Best option for IR Blaster

[ijourneaux]

Since I can nolonger get the MCE blaster to work in EVentGhost, I am looking for another perhaps more reliable option. Looks like there are a couple of options using USB-uirt and LIRC.

I was looking at the possibility of using an LIRC approach using the unit sold by IguanaWorks. It has the ability of outputing to 4 different IR emitters potentially controlling 4 cable or satellite boxes. I only need one device at this time though.

Any opinions on the best approach.

Thanks

[Livin]

I've never used the one you are looking at. I did not dig into the capabilities too much but, as first glance, there are many things I like about the USB-UIRT over that one.

Thinkgs I like about USB-UIRT...

a) open API -- I did not see this mentioned on their site, might also be why there are only 2 apps that support it natively.
b) cable attached so you can move the receiver around -- Iguana would require an additional cable and hooking repeaters to it would look horrible if out in the open, the UIRT looks clean/nice in the open. if the IR receiver cam on a separate small cable so it would be moves around independent of the USB body itself, that would be killer.
c) VERY mature -- thousands sold over many years
d) huge number of apps (including EG) natively support it -- no need to LIRC/WinLIRC which could just add complexity, room for error, etc, etc.
e) supports 56Khz & 40Khz (most common) -- iguana does not support 56KHz, in case you need it (most do not).

Things that look nice on the IguanaWorks...

a) Transmit IR on up to 4 independent channels - if it truly works separately per zone, and if you need that.
b) User adjustable transmission carrier frequency from 25kHz to 100kHz - 40Khz is most common, a very few use 56. Curious as to the sensitivity with such a wide range. usually specialized products are better quality within the range they do.


Unknowns...

a) how sensitive is the Iguana? -- UIRT has no issues with way off axis IR and 30+ foot distances
b) how does it deal with ambient and sunlight (can be a big issue depending) -- UIRT is very sensitive but does very well even when in sunlight (mine sits next to a large glass door and is hit with sunlight most of the time.)

[ijourneaux]

Thasnks for the detailed reply. I just need to get something up and running quickly so I may go with the USB-UIRT. At this point in time, I don't need the ability to output to 4 zone. If I ever when with satellite, I might need to consider it.

[ijourneaux]

One more question on IR remotes and Blasters. are the any that will allow the remote to restart the computer after it has gone into sleep mode.

[Livin]

One more question on IR remotes and Blasters. are the any that will allow the remote to restart the computer after it has gone into sleep mode.

This is based on the PC's capabilities - not the IR device. If the PC will power the USB ports AND in BIOS there is a setting to allow the USB devices to wake the PC, then yes. You will need to research the PC's capabilities.

[ijourneaux]

One more question on IR remotes and Blasters. are the any that will allow the remote to restart the computer after it has gone into sleep mode.

This is based on the PC's capabilities - not the IR device. If the PC will power the USB ports AND in BIOS there is a setting to allow the USB devices to wake the PC, then yes. You will need to research the PC's capabilities.

I just checked my BIOS and it is configured to wakeup via the usb port and that sems to work as a usb mouse will make the computer power up. In addition, my bluetooth keyboard will wake up the computer. Unfortuantely an MCE remote (part of an adaptec dual tuner) will not.

If I under stand the comments correctly, a USB-UIRT can successfully wake up a PC from s3 hibernate? I will need to get a usb UIRT anyway as I can't get the MCE IR blaster to work within EventGhost. The MCE IR balster used to work under WinXP and an overder version of EventChost.

[ijourneaux]

Ok Picked up a USB-UIRT and it installed without any problems. Added it to Eventghost. Unfortuantely now, I can't learn the remote codes for my sound system. I just need Mute, VolumeUP and VolumenDown. I wa able to get csomething to record for the Mute but it didn't work. VolumeUp and VolumeDown refucee to record IR codes. No indication of error or progress.

[Livin]

Brother, I know you are new here but if you want help with a problem you need to provide as much relevant information as possible. "I have a problem" will get you no help.

If you are trying to teach the codes from your Remote to EG, I've never tried that. Start researching with a google search of... send ir eventghost

[ijourneaux]

Sorry I offended you. I was probably frustrated when it didn't work right away. It isn't like I haven't used EventGost before. I had the IR Blaster working with the MCE remote a couple of years ago with the older version of EventGhost. This go around I just upgraded too many things at once and was having difficulties isolating the problem.

Regardless. After much trial and error I was able to get it to work. I had to disable the MCE plugin before the USB-UIRT would work correctly. Once I did that, I was able to get learn the ir blaster codes I needed.

One thing I did observe is that even with the USB-UIRT when you are learning IR codes, it is every easy to get EventGhost to crash hard. This was the same thing I observed with the MCE remote. Perhaps there is a dsign issue that affects both plugins.

I don't know python well enough to understand where the problem is in the plugin. I would be glad to help troubleshoot if someone would be interested in working on it. Does EventGhost have a debug mode that can output a detailed log?

[Livin]

You did not offend me at all... I was just pointing out that there was no way to give you help due to lack of information

If you think you found an issue please post the full description of the actions/condition/etc in a new thread in General Help. You will need to give all config info, even posting your XML would be best. BTW... before doing that, I suggest removing all plugins and see if the crash still happens. I have found issues in the past with plugin causing problems more than EG itself.