Macro Delay

[bevhoward]

How does one include a delay in a macro?

I'm using a macro to switch from TV to computer and I need to issue a keyboard command in order to bring the computer out of "suspend" mode in the event that it has gone to sleep.

There is a delay after the input command selects the HDMI port that the computer is connected to. As a result, the keyboard command is never sent.

A related question; I'm currently using <space> as the wake command. This is less than ideal since in some circumstances such as a Text Editor being the last program used and the computer is not yet in suspend mode, that adds a <space> into the current document.

Any suggestions for a better keyboard command?

Thanks in advance,
Beverly Howard

[mdavej]

There are several ways, each of which depend on what model remote you have. Please remind us which one you're using.

[bevhoward]

>> which one you're using <<

That question doesn't bode well based on a number of other unsuccessful attempts to do things. ;-/

OARUSB04G... and, I'm invested... have four of them now ...primarily because of their direct USB transfer capability.

In most other respect, they have served me well once I got things stabilized.

One of the thoughts I had was the possibility of building a long dummy command and keeping it around as a stock delay key. Does that make sense?

Thanks for the response.
Beverly

[mathdon]

Do you have the OARUSB04G extender installed? The extender includes the Pause protocol that is for this specific purpose, see p.25 of the manual that is included in the extender package.

[bevhoward]

>> Do you have the OARUSB04G extender installed? <<

Thanks... no, since my needs so far have been met without it, but I have downloaded it and will install it within a day or so when I have available time.

First look indicates that it might address another issue that I overcame with a macro assigned to an available button.

Thanks!
Beverly

[mdavej]

If you decide against the extender I think we can load just the stand alone pause protocol.

[bevhoward]

>> the stand alone pause protocol <<

I searched for something like this, but was unable to find it. Would you point me to more info about this?

TIA,
Beverly

[The Robman]

If all else fails, there's always the old "Zenith VCR pause trick", info below:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1143

Basically, Zenith VCRs, which use VCR/0039, require a very long press of the RECORD button, so the Zenith protocol has logic in it which tests for the PAUSE button and makes it last for a couple of seconds. One way to make a pause is to program the RECORD button to use this setup code, in a mode where you don't need RECORD.

[mdavej]

>> the stand alone pause protocol <<

I searched for something like this, but was unable to find it. Would you point me to more info about this?

TIA,
Beverly

Open your RMIR file, go to Devices, New, type in a Setup Code (i.e. 1234), pick "Pause Protocol (Special)" for the Protocol.

On Functions tab, make some pauses like 1 sec, 2 sec, 5 sec and 10 sec on buttons 1, 2, 5 and 0 respectively. The Durations would be 16, 32, 80 and 160 respectively. Go to the Buttons tab and click Auto Assign.

Click OK, then Cancel so you don't assign it to a device Button.

Now make some Key Moves. For example, put a 1 sec pause on TV key Shift-1. Click New on Key Moves tab, pick Device TV, Key 1, check Shift. Click the Device Upgrades button and pick the Pause device you just made, i.e., STB/1234. Pick Key then 1 in the drop-down. Put "1 sec pause" in the Notes.

Now whenever you use TV Shift-1 in a macro, it should do a 1 sec pause.

The process is a little easier if you load the extender and use that pause instead.

[bevhoward]

Thanks for both responses!

Onward... through the fog!

Beverly