Newbie question about URC-8206 (Kameleon OFA 6)

tollanarama · Post by **tollanarama** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 5:21 am

Hi,

Hope you can help a newbie!!

I've not dabbled with JP1 before, so please go slow!

I live in UK & I've got a Kameleon OFA 6 (URC-8206) (the one with the backlit screen and IR learning functions).
I'm very happy with this remote, apart from a few things(!)
There are invariably some functions that are on the original remote but are not included with the setup codes - all well & fine, I can use the IR learn function. This sounds good at first, but with 6 devices the IR memory gets full very quickly. Also, this does not help if I have lost the original remote (just moved house and can't find a thing!!!)
(I found this site and though "great! I can just upgrade my remote using the tools here"

I'll admit it - I'm stumped!

I have read elsewhere on this site that the URC-8206 is not JP1 compatible.
If this is so, is it still possible to upgrade certain key functions via the remote's internal modem using IR.exe's "Export to WAV" function?
Assuming this is possible, how do I get a RDF file with the URC-8206 included?

As I said at the beginning of the post, I'm a complete novice so can you please explain how I can use IR.exe to do this in words of one syllable or less(!).

If (big if) this cannot be done - would anyone be kind enough to recommend a similar type remote to the URC-8206 (e.g. IR learning, upgradable via internet and JP1 compatible so I can make my own codes, and of course sleek lines and good looks) and where I could but such a remote?
(It has to be in the same price range (approx UK£70))

Many thanks for your time (and sorry for a long first post).

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:24 am

Whether uploaded by a cable or via .wav file, the JP1 tools only work to create upgrades for and program a JP1 remote, so you're out of luck in that regard.

See this post and follow the embedded link to see how hacking your remote is progressing.

As for programming advanced codes, you should be able to do so, provided you can find out what those codes are. I'm not an expert, but have you tried using the rather user-friendly OFA support website?

Even if they can't come up with the codes you need, you may be able to find the functions you need in one of the upgrades in the file section, and manually program these functions via EFCs. I believe you would have to use 5-digit EFCs rather than the 3-digit EFCs we have in most of our tools, but if you search the forum, you should be able to find how to turn them into 5-digit EFCs. In short, 3-digit EFCs simply add 2 zeroes at the front end, whilst 2-byte signals have to be translated somehow.

Worst-case scenario (if you can't figure the codes out for yourself), go to the code search forum, read the first sticky post there, and post your code search request there, in the appropriate format.

As for a "new" JP1-capable remote, there are MANY posts about them. OFA only makes (I believe) Internet-upgradeable remotes for the European market, and NONE of their current models are JP1. They all use JP1.2, so you're stuck looking for a used European OFA. On the other hand, if you can do without the on-line upgradeability (which almost no self-respecting JP1-er uses, except to establish a baseline for creating his OWN upgrade) , check out the marketplace forum here, where Robman and other vendors sell a number of JP1-capable remotes, some learners, some not. Sleekness, is, of course, subjective, so I can't tell you about that.

My recommendation - URC 9910.

P.S. The reason I say no JP1-er uses the on-line upgradablity is not that it's bad, it's simply unnecessary. You learn your functions, decode them, and build your own upgrade - who NEEDS the download?!

tollanarama · Post by **tollanarama** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 6:49 am

Thanks Capn Trip,

When I said I was a newbie, I meant it!!!

Even if they can't come up with the codes you need, you may be able to find the functions you need in one of the upgrades in the file section, and manually program these functions via EFCs

What are EFC's??

See this post and follow the embedded link to see how hacking your remote is progressing.

I've already read that post before posting my own - I even followed the link in that post to: https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewt ... ight=hcs08 but there's no conclusion as to whether it's possible!

Worst-case scenario (if you can't figure the codes out for yourself), go to the code search forum, read the first sticky post there, and post your code search request there, in the appropriate format.

Are these codes that I can just enter into the URC-8206 without any modification first?

As for programming advanced codes, you should be able to do so, provided you can find out what those codes are. I'm not an expert, but have you tried using the rather user-friendly OFA support website?

I've used the OFA website, but the codes I require don't work (DVD player is too new!) - even with an internet upgrade. Also, it downloads ALL codes for a manufacturer's device taking up memory.
I've tried phoning the support line, but I have trouble getting through(!)

The reason I say no JP1-er uses the on-line upgradablity is not that it's bad, it's simply unnecessary. You learn your functions, decode them, and build your own upgrade - who NEEDS the download?!

This is exactly what I want to do - I want to program the remote for the functions & layout I want, not what OFA wants!!!

