JP1 Remotes

Hey all, I am new to the forum! To be honest, I started out just wanting to find a code that would allow me to control my DirecTV receivers (D11-100 & D11-500 models), and I was referred here. I tried every code in the manual and none of them worked.

I currently have a 6131nB00 I bought from Buy.com several months back for just a few dollars. From what I have read here, my remote can be modified if I utilize the JP1 plug. Just FYI, my remote JP1 port only has the holes, so I guess I will need a male adapter with the cable. I suspect I will need to send to OFA to have them "upgrade" my remote with the proper code. From my light reading, I understand when they do this I will also get a 1k memory chip and the male JP1 adapter. Other reading indicates that sometimes OFA elects to swap out the 6131 for a newer model.

Being new, I haven't read yet if the 6131n is the remote to have or not. Perhaps an upgrade would be better? I am really lost, please help. Also I see where someone has remotes they pre-mod and then sell. I might be interested in that as well.

I'm just not sure what is the better choice is. Please help guide me.

The URC-6131N *is* the newer model that they've been swapping the older 6131s for.

You don't need a male adapter. Your remote needs to have BOTH an EEPROM chip and a 6-pin header added. If you send it in for an upgrade, the remote that they return will have both of these parts.

This is a popular model of remote.

Thanks Rob for the quick reply!

Was I correct to say the EEPROM they install is 1k in size? Is that enough? I thought I read where you or someone else was offering 2k in their upgrade service.

Assuming I send back to OFA for the upgrade, what else will I need? Just the cable and software right?

You seem to be the master at JP1 remotes, is the 6131N a remote you like or do you prefer upgrading to a better model? If so, what model? And why?

Yes, you'll probably get a 1k chip in an upgraded remote. It's plenty for regular upgrades, but if you decide to use the extender you'd be better of with a 2k chip.

I don't offer an upgrade service, but I do sell modified remotes that have 2k chips in them. I have both the 6131 and the 6131N among other models. I'd recommend the older 6131 between those 2, and if you don't specifically need the PVR remote, I'd recommend the URC-8910 learning remote. I can also sell you the cable.

You can download the software from this site.

Excuse my stupidity, but what exactly is an extender and what additional features does it offer me?

In regards to the PVR features, I don't really need them at the present time and don't anticipate needing them for at least another year or two when/if I upgrade to a DVR/PVR reciever unit. I am somewhat interested in the 8910. I noticed you offer it for $20, does that include the mods? And what about the cable? I need one for USB as my laptop does not support the older interface.

My current thoughts was to run the 8910 in the living room where I have the most devices and home entertainment system, and then the 6131N in my bedroom. Might as well take advantage of the free upgrade, rather it is a 1k or 2k chip.

Agree/disagree? Thoughts?

The 8910 doesn't need a mod, it's JP1 ready.
I have cables also, USB = $35, parallel = $15

Don't worry about the extender for now.