JP1 Remotes

After getting my 8810w all configured then way I wanted it, I decided to add an extender. My primary goal was to be able to have macros longer than 15 steps, so that my family could turn on the tv, amp, sat tuner, switch to component input with one button.

The install went fine. I had to create a new device, as the extender does not support learned signals. No big deal, as I had the codes there.

Got my long macros.... then got bolder, and added the long keypress protocol. Excellent... can now just hold down the power key and turn everything on/off at once.

Added some pause protocol keymoves for the 1 second pause I need between switching inputs on my TV. No more guessing, fake keypresses, etc to try to guestimate the pause times. Added another several second pause for the pause between TV power on and changing inputs (7 seconds)

The best part? The speed at which my existing macros now execute.
I had two macros from switching back in forth between 480p and 1080i on my E* 811. These were painfully slow, especially the arrow-key presses in the menus. Now, I don't even see the arrows moving. I would say it cut the macro execution time by a factor of 10.

Speeding up the macros wasn't one of my goals when installing the extender, but it turned out to be my favorite feature.

My $20 walmart 8810w now does all the things I want a $200 harmony remote for. One keypress to watch TV, family not having to know that they need to change volume on the RCVR, change channels on the SAT, etc.

Excellent!

Hats off to Alexander Fichman for his step by step document on how to install and configure the extender.

Nathan,

Welcome to JP1. Usually we at least get to answer a few questions before someone gets to this point Very impressive.

I haven't seen Alexander Fichman's document, could you provide a link. Also, since you have just done all this is there anything you could add to that document. I think many people stay away from an extender because they find them hard to understand and the documentation is aimed at a pretty technically savvy user.

Most of us who have watched the tools (special protocols, extenders, etc.) evolve have long forgotten what is confusing even to technically oriented beginners. So your input would be valuable.

Also, some Dish/Echostar gear have problems with the number of repeats that are done in a macro. Did you use the built in protocol or did you use one of the modified dish protocols with 5 or so minimum repeats?

The document is in this folder on the Yahoo group site....

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jp1/files ... /URC-6012/

I didn't have much trouble following the document or procedures. I think had I tried to install an extender without having first becoming familiar with IR.exe and RemoteMaster, then I may have had trouble absorbing it all at once. With the batch files setting up the macros for the devices, etc, it really took little time at all.

The document was great... it had everthing I like to see in a document.

1) step by step instructions
2) sample examples
3) an appendix with reference information.

I am probably not the best one to ask, though. I do have a degree in Computer Science and many years of programming experience. I could imagine that looking at the hex codes would be somewhat mysterious and confusing to an "outsider".

As for the Dish gear, I had no problem with the built in protocol and device code for my receiver (811).

Thank you!
The document's purpose was to consolidate information from various places (text files, forums, readme files) in one manageable place. Most of the material isn't mine; I did the editing though and some clarifications.

Glad I could be of any help. And please, as Jon suggested, if you can add anything to this document, please feel free to do so.

Alex,

I do have one suggestion. I had read that the extender didn't support learned signals. However, I had interpreted that statement in my mind as.."once I install the extender, I won't be able to learn signals from my other remotes". So, I was unprepared for all my currently learned signals disappearing when I loaded the new IR configuration file.

I had to stop working on the extender and go back to my original configuration and create some keymoves (and a device) to handle all my learned signals.

It might be helpful to clarify this up front as one of the "preinstallation" steps.

No problem. I will do it shortly, Tx.

snathanb wrote:So, I was unprepared for all my currently learned signals disappearing when I loaded the new IR configuration file.

That's a prime example of why it is so important to first save the current configuration in IR before attempting an extender (or any other major modifications for that matter). That way, if something crashes and burns, you can always go back to what you previously had.

Mark Pierson wrote:

snathanb wrote:So, I was unprepared for all my currently learned signals disappearing when I loaded the new IR configuration file.

That's a prime example of why it is so important to first save the current configuration in IR before attempting an extender (or any other major modifications for that matter). That way, if something crashes and burns, you can always go back to what you previously had.

Fortunately, that wasn't a problem for me, as the batch file that comes with the extender creates a completely new file, leaving the original configuration untouched. But, yes, always keep a backup... the very first thing I always do when making any changes is create a brand new file, based on the old one.

Document updated. see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jp1/files ... C_v1.1.zip

enjoy!

Wow! what a great document it is. Great job Alex. I wish I had seen this before I got started. You really put all the pieces of puzzle together. It would of saved me a lot of time, confusions and dumb questions.

Having just done my RS 15-2104 I can say that the document also applies to my remote and probably many more.

I have 2 Suggestions:

1. Modify this document title to be more general and not specific to 6012 while illustrate the 6012 as examples. Most of the content in this help file applies to many remotes. (Suggested name: Extender Guide)

2. Place this document in the Help Document folder. (I never thought to look in the 6012 folder since I didn't have one)

Did you use IR to convert you regular file to extender?? Also did you use the Special Protocol Builder feature in IR.

I'm trying to gauge how people are using these features and how they like them

Glad to hear your one of us now...like Jon said, we usually get to answer a few questions...

Well, thank you
I made it 6012/88xx centered because that is what I have. I should be receiving a RS 2017 shortly so I will have another perspective about using an extender; when it arrives, I might just do what you suggest. This will also give me the opportunity to use the new IR 5.xx and incorporate it into the guide.

Meanwhile, any suggestions are welcome!