Much more limited question on using TOADTOG

[jerryr]

I figured out a bunch of my questions from my previous post by reading Greg's excellent MiniTutorial from http://www.hovisdirect.com/MiniTutorial_1.2.txt.

However, I still need some guidance on one area. I have 7 different configurations or uses for my system (i.e. watching DVDs, watching stuff through the Replay, etc). If my receiver is on, I want the Power button to turn off all devices which are on. If the receiver is off, I want the Power button to turn everything on for the last configuration that was in use.

I'm thinking I want a macro on the power button, so it works no matter what's active. The macro will run a toadtog from the receiver which checks if it's on and then either run a macro to turn everything off or run a macro that somehow chains three toadtoags (which gives 8 combinations) and turns on the right devices for the given configuration.

I think I want those last two to be device specific macros, right? And my head hurts when I try to think about the cascading toadtogs. Any pointers appreciated.

-Jerry

[johann83]

I think I want those last two to be device specific macros, right? And my head hurts when I try to think about the cascading toadtogs. Any pointers appreciated.

DSMs sound about right for those last two steps, I guess, but multiple nested (cascading) ToadTogs may turn out to be a nightmare for you. The big issue with this is if something gets out of sync, then you will want any easy way to sync it back up. With multiple levels of ToadTog this gets increasingly complicated.

Now, if you are the only one that ever uses the remote, you might be OK with things never getting out of sync, because you know what the remote is supposed to do and remember to keep it pointed at the devices until the whole macro is finished. On the other hand, other people expect the remote to function instantaneously (in my experience) and you will inevitably end up with things out of sync occasionally.

I have a device that has three inputs with no discrete codes, so I wanted to create a two way ToadTog ( supporting 4 states) to handle switching inputs. I actually had it all set up and working, but it wasn't nearly as stable as I had hoped. I ended up getting an A/V switcher which has discrete codes for each input and it worked out much better in the long run.

So, in short, the only "pointer" I can give is to really think hard about the way you want to do this and see if there might be a better/different way that doesn't involve so many ToadTogs. Of course, if you really want to try it, and end up getting stuck, there are lots of people here that could probably help you out.

Hope this helps.
Matt

[jerryr]

Thanks for the comments Matt. As far as syncing, what my plan is, is for the device buttons to make sure everything is turned on and with the right inputs, and shift-device button to toggle the on state of the device.

So, I have a DVD, receiver, Replay, TV, and VCR. All but the TV and DVD have discrete power on/off. And my modes are: watch Replay, watch VCR, watch DVD, listen to CD, listen to radio, watch HD tv without replay, watch non-digital cable. So here's what the device buttons would do:

button / normal / shift
TV / watch HD / toggle TV power
VCR / watch VCR / toggle vcr power
AUX1 / listen to radio / toggle receiver power
CD / watch DVD / toggle DVD power
P&P / watch replay / toggle replay power
AUX2 / listen to CD / toggle DVD power? not sure
CBL/Sat / watch nd cable / toggle tv power?

(sorry for the lousy formatting)

[sic0048]

You might find it easier to simplify your programming and get the same results. Here is how I have my system hooked up (I think it is a fairly common setup).

A long key press of a device key will turn on all equipment and change settings to use the applicable device (ie DVD, CD, VRC, etc). It does this regardless of the power status of each device (I use discrete power on codes, but TOADTOG could work too).

A long key press of the power button will turn OFF ALL equipment (again using discrete power off codes).

A short key press of a device key will change the remote to control that device. Off=>On and On=>Off

A short power key press will toggle the power for the current device that the remote is controlling.

With this set up, I think I am getting the end results that you are looking for, but in a much easier way.

Why do you want the remote to turn on the system for the last device used? Is it just the simplist way you could think of?? Or is there a specific reason. Heck, I would be surprised if you would even be sure what the last device used might be, especially if you are not the only person using the system.

By having a macro LKP on each device button, I achieve the same result, but with more options. For example, if I'm watching a DVD, but want to switch to watching a VCR (or listening to the radio, etc), all I have to do is long key press the VCR button (or receiver button for radio, etc).