iMon module with MCE remote

[V_J]

Hello,

I have this case, which has a Soundgraph iMon module. I also have an MCE remote, and I can get it to work with the iMon module: After installing the iMon software, the MCE remote can be used to e.g. adjust the volume. It responds very slow though (several seconds of delay). Without the iMon software, I have no unrecognized devices in the device manager.

I would like to use EventGhost, and just remove the iMon software completely. However, I cannot get the remote to work under EventGhost. With or without the iMon software running, or with or without the iMon software installed, pressing a key on the remote does not trigger events in EventGhost.
I used the MCE Remote plugin, which also mentions that it will disable the HID profile (and that it needs to be run as administrator). I did this (after which a reboot was necessary), but still no success; it also did not work before I did this. Is it possible to use this IR receiver with EventGhost, and if so, how?

I should add that I'm running the 64-bit version of Windows 10 preview...
(I thought too late of WinLIRC, but mabye that is the way to go?)

Thanks!


J├Ârg

[blaher]

I would like to use EventGhost, and just remove the iMon software completely.

I asked that too:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3699#p20815

[V_J]

Interesting! I did not know it existed.

I was looking at WinLIRC, as I found that LIRC can use the iMon receiver: http://www.lirc.org/html/imon.html
But it seems that WinLIRC is not maintained so actively.

Is there a way to turn of that round iMon window? There is a settic "magnetic window" in the settings, and I assumed it was that one, but it keeps showing...

Thanks!


J├Ârg

[mbudke]

Hello J├Ârg,

I'm nearly in the same situation. Here fist of all my hard- and software.
I'm using:
- Origen AE S10V
- ASUS H87M PLUS
- I3 4330
- 8GB DDR3 1600
- Samsung EVO 840 120 GB
- WD 1TB
- 2 DD DVB-S/S2
- Logitech Harmony Touch
- Philips SRT8215 http://www.philips.de/c-p/SRT8215_10/pr ... nbedienung

- Windows 8.1
- MediaPortal 1.9
=> EventGhost Plus, MP-TVSeries, MovingPicture, OnlineVideos, TV Movie EPG Import++, WorldWeather (and the basics)
- EventGost 0.4.1.r1669
=> MediaPortal, Tastatur, Microsoft MCE Remote, Microsoft MCE Remote - Vista/Win7, SoundGraph iMON VFD/LCD Display
=> modified the class Execute to run a program with a different user
- TV-Movie ClickFinder
- episodescanner

=> over suc monthe of playing testing, etc

First of all, here my settings for the iMon Window:
[img]file://e:/Unbenannt.JPG[/img]

I'm not using the iMon MCE because it's not possible to add new RC6 codes to the software and add any action for these codes to EventGhost (Soundgraph IMON API/IMON HID Plugin). The original remote control is a disaster. The keys hang and the back button can not be used.
So, I bought the Philips and try to use the iMon MCE settings. The problem now was, that the IR receiver behind the dark window has a bad reception and you have to aim precisely. Also the buttons have a strange delay (iMon MCE) and because of HID, the EG controls the keyboard (with iMon MCE settings). So, using a keyboard is impossible. The touch screen responds a little getting used to. Otherwise, a good alternative to Harmony Touch.
I bought a seperate RC6 receiver at AEOne and changed to the Microsoft MCE Remote - Vista/Win7 Plugin. You have to start EG as an Administrator and first install Microsoft MCE Remote Plugin and deactivate HID. Than you have to restart the system, go back to EG, deactivate the Microsoft MCE Remote Plugin and install the Microsoft MCE Remote - Vista/Win7 Plugin. Now you can use an other recmote control (eg. the iMon Pad) to add new RC codes. At the iMon, you have to select iMon Pad instead iMon MCE. Also, it's not eccessary to start EG as an administrator.
Now everything works fine and I can control MediaPortal as I want.
But, a new problem occurs... After an indeterminate number of starts the external RC receiver hangs. So, you have to restart the system (thats impossible when you are recording TV) or fix the problem manualy by the device manager. There are a lot for soulutions at a lot of forums, but the only way is to write a little script to turn the receiver off and on (using devcon.exe) and run it as administrator (I modified the Execute class; you can use EG and a keyboard event like F10 to do this). At 99% it works and you do not have to restart the system.
Last week, I bougt a Logitech Harmony Touch and add all the functions of my Philips remote control. Now it feel a little bit more convenient. There some reasons, why I changed the remote control.
The first reason is, that you have to tap little buttons on the touch screen to switch between pages where you define your actions and devices (six on one page). It's not so easy to hit them.
The Hormony Touch has lists where you wipe up and down or left and right to scroll up and down or switch to an other page.
Second reason is, that the light of the key will only be turned on, when you hit the touch screen. At the Harmony you can hit the touch sreen or a key and touch screen and light for the keys are turned on.
The third reason is, that the Harmony has a charging cradle. So, everybody of my family puts the remote control at the cradle at the end of the day. No more search (most time).
The fourth reason is, that you can combine several actions of serveral devices in one action list. But here comes the next problem (solved). When you enter an action list, the Harmony wants to start all the devices used at that action list. That means, when eg. you manualy turn on a TV and then go into the action list, it turns off the TV.
I tried this with several remote controls, but it was even the same. 50% it worked, 50% it does not work to turn on or off all devices at once.
But at least, I solved the problem and my family is happy, because I found out, that the generaly turns on the TV by the power switch and the HTPC (formerly the DVD) by the remote control.

