Macros - is there a beginners how-to procedure

[zapdog]

I've used the basic functions of KM/RM and IR (6.15) for a while now quite successfully. However, I'm confused when I try and set up macros.

Is there a Dummies guide for macros?

Or a manual specifically for IR?

Specifically, when I call up the macro tab in IR, I see a select for the Bound Key and then the Macro Definition. In the latter, I was expecting to see something like:
- Device
- Function/Key
but the Device is missing.

What I'm trying to do is have a remote macro button when presssed do something like (sounds pretty standard):
- turn on the TV (I mapped this to TV-phantom1 using KM)
- put the TV in tuner mode
- Turn on the AMP (I mapped this to AMP-phantom1 using KM)
- Put the AMP in TV input select

I've read a number of FAQ and How to Guides, but they arent' clear enough for me. What am I missing?

Thanks,
gny

[Mark Pierson]

I was expecting to see something like:
- Device
- Function/Key
but the Device is missing.

That's because macros are global. They are active in ALL device modes and in reality are bound to the currently selected device. There is a special protocol available for Device Specific Macros if you want to bind them to a specific device.

[gfb107]

The other basic thing to understand is that a macro is just a sequence of key presses that are executed when the "Bound Key" is pressed. If you need to send key presses from different device modes, you need to either

1. Include the key presses to change device modes in your macro, OR
2. use keymoves to add the functions of those keys to the active device mode

[zapdog]

Thanks guys - I got it now.

I didn't realize it was just like presseing a manual key sequence, so that I had to "press" the device select (like TV) and then all the keys after that use the TV functions. Got it working now.

Q: Is using phantom keys for device functions that aren't on a real key (like discrete power on) and then calling these phantom keys in the macro, the best way to do this?

Ciao,
gny