RF converter for IR remotes

friendlyfire · Post by **friendlyfire** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:52 pm

Hello, I'm not sure if this has been discussed before - I searched but didn't find any postings on this.

There is a cool product on the market that claims to monitor an IR remotes operation and transmits the codes via RF to a receiver. If the product works with OFA remotes then this presents an opportunity to build a custom remote more capable than the very expensive Logitech 890. What excites me about this is that it could alleviate the main source of frustration many of my customers experience with IR remotes - out of sych devices! The ability to control devices in closed cabinets is pretty swell also.

Has anyone tried this product with an OFA remote?
see http://www.nextgenerationhomeproducts.com/1184331.html

FF

jimdunn · Post by **jimdunn** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:05 pm

The URC 9910 looks pretty close, although I'm not sure if you can still get them retail - possibly not...

Rob's Market Place Thread shows out of stock - but I'm pretty sure you could ebay one.

It's basically an 8910 when it comes to JP1 programming, I think (although I've been wrong before

)

jimdunn · Post by **jimdunn** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:16 pm

Actually, though. now you mention it...

It's a slightly different concept, isn't it ?

I have seen that product before.
Does it work by a special battery containing the remote RF transmitter ?

That means you can use it in any remote the battery fits ?

My ignorance condemns me to ask how the hell the battery compartment can know what the ir LED is transmitting...(but I am well known for being thick...)

Can you answer something that puzzled me when I last saw it ?
Is it a rechargeable battery ? - it would surely have to be, wouldn't it ?

What size is it ?
AA/AAA ?

It certainly looks interesting.

Presumably you need the "Next Generation" RF receiver/IR transmitter.
Does it work with multiple "sending" remotes ?

i.e. : can you have one receiver, and more than one "battery replaced" remote - i can't see why not...

What sort of range do you expect to get from it ?

underquark · Post by **underquark** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 2:48 am

Apparently it "listens" to the internal RF generated within the remote, or so it says here. If it works well then it seems to promise fitting most remotes that take standard batteries. I'll stick with my cheap AV sender/receivers for now as they allow 2-way remote access to my PVR but the idea sounds great.

jimdunn · Post by **jimdunn** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:56 am

Well, I read that review, and it certainly sounds like magic, doesn't it ?

You really don't understand how cool the product is just from reading the box or included instructions. In fact, you might be inclined to think it is snake oil or some elaborate hoax. At best, you'll assume it's just another IR extender. Nothing could be further from the truth. This transmitter works better than advertised and is quite possibly one of the coolest things you can do to spice up your system's usability. Its unique ability to read and transmit remote signals using only a battery/transmitter device is astounding and insanely practical. Including an extra rechargeable battery is a nice touch and the fact that it can work well with AA or AAA remotes puts the cherry on top.

A truly clever little gadget if it indeed works as described...

friendlyfire · Post by **friendlyfire** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 11:40 pm

thanks for the tip about the 9910. I was not aware of that product. I'll check it out.
FF

IBNobody · Post by **IBNobody** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:13 am

jimdunn wrote:Well, I read that review, and it certainly sounds like magic, doesn't it ?

You really don't understand how cool the product is just from reading the box or included instructions. In fact, you might be inclined to think it is snake oil or some elaborate hoax. At best, you'll assume it's just another IR extender. Nothing could be further from the truth. This transmitter works better than advertised and is quite possibly one of the coolest things you can do to spice up your system's usability. Its unique ability to read and transmit remote signals using only a battery/transmitter device is astounding and insanely practical. Including an extra rechargeable battery is a nice touch and the fact that it can work well with AA or AAA remotes puts the cherry on top.
A truly clever little gadget if it indeed works as described...

It's a novel idea. I should get one. I'd take the device out of the battery and stick it inside an actual remote. That way, I wouldn't have to worry about the rechargable battery draining over time.

EDIT: Scratch that. It's not completely compatible with Scientific Atlanta boxes. You need two IR transmitters, one for the SA box and one for everything else.

IBNobody · Post by **IBNobody** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:56 am

Here's the latest support e-mail they sent me...

For the SA box you need two receivers. The A, B, and C, switch on our
receiver is for different signal strength. The SA box needs a different
strength then say your DVD, or Stereo. Our receiver is what is picking
up the RF signal and converting it back to IR so the device will
function. Both receivers can be the same frequency. If you have any
other questions, just let me know. If this is a setup you need, please
call and place your order. The extra receivers are not available on our
website. Thank you and have a great day!

I wasn't aware that signal strength played a part whether or not the SA box could recognize a code.

barchamb · Post by **barchamb** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:23 am

Here's a review

Here's one place you can buy it

Zellarman · Post by **Zellarman** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 8:45 pm

I have and use one, no problems to date after 9 plus months of use