RS 2117 remote

STDog · Post by **STDog** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:03 pm

So, I'm new to this, so some background.

Bought a RS 2117 on clearance since it was cheap and a learning remote. Previously none of my programmable remotes could be programmed to handle everything.

that includes:
RCA TV
Dish Network PVR (501)
Pioneer DVD player (DV-270)
Samsung DVD/VCR combo (DVD-V1000)
Pioneer DVD/LD combo (DVL-919)
Pioneer reciever (VSX-D608)

The Samsung is missing functions, but all the learning memory was used for the PVR and DVD/LD codes I needed. Now the Sanyo remote is lost, and I cannot access some needed functions (like resetting the damned clock

)

For the record I dislike units that don't have full function front panels. and require the remote Never again

So I'm wondering if this JP1 programmability would allow me to get all the VCR functions and map the other devices better? Some of the other remotes are now missing too, so relearning code is not possible (I think the 2 year old threw them away before we noticed she was putting stuff in the can)

How much memory does the 2117 have for updted device codes and macros?

Is it possible to make a custom device (since I don't need all 8 ) to cover the function I seldom use on devices and don't have enough buttons for?

Should I instead look for a replacement remote instead to handle all this?

johnsfine · Post by **johnsfine** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:20 pm

Very likely a JP1 cable will solve all your problems.

The Sanyo TV is the only one that might not be easy to guess the right upgrade for from just the brand and type. But if I understand correctly you still have some learned signals for that. With the cable you could decode those and they will make it easy to guess missing functions.

There is plenty of capacity for for upgrades. If you used upgrades for all those devices you might run out of room but you probably won't. If you run out there are plenty of tricks to squeeze things a little better. I don't think you'll need such tricks, but if you do we're helpful.

You could use the extra device modes to cover the obscure functions. But there are usually better ways (such as shifted keys) for covering the obscure functions. Whichever you're more comfortable with in actually using the remote.

STDog · Post by **STDog** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:38 pm

johnsfine wrote:The Samsung TV is the only one that might not be easy to guess the right upgrade for from just the brand and type. But if I understand correctly you still have some learned signals for that. With the cable you could decode those and they will make it easy to guess missing functions.

The TV is an RCA.

The Samsung device is a combo DVD player VCR, but the DVD section is broken (so the the DVD laser on the the DVD/LD player) and no longer used. No function were ever learned for the Sanyo device. The built in code (0240 I think) works for PWR and play/record functions. Just no access to the setup/programming menus.

You could use the extra device modes to cover the obscure functions. But there are usually better ways (such as shifted keys) for covering the obscure functions. Whichever you're more comfortable with in actually using the remote.

Shifted keys? Meanin 2 buttons at once? Or designating a key as a sticky shift key?

Trying to find documentation on the differet software to use with the JP1 interface. Sems to not be any screenshots.

So what are the pro/cons of the different tools out there?

Is RM the only free tool? The only opensource tool?

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:41 pm

Short answer. I echo John that you can do everything you want with the 2117. It's a really good remote.

Start by reading the Beginner's ReadMe sticky post (linked in my sig below). Get (or make) a cable as John suggests.

I see your only difficulty with the two Pioneer DVD players, as they are going to use the same codes, and I am unfamiliar with any "unit code" or "address" selection that you can make to differentiate between the two. Have you not had any problems with the remote from one operating the other when you did not want it to? Straight LD players use a distinct remote code, but the LD/DVD players use standard Pioneer DVD signals.

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:50 pm

STDog wrote:
The Sanyo device is a combo DVD player VCR, but the DVD section is broken (so the the DVD laser on the the DVD/LD player) and no longer used. No function were ever learned for the Sanyo device. The built in code (0240 I think) works for PWR and play/record functions. Just no access to the setup/programming menus.

You should be able to replicate all of the missing functions for the VCR no problem.

STDog wrote: Shifted keys? Meanin 2 buttons at once? Or designating a key as a sticky shift key?

The latter - the green "p" button is a Shift button that you can use to access a second layer of functions assigned to most buttons on the remote (but you have to ASSIGN those functions first.)

STDog wrote:
Trying to find documentation on the differet software to use with the JP1 interface. Sems to not be any screenshots.

The Beginner's Read This First sticky post has links to a LOT of documentation. The "What and Why" of JP1 has a lot of screenshots.

STDog wrote:

So what are the pro/cons of the different tools out there?

Is RM the only free tool? The only opensource tool?

(1) Tool 1 - a JP1 cable. Make (look in the Hardware section) or Buy (look in the Marketplace section);
(2) Tool 2 - To create/modify complete upgrades for devices you use EITHER KeymapMaster(KM)-free (requires MS Excel) OR RemoteMaster(RM)-free (requires you to download and install Java Runtime Environment - free);
(3) To communicate between the remote and the computer, and to tailor your remote setup, installing device upgrades created in (2) above, create Macros, Keymoves, assign setup codes, etc, you need IR.exe )freeware).

KM, RM, and IR are all available as free downloads from the software section.

STDog · Post by **STDog** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:57 pm

Capn Trips wrote:I see your only difficulty with the two Pioneer DVD players, as they are going to use the same codes, and I am unfamiliar with any "unit code" or "address" selection that you can make to differentiate between the two. Have you not had any problems with the remote from one operating the other when you did not want it to?

Not too bad. The DVL unit automatically powers on if it get a "PLAY" signal from the remote. Since I seldom rely on the memory/resume functions it doesn't matter if I send both a command. And behind glass so, now remote eject.

Only issue is if one is on and the other is off, the PWR function swaps the states. The pwr-on with PLAY of the LD solves that, though a seperat on and off buttin would work better. I read about descrete codes that would do that. I normally turn it on to insert a disc, so need a pwr-off button more than pwr-on.

Capn Trips · Post by **Capn Trips** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 1:37 am

You'll see any number of Pioneer DVD upgrades in the file secation with discrete ON and OFF commands, so that should be no problem.

STDog · Post by **STDog** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:02 am

Capn Trips wrote:You'll see any number of Pioneer DVD upgrades in the file secation with discrete ON and OFF commands, so that should be no problem.

Yeah I'd heard about the descrete codes long ago. especially fo the reciever to select an input insteaed of the next function (straight to DVD, VCR1, TV) . Just never put any effort into setting it up.

Going to edit my post above with modle numbers. Oh, and the DVD/VCR is Samsung not Sanyo (not sure why I cannot keep that straight in my head).

Got RM and IR. Downloaded a bunch of "upgrades" and such.

The Extender looks usefull too. Like being able to have pwr-on, and input switching on the "device" buttons and such.