Strategy for setupcodes?

[mtwomey]

I've created some device upgrades over the past few years for a couple of different things. When I made them, I basically just picked a setup code I wasn't using as the number (thinking I'd revisit it later).

Anyhow, is there a strategy to picking setup code numbers in situations like this? Some central repository or some region of unused device numbers I should be picking from?

Thanks,

-Matt

[The Robman]

First off, quick terminology lesson, the numbers you are referring to are "setup codes". "Device codes" are the numbers that are embedded in the fixed portion of the signals themselves.

But to answer your question, while they do keep track of the official numbers back at UEI when they come up with a new setup code that they're going to add to the database, for users like us, it makes no difference what you call your own homemade upgrades, just as long as you don't use a code that you're already using.

Note: I edited the original post, replacing "device code" with "setup code".

[mtwomey]

First off, quick terminology lesson, the numbers you are referring to are "setup codes". "Device codes" are the numbers that are embedded in the fixed portion of the signals themselves.

But to answer your question, while they do keep track of the official numbers back at UEI when they come up with a new setup code that they're going to add to the database, for users like us, it makes no difference what you call your own homemade upgrades, just as long as you don't use a code that you're already using.

Ok, so if I wanted to share them back to the site's files section, I can just leave the setup codes I choose? I just wanted to make sure there wasn't some system everyone was participating in.

Thanks,

-Matt

[underquark]

There's no set system. It used to be the case that many users who created upgrades based on an original code would add a '1' at the beginning (e.g. official setup code 0348 modified by a user would become 1348) but - now that there are many official code in the 1000's - this is kinda redundant.

I first tried numbering some of mine according to nearest official code (e.g. 0348 becomes 1348 for a Bush VCR) and then tried with the model number of the device in question (e.g. Durabrand DVD1000 became 1000) but eventually I just numbered them consecutively as I bought new devices. I suppose one way would be to use 1001, 1002, 1003 etc, for your TV's, 2000's for DVD's etc. but it really doesn't matter so long as you keep a list somewhere.

I now keep a spreadsheet with a separate worksheet for each device's codes (complete with picture of OEM remote) and have an index sheet with hyperlinks to each of the individual remotes. That way I can see at a glance what setup codes I've used for each. I also find it easier to put codes for a new device in here first and then copy and paste into RM when it comes time to create an upgrade for my different OFA remotes.

[The Robman]

You can use whatever setup code you like for the upgrades that you load into the file section, all that we do ask is that you include all of the buttons in the Functions list, even the not-so-useful ones that you will never use yourself.

[mtwomey]

Ok thanks guys - makes sense.

I guess if people are loading device upgrades in the first place, they'll know to check for any conflicts.

-Matt

[underquark]

know to check for any conflicts.

Yeh, you'd think. Number of times I've got upgrade numbers mixed up...

[SysTech_Larry]

It dawned on me that my collection will never include all of the possible makes & models ever made, so my setup codes do not need to be so sophisticated.

I chose my setup codes based on my device's place in my collection,

TYPE (first digit)
0 video tuners: cable, streamer, STB, satellite, et al.
1 TVs & TV combos
2 DVDs, VCRs, DVRs
3 audio

DEVICE# (second digit)
0 #1
1 #2
2 #3...

VARIANT/COMBO# (third digit)
0 Neither a variant, nor a combo
1 #1
2 #2
3 #3...

USER VERSION (fourth digit)
0 Admin (all keys)
1 #1 (lite)
2 #2 (my wife)
3 #3...

I have found this numbering system much easier to remember.

If you have more than ten of any kind of device, you can make digits 2 & 3 into a two-digit number and just count variations & combos as distinct devices.