement drivers.
everytime i learn an IR command the CCF codes look different
i can blast the ir codes and it is blasting something because if i blast the ir receiver the receiving light goes on, so that is good.
however i havnt been able to sucessfully blast my tv or amp, it's like its not learning the codes properly. have tried relearning a million times.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

kiwijunglist

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#282639 15-Dec-2009 12:10

I'm thinking the IR receiver/blaster might be faulty.
Reason Port 1 - No blinking LED when blasting
Port 2 - LED blinks when blasting.

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mcraenz

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#282762 15-Dec-2009 16:12

If it's the same as the MS one which I suspect it is. Then sometimes one blaster stops working, try replugging the usb otherwise reboot. I'd try the IR server suite tools, the translator lets you learn commands then use the test button blast them back, it also has command line tools

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kiwijunglist

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#282809 15-Dec-2009 17:26

Thanks for your suggestion,

I know that port 1 doesn't work because when i blast a code back to the receiver i don't get a red flash on either the blaster led, or the receiver led, whereas with port 2 i get a red flash from the blaster followed by a red flash on the recevier (if i aim the blaster at the receiver)..

I've tried IRSS/HIP/MCEIR command line tools with both IR ports. none of them seem to blast my audio receiver with the learned codes. I've given up.

Atleast now I have a reliable PC remote (the old imon was not reliable remote)

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

mcraenz

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#282908 15-Dec-2009 20:48

Yea I get the exact same symptoms sometimes where one of the blasters stops blasting. Also when your learning the commands make sure you put the remote right up to the receiver.

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kiwijunglist

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#282948 15-Dec-2009 22:10

hi, mcraenz, please tell me which symptoms do you get when the blaster stops working?

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mcraenz

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#282975 16-Dec-2009 00:07

One of blasters just stops flashing when you send a command. A restart of IRSS service, USB replug or system reboot normally fixes it. Although in saying that ages ago I did have a actual blaster go faulty, I think one of the wires inside the little plastic blob broke.

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kiwijunglist

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#282980 16-Dec-2009 00:34

ok, mine flashes but still doesn't blast.

I accidently bought 2x MCE compatible remotes, so I will try with the other one when it arrives.

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kiwijunglist

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#283921 18-Dec-2009 23:29

got it going now.

I can't learn IR commands properly in XP.
Pluged into my vista machine learn the IR codes, then copied them over to my XP computer.
All working fine now.

I used this really really really really good program LM Remote KeyMap
http://www.lmgestion.net/@en-us/4/22/60/article.asp

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.