USB-UIRT with Any Remote?

[crmartin]

I am currently using the FireFly to control Sage. I want to get down to one remote by converting to a single universal learning IR remote, with the USB-UIRT as the reciever.

I'm tryting to set up Sage 4.0 to learn commands from an IR remote through the USB-UIRT. When I select "USB-UIRT with any Remote" under Detailed Setup / Commands, my computer goes to 100% cpu usage, then the computer is slow to respond to all commands. Am I missing some simple set up option to use this feature? I exited the Firefly application, just to make sure it is not interfering in the process.

I'm currently using the USB-UIRT to change channels on two satellite STBs and that seems to function ok. Can I use the USB-UIRT as a sending and recieving unit at the same time?

Help appreciated.

-crmartin

[Kanati]

I don't know why your system would be acting like this but try setting it and rebooting the machine to see if it goes away after the reboot.

I'm currently controlling sage with a series 2 Tivo remote using that setting with no problems at all.

[crmartin]

That fixed that problem. Now on to the next problem.....

After I link an IR code to a Sage command, the command executes twice. I tried to clear learned commands and relearn, same problem. I've not searched the forums for a solution yet, but that is my next task.

I'll try a couple more things, but I thought I would leave a quick update.

[Kanati]

I had that problem but only because I had it somewhat confused...

When I first started messing with USB-UIRT + any remote I did it with my streamzap remote with the intent of getting rid of the streamzap reciever... I switched it... relearned everything... and forgot to shut down the streamzap software. So every keypress happened twice.

Next issue was with a different remote and it turned out that the remote shot two different codes for each key alternately... so I had to tell sage to learn the code twice for each key (and it will store more than one code for a key).

It could be that you need to set the delay time higher (if memory serves) if you don't have either of the two above issues confusing sage. I think that's probably covered in the manual. Our resident manual-expert-pointer-guy Opus4 would know exactly where.

[Grasshopper]

crmartin, I was in the same situation you were in -- using a Firefly to control the PC, but having other equipment (audio, TV) with IR controls. It's interesting that you're using your USB-UIRT as a receiver, because I went exactly the other direction. I bought Girder, and now Firefly keypresses cause the USB-UIRT to send IR commands to my audio and video equipment.

Something to consider.

[Kanati]

The USB-UIRT can do both without breaking a sweat.

[crmartin]

As a check, I used my DVD remote control to configure the Sage commands. That worked, but I don't want to use the DVD IR codes, since it would also send signals to the DVD player.... At least I know Sage and USB-UIRT are working ok.

I uninstalled FireFly.

The remote I want to use with Sage is a Harmony 880. I may be able to use a different IR code set to make it work....still playing. The current code set I have configured does have alternating codes, and I configured both per Sage command.

I'm still getting two cursor moves per button press. I'll try a different code set tomorrow.

Kanati, I still wonder about the time delay you mention. Sounds like somethign that could be the problem, if the Harmony sends the code multiple times???

I like the idea of using full capability if the USB-UIRT, especially since Sage has built in capability. I'm sure the Firefly ----> Girder -----> USB-UIRT route would work.

[crmartin]

System is working My problem was with the Harmony remote. There is an option I finally found in their configuration that sends fewer signals. Their troubleshooting questions lead you two a bullet list from numbers 1-6. I lowered this to 2 from the default 4, and Sage now responds with one cursor move per remote click.

As a side note, I like the way the Harmony functions and it is easy to set up and modify. Power ON / OFF functions are very good for device control. The down side is cost, the FF button seems to be missing the first click. After only a week, this unit may get returned to the store. For the cost I should be convinced the buttons will last years, and I am not. The warrenty is one year, and Best Buy's replacement plan was only two years, if I had purchased that option.