urc-7555, is it possible to assign a command to a device key

gtg · Post by **gtg** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:33 am

My original Samsung remotes are multi-device remotes, when a device key is pressed, not only does the remote change mode, but it sends a command to the TV which then displays the new remote mode.

Thought this might be handy, I can capture the codes sent but didn't think it would be possible to assigned these codes to the device keys.

However having had a look at IR, the device keys are listed in the .rdf file, so maybe it is possible?

underquark · Post by **underquark** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:58 am

Try placing a macro onto the device key. The manual isn't clear on this but it's possible with other remotes such as the URC8820. The macro should consist of the keys/command(s) required to change input source on your TV (which I presume is what you're trying to do). To activate the macro might require a long press of the device key.

gtg · Post by **gtg** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 3:19 am

The initial purpose was to emulate the original remote which tells the user which mode it is set to by displaying the info in the TV itself. i.e press DVD and the TV displays "DVD" nothing else changes apart from the remotes operating mode.

I would think macro's would be worth a try, but the remote would still need to switch modes, ie, from TV to DVD etc, perhaps this is hard coded, otherwise I would need to find a way to reference this internal command and include it in the macro.

gtg · Post by **gtg** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:28 pm

It was so easy I'm almost embarressed to have asked the question in the first place. A good example of something that is easy using JP1 but not possible with just the original remote.

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:36 pm

(1) Capture (learn) the code of interest (say DVD) to a shifted key in the desired (DVD) device mode, like shift-Select.

(You can learn to almost any key, including shifted keys. The "Set", "Setup", "Magic", green "P", or whatever button you use to access the remote's setup mode ALSO acts as a shift button)

(2) Create a 2-step macro on the Device button of interest:
(a) shift-DVD;
(b) shift-Up Arrow

If the Device button can accept a macro, that should execute first the selection of DVD-mode for your remote and second send the signal you learned to the shift-Select button.

gtg · Post by **gtg** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 3:07 am

I simply created a macro using IR bound to the "DVD" key, with the captured commands (AMP,1/2/3) followed by the original device key, so I have:

TV = AMP,1,TV
STB = AMP,2,STB
DVD = AMP,3,DVD

I was concerned this would generate some sort of loop but it seems to work fine. The remote changes mode and the TV displays the new mode.

I'll move the commands to phantom keys when I've finished playing around.

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 8:00 am

The reason I suggested using a shifted key for learning is simply to allow you to retain use of the basic functions you have on those keys. Using AMP, 1-3 is fine, also. In IR, you can move those learns to a phantom button if you wish.

As for using shift-TV instead of TV, that was to prevent the possibility of an infinite loop by using shift-cloaking, but if your macro doesn't call itself, then you're fine your way.

The basic motto is "If it works, don't fix it."

gtg · Post by **gtg** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:28 am

Thanks for the info, I'll bear it in mind when creating future macros.

In this case I have no reason to preserve the original device key but the possibility of a loop was a worry.

I have to say - JP1 is much more powerful than I thought and has opened up whole new suite of possibilies for programming the remote and automating tasks. I would like to express my gratitude to the developers who made this possible and those who continue to support the project through the forums.

Gtg.