I've googled but as yet been unable to find out any online set-up codes or Advanced function codes for my remote

Thanks

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:59 am

tollanarama wrote: Thanks Capn Trip,

When I said I was a newbie, I meant it!!!

I highly recommend that you read the many documents linked at the top of the Beginner's Forum. Some of them are repetitive, but hopefully, at least one of them will provide you with some understanding.

tollanarama wrote:
Even if they can't come up with the codes you need, you may be able to find the functions you need in one of the upgrades in the file section, and manually program these functions via EFCs
What are EFC's??

Expanded Function Codes - a 3-(or 5)digit code that corresponds to a SINGLE FUNCTION, i.e. a single command, that you want a remote to send. There are "SETUP CODES" that identify a Device Setup - these are the codes usually listed in your manual that you have to assign to a device, and then they contain a SET of EFCs for each function that happens to be defined and assigned to a button within that setup code. The codes that are already in your remote are "Built-in Setup Codes" whilst those that you download from the internet, or build and upload via JP1 are called "Device Upgrades". If you have a Setup Code that partially works, sometimes all you need to find (rather than an entire Setup Code or Device Upgrade) is just a single EFC (or several). If you do, you can create a "Keymove" using that EFC on your remote, even without JP1. These are occassionally referred to as "Advanced Codes" as well.

tollanarama wrote:
See this post and follow the embedded link to see how hacking your remote is progressing.
I've already read that post before posting my own - I even followed the link in that post to: https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewt ... ight=hcs08 but there's no conclusion as to whether it's possible!

Exactly!

tollanarama wrote:
Worst-case scenario (if you can't figure the codes out for yourself), go to the code search forum, read the first sticky post there, and post your code search request there, in the appropriate format.
Are these codes that I can just enter into the URC-8206 without any modification first?

Potentially, if your remotes accepts Keymoves assigned by EFC - read the manual. Or try if any of the procedures listed here work.

tollanarama wrote:
As for programming advanced codes, you should be able to do so, provided you can find out what those codes are. I'm not an expert, but have you tried using the rather user-friendly OFA support website?
I've used the OFA website, but the codes I require don't work (DVD player is too new!) - even with an internet upgrade. Also, it downloads ALL codes for a manufacturer's device taking up memory.
I've tried phoning the support line, but I have trouble getting through(!)

Right! That's why you want a JP1-compatible remote!

Also, the OFA site has an option for requesting a specific Function Code (EFC) rather than a device upgrade. Have you tried that yet?

tollanarama wrote:
The reason I say no JP1-er uses the on-line upgradablity is not that it's bad, it's simply unnecessary. You learn your functions, decode them, and build your own upgrade - who NEEDS the download?!
This is exactly what I want to do - I want to program the remote for the functions & layout I want, not what OFA wants!!!

I've googled but as yet been unable to find out any online set-up codes or Advanced function codes for my remote

Thanks

Well, neither have you (in 2 posts, already) bothered mentioning what codes you're looking for

- nor shown any indication that you have ventured into the Code Search Forum, as I suggested earlier.

tollanarama · Post by **tollanarama** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 8:56 am

Well, neither have you (in 2 posts, already) bothered mentioning what codes you're looking for Rolling Eyes - nor shown any indication that you have ventured into the Code Search Forum, as I suggested earlier. Evil or Very Mad

Sorry Capn Trip, I was so engrossed in the actual ends to which I wanted to get, I omitted to give enough info!

Basically I have purchased a Cyberhome DVR-1600 DVD Recorder (in UK) and am unable to get a setup code for this.
I have tried the OFA website and used the internet download - to no avail. I have used the internet request form on the OFA website, but thru past experience they are sloooow at replying!

I have looked at the code section you mentioned (thanks!) but I'm finding it very daunting!!

I highly recommend that you read the many documents linked at the top of the Beginner's Forum. Some of them are repetitive, but hopefully, at least one of them will provide you with some understanding.

You're right - I should read these (especially before going off half-cocked and posting nonsense!).

May I thank you for your prompt and informative replies.

Many thanks

Post by **The Robman** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:33 am

If you like the Kameleon remotes, see if the URC-8060 is still available, this is a European Kameleon that it JP1 compatible.

If you're not stuck on getting a Kameleon, I can sell you a URC-8811 remote with a JP1 cable for $35, plus shipping to the UK is $9.50. (Actually, I won't be able to send it right away as I'm still waiting for the JP1 cables to be delivered).

underquark · Post by **underquark** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:58 am

I think you need a code (possibly 0021) that isn't in your remote's database. The codes that are present would seem to work several Cyberhome devices (which, for reference, use NEC1.114.205) but the two upgrades in the File Section of this forum say that the DVD1600 uses NEC1.114 and no subdevice given. I think you need to give OFA a call and ask if the WAV files they have for upgrading your remote via modem contain this (or a similar) setup code that will work your device. You'll need to be specific as to the model number.

