Looking to replace/suppliment my old 15-1994

Guttermouth · Post by **Guttermouth** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:14 pm

Hi, recently joined but a long time user of the JP1 interface and one of the old subscribers to the old Yahoo group.

Right now my kids somehow made my 15-1994 disappear and it hasn't been seen in days. Hopefully it will show up soon, but I thought I should look into getting a replacement (if the 1994 is never found) or one to back it up if I find it. But I am a bit out of touch as to what are the standard JP1 remotes now.

On my 15-1994 my set up and needs have been extremely basic. I don't use extenders or the KM stuff. I have only used the JP1 application to remap keys and program a couple macros and that is about it. Stuff like making the volume control always adjust the Amplifier, the channel changers always adjust the cable box, etc. in all six device modes. And simple macros to do stuff like press the #3 program key to put the system back in a known state (the kids/mother-in-law reset button after they have pushed buttons on the remote and sent the system into a weird state & act like they didn't do anything).

So doing a quick search, is the URC-8910 up to my needs and at least as useful/programmable as my trusty old 15-1994? The URC-8910 seems to still be sold and is not expensive. But before I spend any money on it, I just want to be sure I can do at least what I was able to do on the RS 15-1994 model.

Thank you,
Patrick

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 11:28 pm

I think your sense is about right. I started with 1994's, and still have one, but have now settled on a steady-state of using the HTPro (which is identical in all but color scheme and the presense of an IR/RF extender to the 8910). One of the challenges you face is FINDING a JP1 remote, since most of the newer remotes made by UEIC use a flash chip with the newer JP 1.2 interface which although reportedly close, is not yet ready for prime-time hacking.

I think the button layout on the 1994 is a trifle better, with the Learning keys near the top rather than near the bottom, but otherwise, with the addition of the LCD screen, the 8910 is probably at least as capable.

If you want a remote that is not quite as bulky (the 1994 and 8910 are about the same physical size), you might want to take a look at the URC-6130 (old-style vice new style). It does not have the LCD screen, and is not JP1-ready out of the box, but Robman sells pre-modifed versions for a competitive price.

Take a look at the Marketplace section sticky post by Rob (read the FIRST post in the 14 or 15-page thread) as he has one of the few reliable sources for these JP1 remotes.

Post by **The Robman** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:52 am

I do indeed have the modified URC-6131 for sale ($23), but I also have the URC-8910 ($20) and a few other models for sale. If you are going to allow for the possibility that you will never find your 15-1994, or at least not find it for a while, you should probably get yourself a learning remote such as the URC-8910 rather than the URC-6131, just in case you ever find yourself with a device for which there isn't a built in code. In this case you might need learning to determine what signal the device uses so you can build an upgrade for it (ie, the KM stuff).

Guttermouth · Post by **Guttermouth** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:48 am

Thanks guys. Size is not an issue. Last thing I need is a more compact remote that the kids can lose even easier than the old 15-1994 (where are you?!). And I definitely want the learning ability. Why all remotes are not made with learning is beyond me. It isn't like they cost much more than simple universal remotes, so they should ALL be learning.

Anyway, I am going to go ahead and pick up a URC-8910. I assume it has the header installed like the old 15-1994 so will be ready to go with my JP1 cable I made years ago?

Oddly, when you search Amazon.com for "URC-8910" you get two choices. One is $39.99 & the other is $16.99. Appears that both are the exact same thing but if you want you can buy the one that is over twice is much. I think I will order a couple fo the $17 ones.

Patrick

Post by **The Robman** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:27 pm

It might be that the cheaper ones have the donut ring for navigation whereas the more expensive ones have the seperate arrow buttons (even though both pics show the donut ring).

The URC-8910 remotes that I sell are the arrow key versions, and if you buy them from me you are also supporting this web site.

Guttermouth · Post by **Guttermouth** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:49 pm

Unfortunately I already placed my order from Amazon as I didn't occure to me that yours go to support the site. Sorry about that. But when my kids lose these ones, I will be back!

I'll let you know which version I get when the order arrives. With the free super saver shipping and the holiday, I don't expect to see them until next week sometime.

Patrick

Guttermouth · Post by **Guttermouth** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:55 am

Naturally I had a visit from Murphy, so after placing the order for the UCR remotes, the 15-1994 was (thankfully) found!

But it will be nice to have time to play around with the new remotes and see what they can do in case the 1994 craps out or goes missing again. Besides, my mother in law is juggling several removes so maybe I can put one together for her system.

Patrick

Guttermouth · Post by **Guttermouth** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 9:33 pm

Ok so for those of you keeping score at home, the remotes arrived and they are the ones with the individual arrow keys and not the ones with the ring.

I pulled one out of the package. Nice looking remote. Haven't put batteries in it yet or hooked up the JP1 yet. But I am glad I have a couple spares now in case the 1994 dies or goes missing again.

Patrick

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 2:55 am

You realize, of course, that although the 8910 is a more-than-capable replacement for the 1994, it is not really a "spare" in the sense that you cannot just take the 1994's IR image and upload it into the 8910. You have to modify all of your individual device upgrades and rebuild all of your keymoves, macros, and special protocol functions (if any) for the 8910.

Guttermouth · Post by **Guttermouth** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:34 am

Oh ya, I do realize that. I meant a spare in that I have another JP1 remote. When you lose your only JP1 remote and suddenly have to start juggling all those individual remotes again... ughhh! So while we found the 1994, I am glad I have these new ones that I can get setup and ready to use.

Fortunately, on my 1994, I have set it up extremely simply, so it should be easy enough to transfer over to the new remote. I have never used the KM spreadsheet, added extenders, done an upgrade etc. I simply reprogrammed keys and have, I think, two macros total. My main use for a JP1 remote is to be able to press, for example, VOL UP, and have the receiver's volume be adjusted up regardless of which device I have picked. Likewise, channel changes should always be to the cable box, etc.

Mainly it is for the kids, wife, and mother-in-law who give you that blank stare when you try to explain to them, well to adjust the volume you first have to select the receiver, which is the AUX button since the 1994 doesn't have a "RCVR" button, then you can adjust the volume. But if you need to change the channel you then have to push the cable button first, then... After discovering JP1 years ago and getting the 1994, you just hand them the remote and say use it like you think it should work, and it does.

Besides, I do want to tweak things up some more and get it even better than it was before, so when I set up the 8910 I can use the opportunity to make some changes and add more features.

Patrick