DSTV Explora

Need help adding new codes to your Slingbox, this is the place to ask. You're welcome to ask general Slingbox questions here, but be aware that most of us are not Slingbox experts.

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3FG
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Post by 3FG »

Alan,
We'll have to write a custom executor, because this signal isn't any kind of NEC. It has a basic duration unit of 500uSec instead of 564uSec, and the organization of the bits is different, assuming the original PDF is correct.

I reckon the IRP is

Code: Select all

{38.4k,500}<1,-1|1,-3>(16,-8,246:8,9:4,D:4,F:8,~F:4,0:4,1,40m)+
D has values of 12 or 0 (the digit buttons), and F is the OBC reported by DecodeIR. I can probably work on it tonight if someone else hasn't already gotten to it.
3FG
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Post by 3FG »

Here's an RMDU file which I tested with a RCRP05B. Of course we don't know if it will work with the actual box. Protocls.ini entry:

Code: Select all

[DSTV Explora]
PID=01 FF
FixedData=6F
CmdParms=Dev:4=12, OBC:8=0
CmdTranslator=Translator(lsb,0,4,4) Translator(lsb,1,8,8)
DefaultCmd=9F 00
Notes=Dev=12 for most functions.  Digits use Dev=0
Code.S3C80=43 89 12 8B 12 8D 45 08 08 00 FA 02 DA 00 FA 00 E6 4E 20 0F A0 07 BC E6 11 03 E4 05 06 B6 06 FF 56 06 F0 8D 01 46
This needs to be converted to a Slingbox bin file, buttons assigned, etc.
ZAGooner
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Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:38 am

Post by ZAGooner »

Hi, I am a South African "Explora" user with the same requirement as "zimisfit"

I am also using a Slingbox Solo in South Africa and want specifically to be able to change channels (P+ P-) remotely, as a minimum. Any other control would be a bonus.

I already have access to the SA Slingbox outside my firewall, so control is the only component lacking. (I already have full remote control of my UK Slingbox running on a Humax sat box -- why does Multichoice make it so tough for us?)

Though a technical person, I have zero experience in the speciality of IR codes. So I am here to learn.

Thanks in anticipation of some help.
alanrichey
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Location: UK/USA

Post by alanrichey »

OK, I have built a test remote using that executor. It's at

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... e_id=12355

Could one, or both, of you test it ?
ZAGooner
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:38 am

Post by ZAGooner »

alanrichey wrote: Could one, or both, of you test it ?
Hi Al, many thanks for such an amazing response! :D
Will try this during the day and respond as soon as I have feedback.
Cheers.
ZAGooner
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:38 am

Some real initial success! Thanks

Post by ZAGooner »

Hey Al, some initial Feedback.

The _PL does not work; it gives the invalid .bin file error message when I tried to upload it.

The _RV uploads successfully (for a Slingbox Solo) and then downloads the remote to the Slingbox.

The test button does indeed switch the Explora into and out of Standby. So I saved and exited from the setup programme at that point.

I then used the "legacy" stand-alone Sling player to perform additional testing.

The channel up/down button has no effect.
The menu key has no effect
The guide button works
The Info key works
The Exit button works (or at least performs the Back function)
The individual Number Keys work, so I can tune to a specific channel

I'll do a full test of the available keys with pen and paper at hand and provide detailed feedback this evening when I have time to sit down and test properly.

So a HUGE thanks to Al for this work :D This is a world first!

Cheers.
alanrichey
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Location: UK/USA

Re: Some real initial success! Thanks

Post by alanrichey »

ZAGooner wrote:The _PL does not work; it gives the invalid .bin file error message when I tried to upload it.
Don't forget what is says in the instructions, that message does NOT mean invalid BIN file it actually means "Cannot find the BIN file". You must have mistyped.
ZAGooner wrote:The _RV uploads successfully (for a Slingbox Solo) and then downloads the remote to the Slingbox.
In fact both files will do that, but in your case only the RV one sends the right signals.
ZAGooner wrote:The test button does indeed switch the Explora into and out of Standby. So I saved and exited from the setup programme at that point.
Good that means the difficult part is completed, the rest will be easy, although maybe a bit time consuming.
ZAGooner wrote:I then used the "legacy" stand-alone Sling player to perform additional testing. I'll do a full test of the available keys with pen and paper at hand and provide detailed feedback this evening when I have time to sit down and test properly.
OK, what I will need is a list of EVERY SINGLE button, including the Custom Buttons you get when you right click on the remote, which tells me which buttons operate correctly and which ones don't. And make sure for each button you test, that the system is displaying a page where the button 'should' work. I spent hours with one chap who could not find a code for the Red button only to find that he had a screen up where the Red button didn't do anything.

Al
ZAGooner
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Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:38 am

Test Results spreadsheet.

Post by ZAGooner »

Could not immediately see how to attach a spreadsheet in this Forum; getting old or just tired :?
So mailed the test results to Al.
For the benefit of other Forumites, many of the functions work fine; some don't. I've provided full detail to Al with some change requests.
alanrichey
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Location: UK/USA

Post by alanrichey »

You can't attach files directly, you need to upload them in the Slingbox Work area and just post a link here.

However, no need, as sheet safely received and another test remote sent to test some other OBC codes.

However, for 3FG. Based on what I am seeing in IR Scope I am not confident.

Using my Harmony remote I am seeing identical OBC codes to the ones you provided in the RMDU file.

The buttons decoding as NEC2, Device 246 are all working correctly

The buttons decoding as NEC2-f16, Device 246.201 are also working

But all the buttons decoding as NEC2-f16, Device 246.41 are the ones that are not working.

Does that make sense ?
3FG
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Post by 3FG »

alanrichey wrote: But all the buttons decoding as NEC2-f16, Device 246.41 are the ones that are not working.
Does that make sense ?
No, because that's the first I've heard of a 246.41 decode. I used zimisfit's decode, which have no device.subdevice information. If you have an ICT file, please upload it.

Or, if you just want to guess, I suppose the the 246.41 decodes should have Dev=4. Revised: Should be Dev=2.
Last edited by 3FG on Thu Feb 20, 2014 11:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
3FG
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Post by 3FG »

Actually, testing shows that the 246.41 decodes are Dev=2.
alanrichey
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Post by alanrichey »

3FG wrote:[No, because that's the first I've heard of a 246.41 decode. I used zimisfit's decode, which have no device.subdevice information. If you have an ICT file, please upload it.
Sorry about that, I came to this thread late because I had been working with ZAGooner separately when we realised this was the same box. I know you normally like full ICT files, but this one has lots of buttons and you have succeeded with the majority. What I have done is produce one with 3 examples of each of the decodes. If you still need a full one let me know.

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... e_id=12359
3FG
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Post by 3FG »

The ICT file confirms what I posted earlier: In the upgrade use Dev=2 for the 246.41 decodes.
alanrichey
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Location: UK/USA

Post by alanrichey »

Thanks, new remote sent to the user, fingers crossed.
ZAGooner
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Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:38 am

Post by ZAGooner »

Thanks guys, file received; will test and report back in the morning when fresh!
Cheers.
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