How to read ths universal remote without starting from scratch.

T Chap

http://www.universalremote.com/resources/pdfs/MX-1200_Rev_03_030712.pdf


I have a client that wants to buy this remote and for various uses and has asked if I can use it to control several devices. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can read the IR and toggle 2 outputs on or off depending on the signal? The goal is:


One button on the IR remote: toggle an output or relay momentarily.

Thanks for any ideas. An off the shelf solution is preferred versus building it unless the device is very easily put together with a kit or module.

LoopyByteloose

You may not realize that the device you have is an RF remote control, not an IR remote control. It requires a base station that you have not mentioned.

Parallax uses an IR remote control with Sony code that is one of the simplest to get started with.
Take a look at the Parallax documents and the code examples for use with a BasicStamp. Parallax sells its own simpler remote just for educational purposes.

I happen to use other IR Universal Remotes and if set to the same Sony code it is all quite easy.

If you really want to get heavily involved in IR remote control Linux supports a vast array of the selections on a Universal Remote and even have software for decoded just about anything.

http://www.lirc.org/

If you need to or want to use Linux, you can operate from a LiveCD version or a USB installed boot version that doesn't affect the install OS on your hard disk.

If you expect me to read through that remote's documentation and tell you how to program it, I require a rather large retainer fee in advance. After all, if your client is paying you, he can afford to pay me for helping you help him.

T Chap

Hey Loopy thanks for point out it is RF. I was told it was an IR and that is foreign to me. I was hoping someone had experience to know if there was an off the shelf system to read the signals but I will now look into the RF receiver options.

tonyp12

It does mention IR, is that for the base?

Quote:
Learning Capability : Standard frequencies (15kHz to 460kHz)
Macro Capability : Up to 255 steps each
IR Range (Line of Sight via Infrared) : 30-50 feet, depending on the environment
RF Range (radio frequency) : 50 to 100 feet, depending upon the environment
RF Frequency : 418 MHz

http://www.universalremote.com/products/residential/remotes/mx-1200

LoopyByteloose

I would not be surprised if the RF universal remote converts to IR remote codes for specific devices.

The RF would extend the range to through walls and around corners.

Personally, I love the fact that IR remotes are contained to one room, but others might find a reason to want more range.

The downside of RF is that it can be snoopy from afar as RF radiates through walls. There are several pro and con issues here.

This is very much a 'buy the gadget' versus 'DIY your own'. I lean toward the "DIY your own' as the Linux support is extremely good.

I happen to have purchased a Cubieboard that loads Ubuntu Linux (like a Raspberry Pi, but better) and it has a built-in IR receiver that makes the device very useful as an IR controlled server. One can make it an audio jukebox for all your MP3 or a video server for all your DVD because it has a SATA hard disk support. AND, you can go to a store and buy just about any IR remote you want to work with it.