Custom Remote

adamb2k4 · Post by **adamb2k4** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 3:41 pm

I just ordered a URC-8811 with JP1 cable and before I even have it I am curious. How difficult will it be to create a custom setup code from scratch. Basically I want my remote to control the computer so as long as each key has a different signature I can learn every key into the computer. With previous remotes, no setup code actually used every single (usable) button on the remote. I'd like to be able to use every button possible because I do a lot of functions on the computer and it's just a pain to keep trying every single code until I find one that uses every button. Does this make any sense to anyone?

Mark Pierson · Post by **Mark Pierson** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 6:22 pm

That should be doable with JP1. You'll need to create a device upgrade using the VCR device type (which yields the most available buttons in the default map), and then you can setup key moves on almost all of the other unused buttons.

Post by **The Robman** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:01 pm

Just FYI, you could have done that even without JP1. All you would have needed to do is pick a VCR setup code that seems to have the most buttons programmed, then you could have used random advanced codes to program the remaining buttons.

adamb2k4 · Post by **adamb2k4** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 2:33 pm

I tried that Robman, but there are a gazillion VCR codes, and after the 25th code that didn't fill up all the buttons on the remote, I gave up. The new remote with JP1 was only 40 bucks anyway. No big deal. I'd rather spend the few bucks and be able to do it on the computer.

Post by **The Robman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 5:48 pm

You should have stopped way before the 25th, you could have picked the best one out of the first 5 you tried, then used advanced codes to fill in the blanks, which is pretty much what you're gonna do using JP1 anyway.

johnsfine · Post by **johnsfine** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 5:53 am

It's still a lot easier via JP1. You can let RM or KM do almost all the work (make a max size upgrade plus make the KeyMoves for all the keys that can't go in the upgrade).

adamb2k4 · Post by **adamb2k4** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:54 pm

Umm, the remote control that I have now doesn't even have "advanced" codes. I had to buy a new remote anyway. $40 for a 8811 with JP1 cable isn't such a bad deal, is it?

jon_armstrong · Post by **jon_armstrong** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 5:43 pm

What everyone is saying is that you can:

1. Program your remote and easily populate every key with a command, except for a few special keys like the device buttons and the setup key.

2. The JP1 cable will make that task much easier. UEIC who makes these remotes decided that not every key will work in every device type (Cable, Sat, TV, VCR., DVD, etc) so a device upgrade can assign every key that is available in that device type. However, with KeyMoves (aka Advanced Codes) you can assign additional commands to all the other keys less the special ones mentioned in 1.

FWIW, in the past I controlled a HTPC and a home automation system that could send out IR commands with a universal remote like you are now contemplating.

I used a program called IR Assistant and an IRMan serial IR receiver. Originally and before the JP1 group existed, I bought a RS15-1994 to teach my home automation system discrete commands.

To make a long and uninteresting story short, I found that with JP1 and it's many tools, that I now use my 15-1994 to control everything with macros and only occasionally trigger an event in my home automation system to execute a lighting sequence. One of them controls 13 different devices.

The point being that you just got a great remote. I don't know what you are going to control on your computer, but as you get into programming your 8811, I think you will be surprised at what all it can do.

If you are using the computer to control electronic equipment with IR commands, you may find (as I did) that it is far easier and more reliable to control them directly with your 8811.

Welcome to JP1