non-branded divx hdd player help please

[mahmoudlabib]

I bought a divx hard drive player off ebay. It is non-branded . It works fine except that the remote coming with it is horrible and doesn't work properly at all. I was wondering if I can use one of these universal learning remote controls to replace it? how do I program it?
thanks

[underquark]

If the original remote uses InfraRed (probably) and uses a standard remote IR frequency (again, probably) AND the device is working properly (i.e. it's just the horrible remote that you don't like or that isn't working correctly, not a faulty device) then it is very likely that a JP1 or JP1.2 remote can work your device.

Although many members here have uploaded device upgrades (i.e. the IR codes for various devices), if you don't know the brand then it makes it difficult to point you in the direction of an upgrade already in the File Section.

Most JP1 and JP1.2 remotes have a learning facility in that they can capture (and play back) IR signals from an original remote. This might well be enough for your purposes so long as you can capture the signals form the original remote but you might then want to progress and make or buy an interface cable to program and tweak your remote.

I use a URC8910 for everyday controlling of devices, a URC7562 to learn new codes (it's got nice, big, chunky buttons) and have recently played with a URC8820 (a JP1.2 remote) and a URC7555 (a European JP1.2 remote that I didn't really take to).

All the software is available free from this site, as is the advice on using it. You can buy a cable (or cables) via the MarketPlace or build one yourself from plans downloadable from the File Section.

[mahmoudlabib]

thanks a lot for the reply. One question though, when I teach the learning remote the codes from the existing bad remote, do I have to press button by button? I am asking because some of the buttons don't actually work on that remote. How much $ are we talking about for a decent remote?
your help is very appreciated.

[The Robman]

Yes you do have to learn them one button at a time, but even if some of the buttons are bad, there's still hope. Once we know the IR protocol and device code that the remote uses, and we have a good sample of the actual button codes (OBCs) we can look for gaps in the sequence which will most likely lead us to the remainder of the buttons.

Also, it might be quite easy to fix the original remote. My recommendation would be to open it up and clean the surface of the printed circuit board (PCB) to see if that gets the faulty buttons working again. Remember, you only need to get them to work once so you can capture the signals, you don't need to get the remote working perfectly forever.

If you decide to go this route, I can supply you with both a JP1 learning remote and a JP1 cable.

[johnsfine]

when I teach the learning remote the codes from the existing bad remote, do I have to press button by button?

Yes, but

I am asking because some of the buttons don't actually work on that remote.

Then you would need the interface cable plus some extra work:

Learn the working signals into a JP1 or JP1.2 learning remote (8910 or 8820 or similar).

Download the learned signals to the PC by JP1 or JP1.2 cable.

The IR.exe program can show you decodes of the learned signals.

Maybe post a few decodes, maybe upload the saved file to our diagnosis area.

One of the experts will look at it and explain how to proceed.

Maybe we will recognize the code set and simply tell you what the missing signals are.

Maybe you would need to test a large number of possibilities to find them, but that doesn't take too long. Once a few signals are decoded we will probably know a set of 256 signals (maybe fewer) that include all commands for your device. It is then easy to create a JP1 upgrade with a bunch of those signals and another upgrade with another bunch etc., then upload those to the remote and test.

How much $ are we talking about for a decent remote?

See Rob's post at:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=413

Normally we suggest the 8910 ($25) plus JP1 parallel cable ($15) plus shipping.
Since Rob is out of stock on those at the moment, another good choice is 8820 ($19) plus JP1.2 serial cable ($20) plus shipping.

[The Robman]

Just FYI, I should be getting more 8910s in stock in a few days.

[mahmoudlabib]

thanks a lot again. Would URC7562 and its cable do the job?

[The Robman]

Yes it would. However, the URC-7562 is only available in Europe and the JP1 cables are only available in the States, so you'll need to import one or the other, depending on where you live.

Of course, if you can solder, you could make your own cable.