Apple iPod Remote

[Mark Pierson]

For all the iPod buffs out there, Apple recently released a new universal dock and IR remote for most of the iPod line. I was hoping to build an upgrade but alas it's an unrecognized protocol and this expert needs help from the others.

1. Device: Apple iPod Remote
2. Type of device: Audio
3. Year: 2005
4. JP1 Remote model: 8810w
5. JP1 user? I think so...
6. Still have original remote? Yes
7. Checked the file section? Yes
8. Checked Pronto file section (at R/C)? Yes
9. Partially working setup code? None found
10. Learning remote question? .ir file uploaded

I've uploaded my .ir file with the learned signals on the AUX device.

They all decode as Gap-550-1687-32? with Device=238, Sub-Device=135, OBC=67, EFC=<blank> and Misc=EE.87.#.43 where the # changes with each function. There's only a total of 6 functions.

[The Robman]

The Apple store links have a session id built into them, so we get an expired link message if we try to use them. I've looked to see if there's a way to build links that will work and I don't think there is, so the only option is to search for the items. Here's some pics that will help confirm that you've found the right items...

Apple Remote ............ Apple iPod Universal Dock
...

Also, the URL for the Store is:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/W ... eStore.woa

As for the signals themselves, here's the data...

freq: 38 khz
leadin = +9000 -4500
0 pair = +550 -575
1 pair = +550 -1700
leadout= +550 -40514
style = LSB

NEC1-style repeat pattern:
+9000 -2266 +550 -96716

Here's the binary for the signals

vol+ (OBC 10)
01110111 11100001 01010000 11000010
vol- (OBC 12)
01110111 11100001 00110000 11000010
ch+ (OBC 6)
01110111 11100001 01100000 11000010
ch- (OBC 9)
01110111 11100001 10010000 11000010
play (OBC 5)
01110111 11100001 10100000 11000010
menu (OBC 3)
01110111 11100001 11000000 11000010

dev1 = 238
dev2 = 135
obc2 = 67


If this is enough info for you to use PB yourself, go for it, otherwise I'll try and throw an executor and upgrade together for you soon.

[The Robman]

Here's your upgrade...
Upgrade Code 0 = 8F D0 (Video Acc/2000) Apple iPod Remote (KM v8.35)
FF 00 60 08 11 77 E1 C2 50 30 30 60 90 C0 A0
End

Upgrade protocol 0 = 01 FF (S3C8+) Apple iPod Remote (PB v3.11)
44 8D 31 8B 12 87 44 08 08 01 13 03 43 01 13 01
0E 4F 29 11 A5 08 B6 18 06 E4 05 06 19 05 F6 01
46 E6 28 80 46 29 01 C6 20 04 59 C6 1C BC E6 8D
01 46
End

Here's the KM file...
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... le_id=2354

And here's the PB file...
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... le_id=2355

[Mark Pierson]

Thanks Rob!

I probably can't test this until tomorrow since there's no iPod available to me at the moment... damn kids!

I'll let you know if it works as soon as I can get to it.

[Mark Pierson]

I'll let you know if it works as soon as I can get to it.

As soon as I hit Submit, my wife and daughter came in the door. I tested the upgrade and protocol and everything seems to work!

[The Robman]

Glad to hear it, I'll forward the upgrade onto UEI then. In the meantime, why don't you see if any of the gap OBCs do anything.

[Mark Pierson]

see if any of the gap OBCs do anything

They don't, at least for the iPod. Apple claims the remote will work with other devices of theirs (i.e. iBook, iMac, etc). It's possible other functions can be used, but since the remote only contains the 6 commands, I somehow doubt it. Isn't that the Apple way... simplistic?

[The Robman]

So, tell me how you use this remote? With just a PLAY button it seems it would be kinda limited. For example, once you've pressed PLAY, how would you STOP it from playing?

[Mark Pierson]

how would you STOP it from playing?

It's actually a Play/Pause button.

The other odd thing is that the Volume buttons DON'T control the headset volume of the iPod; they only control the volume on the audio out jack on the rear of the dock.

If you think about it, the iPod is so small that no other remote functions (like Menu) make sense since you can't see the screen from across the room anyway!

[Mark Pierson]

With just a PLAY button it seems it would be kinda limited.

In addition to Volume, there's also Prev Track and Next Track (the Ch+/- functions in the upgrade) so you do get some control over the iPod.

It's also strange that the protocol appears to be so complicated for such simplistic controls.

[The Robman]

If you think about it, the iPod is so small that no other remote functions (like Menu) make sense since you can't see the screen from across the room anyway!

Well, I've never actually seen an iPod, but I get the idea. However, I would have thought that you'd have the same set of controls that you might have for, let's say, a CD player. In other words, you could use the numeric buttons to select a song, or the >>| and |<< buttons to skip between songs, etc. What does the MENU button on the remote do then if it's not what we think of as a MENU button, and I noticed also that there's no MUTE button. I guess you could map the PLAY/PAUSE button to the MUTE button to get the same effect.

Is there anyway to scan backwards or forwards through a song using the remote?

Knowing how all the buttons work would help me come up with te best button layout for the upgrade.

[Mark Pierson]

I would have thought that you'd have the same set of controls that you might have for, let's say, a CD player. In other words, you could use the numeric buttons to select a song, or the >>| and |<< buttons to skip between songs, etc.

The iPod itself is very simple. You organize it with "playlists" of songs (sort of like folders on a PC). Then you just scroll through the list(s) to the song you want. You can't quickly select by number, etc.

What does the MENU button on the remote do then if it's not what we think of as a MENU button

It apparently has NO function with the iPod, but does on other Apple products that support the new remote.

I noticed also that there's no MUTE button. I guess you could map the PLAY/PAUSE button to the MUTE button to get the same effect.

Exactly what I've done.

Is there anyway to scan backwards or forwards through a song using the remote?

Nope... Next Track or Prev Track... that's it.

Knowing how all the buttons work would help me come up with te best button layout for the upgrade.

Here's what I did on my 8810w:

vol up = vol+
vol down = vol-
mute = play/pause

channel up = next
channel down = prev

up arrow = vol+
down arrow = vol-
left arrow = prev
right arrow = next
select = play/pause

play = play/pause
pause = play/pause
rewind = prev
fwd = next
stop = play/pause
f fwd = next
f rew = prev

The arrow buttons and Select allow all the functions in a very convenient location. The rest are just the "logical" assignments.

[mr_d_p_gumby]

Is there anyway to scan backwards or forwards through a song using the remote?

Nope... Next Track or Prev Track... that's it.

Are you sure that holding them down doesn't fast scan through a track? The wired remote works that way, if I recall correctly. Also, on the wired remote, I think holding down Play would also turn the iPod on and off.

[Mark Pierson]

Are you sure that holding them down doesn't fast scan through a track?

holding down Play would also turn the iPod on and off.

Thanks, Mike! Both these cases are true. Prev and Next do fast scan when held (as documented in the manual ), and holding Play turns the iPod off (a quick press of Prev, Next, or Play turns it on).

[Mark Pierson]

By the way, the universal dock can be used with ALL iPods except the Shuffle. It uses dock adapters and comes with 5 for the Mini, 20GB/U2, 30GB, 40GB, and 60GB models. The Nano and Video models come with their own adapters. It accepts any standard dock connector cable (USB or Firewire) and has a 3.5mm stereo audio and S-Video Out jacks on the back.