I hope, I can give you some small experiences. Feel free to com back to me, if you need mor information or help.

With best regards

Markus

[blaher]

It's under that:

[V_J]

Very interesting read!

My computer also has a Compro E900f tuner card, which comes with an MCE receiver on a cable. It allows for better positioning as well (PC is positioned that its left side faces me, so no good angle for the built in IR receiver) so I too may just abandon the iMon thing and use that one.
But I've run into a snag: my projector seems to be interfering the the IR receiver, and it results in the same event as the up arrow on the remote being pressed (and perhaps some others, that was the one I noticed). I first need to find a way to resolve that, because as long as that issue is not solved, it is not possible for me to pursue the IR route.

My plan is quite big, and I never have the time to finish it. My goal is to make a single web interface that allows me to control the softwares using EventGhost. I already modifed the Marantz plugin, so I have full control (via serial port) over my receiver, and have some experimental webpage that shows receiver statusses and allows control.
I should be able to integrate it with my home automation interface (Loxone), which has apps for iOS and Android, and allows external webpages to be shown. It can send a wake-on-lan signal, so I can even use it to power on the computer from a tablet/phone. With an old simlocked android phone lying around, I should be able to repurpose it as a nice remote.
But it brings together so many things that I need to learn a lot, and I unfortunately don't have that much time. I'm now trying to dedicate several hours per weekend to it, as I want it finished.

[V_J]

I just got back to installing thing, and am running into several issues with the iMon thing...

I'm not using the iMon MCE because it's not possible to add new RC6 codes to the software and add any action for these codes to EventGhost (Soundgraph IMON API/IMON HID Plugin). The original remote control is a disaster. The keys hang and the back button can not be used.
So, I bought the Philips and try to use the iMon MCE settings. The problem now was, that the IR receiver behind the dark window has a bad reception and you have to aim precisely.

I'm experience the same hit-or-miss behaviour, but the strange thing is that the led in the IR receiver lights up. So it sees the signal, but it just does not reach the software.

Also the buttons have a strange delay (iMon MCE) and because of HID, the EG controls the keyboard (with iMon MCE settings). So, using a keyboard is impossible. The touch screen responds a little getting used to. Otherwise, a good alternative to Harmony Touch.

I have an additional problem with that HID: I am using an AZERTY keyboard layout, which requires shift to enter the numbers. The numeric keys on the iMon remote don't send the numbers, but the unshifted row, which is &├®"'(┬º├¿!├º├á, so quite useless.

I bought a seperate RC6 receiver at AEOne and changed to the Microsoft MCE Remote - Vista/Win7 Plugin. You have to start EG as an Administrator and first install Microsoft MCE Remote Plugin and deactivate HID. Than you have to restart the system, go back to EG, deactivate the Microsoft MCE Remote Plugin and install the Microsoft MCE Remote - Vista/Win7 Plugin. Now you can use an other recmote control (eg. the iMon Pad) to add new RC codes. At the iMon, you have to select iMon Pad instead iMon MCE. Also, it's not eccessary to start EG as an administrator.
Now everything works fine and I can control MediaPortal as I want.

This makes me realize I may have been stupid. I had a malfunctioning USB3 port, but as the warranty procedure is too complicated, I ordered the part directly from Origen. I could have ordered tan alternative receiver (IR100, MCE Receiver which is IR Trans compatible) at the same time, and just replace the iMon receiver. It is still possible (OrigenAE is very good with service), but I'll pay extra shipping costs, from Korea... I might still do it...

But, a new problem occurs... After an indeterminate number of starts the external RC receiver hangs. So, you have to restart the system (thats impossible when you are recording TV) or fix the problem manualy by the device manager. There are a lot for soulutions at a lot of forums, but the only way is to write a little script to turn the receiver off and on (using devcon.exe) and run it as administrator (I modified the Execute class; you can use EG and a keyboard event like F10 to do this). At 99% it works and you do not have to restart the system.
Last week, I bougt a Logitech Harmony Touch and add all the functions of my Philips remote control. Now it feel a little bit more convenient. There some reasons, why I changed the remote control.

It is only after I experienced the iMon mess that I remembered your posting. I would like to get some remote working first, as I thought it would be the easiest start. Turns out it isn't... There is the whole iMon mess and I have noticed intereference between IR and my projector. I will try the MCE receiver of my tuner card, but I'm not sure it is seen by Eventghost. So I'm not even sure I should try the IR route (the case is not facing the seating position, so a remote will most likely not have good reception)... But having a remote is so convenient for simple music playback or so.

The ideql I want is a web interface. I can use it with both the display that is in the case, and any client. I got a free tablet 7" with a mobile phone subscription, so low quality and power, but perhaps perfect as a control platform for both the PC and my home automation (android client runs on it). It takes a lot more time to develop, but I should really get started on it. The current control system is not user friendly enough. I can manage, but I want it easier...

[V_J]

I will change my approach... No IR for now. I'll try two alternatives: the web interface (most work is making the html) and network sender/receiver. I have a simple home automation system, and it should be able to interface via network. And it allows to create control panels (a bit like OpenRemote, but with less customization). First I'll try that one, as it may be the easiest. Perhaps in parallel I'll work on a working but non-designed webinterface. And then I'll see how to continue...

For IR control, a Keene IR-IP device might be interesting: I could program it to send the same events. And it might actually allow control of other things via IR remote as well (lights, screen).