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:08 am

Well, you've got three things you're trying to do in parallel, and you continue to be rather stingy with regards to specific details, so helping is difficult. You need to break down your requests/needs into individual items:

(1) First, you say that you have some device setup codes that work, but incompletely. You want to supplement these, but the learned keys consume too much memory.

SOLUTION: Fill them in using the "Key Magic" feature of your remote. This is described on page 24 of the manual.

If you haven't the manual, download it from the OFA support website. If for the particular functions, you don't know the EFC, you use the OFA site's "Find a specific Function" feature.

If they still can't help you, search the file section in this forum, find an upgrade for the device in question, open it using KeymapMaster or RemoteMaster, and locate the function for which you need the EFC.

If it has a simple 1-byte command, use the EFC from the upgrade and add 2 zeros to the front of it. If it uses 2-byte commands, then PROVIDE DETAILS and ask for expert help.

Or GO TO THE CODE SEARCH FORUM AND USE THE TEMPLATE PROVIDED THEREIN!

(2) You want a DEVICE UPGRADE for the Cyberhome DVR. You claim OFA-provided upgrades don't work, or are hard to get. (Actually, you state you haven't even BOTHERED with trying OFA for this, since you assume it'll be too hard.)

SOLUTION: Try harder. You have to provide enough details and time to OFA for them to get to you the upgrade code you need.

So the OFA website-provided codes:

The code(s) you are looking for: 0714 0816 0874 1023

don't work at all?

As a slight variation on Underquark's recommendation above, try assigning VCR 0021 to your device and see if that will at least partially operate the Cyberhome DVR. If it does, then UQ's guess about the device/subdevice codes is correct, and you can then "Key Magic" any additional functions you need.

(3) Trying to use JP1 with your remote.

SOLUTION: Ain't gonna happen. Throw out your current remote and get a JP1 remote, and we'll have you cooking in no time. (OK - don't throw it out, just sell it on eBay)

tollanarama · Post by **tollanarama** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:15 am

Thanks for the replies The Robman, underquark & Capn Trips.

The Robman: Thanks for the info - ironically I ditched the 8060 for the 8206 as I thought the latter was a better remote!! (oh well!). At the time I didn't realise that JP1 even existed and that the remote could be changed to suit the needs of the user!

underquark: I'm in the process of looking in the file section, thanks!

Capn Trips:

If for the particular functions, you don't know the EFC, you use the OFA site's "Find a specific Function" feature.

I've already done this (5 days ago!) Once I've picked my remote & device I need the code/functions for, I'm taken to a screen with a form to fill in. I've sent the form to OFA UK, but I haven't had an answer as yet. I'm probably impatient, but I thought I might be able to find the information elswhere.
Why OFA cannot just post a list/table of EFC's for the brands they support, I don't know!!
The codes on the OFA website do not work for my device and neither do the ones provide with the WAV upgrade!

I will admit to not phoning OFA support line, as in the past I have had problems with the service - unable to connect, bad lines so downloads not working, busy tones. Also I work long hours and the support line usually closes before I get home! I've got an understanding boss but I think that taking my remote into work and phoning the OFA support line would be pushing it!!

but the learned keys consume too much memory.

Although I like the IR learn feature of OFA remotes I find that it's not a solution to the problem of a lost or (as yet) unsupported device. I can only program upto 25 keys (if I'm lucky and I'm not using too any macros!) - not enough for a full remote. I have also found that the 8206 "loses" functions if I try to IR learn more that 15 keys!

Well, you've got three things you're trying to do in parallel,

Yep, well thats just like me!

I'll be honest - I stumbled on this site via the forums at remotecentral.com, as I was looking for codes for the 8206 for my DVD recorder. Reading through the stuff here at hifi-remote.com just blew me away! I was hooked!
Here was a place that people could meet and discuss mods to their handsets. It just kinda caught my imagination and it got me to thinking that I could program my remote to give me the functions that I wanted (and not just what OFA thought I should have!) and that I could program the functions myself without having to resort to phoning/emailing OFA every time I wanted a diferent function!

It's typical of me to just jump in with enthusiasm and not to read the tutorials provided (hey - I'm a man, I don't need instruction manuals!) I'm working my way thru the tutorials & may get myself a cheap JP1 remote to dabble!
I thought that this would make a good hobby! I didn't realise that unfortunately I couldn't do that with my remote! - Thankfully you guys have put me right on this!