Build a Flash Interface for the Cost of a Gallon of Gasoline
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 9:00 pm
Warning: this thread is obsolete - it remains just for historical purposes.
Please see the following thread for updated info:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13928
In the early years of JP1 it was common for many members to make their own interface cables. The designs were simple, parts were inexpensive, and you could find almost everything needed at your local Radio Shack store. As remotes evolved from EEPROM memory to flash memory, interface complexity increased. Special parts were needed that were sometimes impractical to order in small quantity. Obtaining printed circuit boards presented another stumbling block. The growing demand for interfaces that used a USB port was probably the last straw. Members, particularly those with minimal technical skills, began to rely on vendors to supply interface cables. I imagine to many of them the thought of spending $35 to $40 for an interface to program a $10 to $15 remote must have seemed like the tail wagging the dog. And they were right !
All that may be about to change. Recently Dave Johnson (mdavej) brought to my attention that he had purchased a cell phone data cable for about $4, added a couple of buck's worth of wire and a connector, and with a little re-soldering had converted it into a working interface. That rivals the cost and simplicity of the popular "simple" interface design we used nine years ago. Dave's unit programs JP1.2 and JP1.3 remotes, and also (with a special 5-pin connector) the new JP2 type remotes we are just learning how to support. I built one and confirmed that it also works with the JP1 EEPROM Programming Adapter.
The idea is not entirely new. As early as 2007, member cerulean described his plan for using a Nokia cell phone data cable to program an RS 15-100 remote (See this post). He showed that it had all four outputs needed for a flash interface, TXD, RXD, RTS, and GND. On Dec 7, 2007 cerulean posted: "I can now read and write to the remote." Oddly enough, four years passed without further comment in the forum on the significance of cerulean's achievement, or any further investigation until Dave built his interface early this year. The interest has been rekindled because the internet is flooded with Nokia data cables selling for $3 to $4, including shipping.
I have published an article HERE that provides all the information needed to build what I'll call the Nokia Flash Interface Cable, including where to obtain the parts, suggested options for cable and remote connector, etc. Those with electronics skills and experience don't even need the detailed instructions, just the wiring diagram and schematic. But the article is written with the technically challenged in mind, to give them the confidence needed to try doing it themselves. The investment in time and material is miniscule compared to the potential reward.
If you build one of these interfaces please share your experience in this thread, including suggestions for improving or simplifying the project, problems with drivers, etc.
Stealing any ideas I could from eferz and mdavej, I have published an article HERE on how to build a 5-pin adapter for using a flash interface with a URC-8820 remote.
Tommy
Please see the following thread for updated info:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13928
In the early years of JP1 it was common for many members to make their own interface cables. The designs were simple, parts were inexpensive, and you could find almost everything needed at your local Radio Shack store. As remotes evolved from EEPROM memory to flash memory, interface complexity increased. Special parts were needed that were sometimes impractical to order in small quantity. Obtaining printed circuit boards presented another stumbling block. The growing demand for interfaces that used a USB port was probably the last straw. Members, particularly those with minimal technical skills, began to rely on vendors to supply interface cables. I imagine to many of them the thought of spending $35 to $40 for an interface to program a $10 to $15 remote must have seemed like the tail wagging the dog. And they were right !
All that may be about to change. Recently Dave Johnson (mdavej) brought to my attention that he had purchased a cell phone data cable for about $4, added a couple of buck's worth of wire and a connector, and with a little re-soldering had converted it into a working interface. That rivals the cost and simplicity of the popular "simple" interface design we used nine years ago. Dave's unit programs JP1.2 and JP1.3 remotes, and also (with a special 5-pin connector) the new JP2 type remotes we are just learning how to support. I built one and confirmed that it also works with the JP1 EEPROM Programming Adapter.
The idea is not entirely new. As early as 2007, member cerulean described his plan for using a Nokia cell phone data cable to program an RS 15-100 remote (See this post). He showed that it had all four outputs needed for a flash interface, TXD, RXD, RTS, and GND. On Dec 7, 2007 cerulean posted: "I can now read and write to the remote." Oddly enough, four years passed without further comment in the forum on the significance of cerulean's achievement, or any further investigation until Dave built his interface early this year. The interest has been rekindled because the internet is flooded with Nokia data cables selling for $3 to $4, including shipping.
I have published an article HERE that provides all the information needed to build what I'll call the Nokia Flash Interface Cable, including where to obtain the parts, suggested options for cable and remote connector, etc. Those with electronics skills and experience don't even need the detailed instructions, just the wiring diagram and schematic. But the article is written with the technically challenged in mind, to give them the confidence needed to try doing it themselves. The investment in time and material is miniscule compared to the potential reward.
If you build one of these interfaces please share your experience in this thread, including suggestions for improving or simplifying the project, problems with drivers, etc.
Stealing any ideas I could from eferz and mdavej, I have published an article HERE on how to build a 5-pin adapter for using a flash interface with a URC-8820 remote.
Tommy
*sigh*
