Using Makehex, IRPanels To Get a CCF

[1Click]

Hi,

I'm trying to convert the LG Master File(for Tv's) into a long hex file so I can make a ccf out of it, because,

1: I can't find any that are good for my TV( LG Lafinion 70W circa 2005)

2: Maybe someone else will find it useful too.

I don't have a JP1 remote.

So, firstly I loaded the LG Master file into RM to get the device code etc, then went into Makehex but realised there was no LG.irp file so I changed the Samsung file to just see what I would get, but to be honest I'm not sure if I have to change other settings besides the Device and Function number settings.

So I got my 'LG Hex' file, however the functions are numbered, not named, so I then copy-paste that in to IRPanels ProntoUtil CCF generator to give me the CCF layout, however the functions are still numbered, not named.

So how do you match up the function number with what it actually does?

Is it a matter of having to load that onto my remote(mx-850 and 880) and then test each button and then name and reassign to the right button? Or am I missing something?

Hope this makes sense, It's a little late and my head hurts trying to figure this out!



Thanks in advance

[johnsfine]

So, firstly I loaded the LG Master file into RM to get the device code etc,

"etc" should have included the protocol name, which I assume was "nec1".

there was no LG.irp

Because that should be the protocol name, not the manufacturer name.

the functions are numbered, not named, so I then copy-paste that in to IRPanels ProntoUtil CCF generator to give me the CCF layout, however the functions are still numbered, not named.

Correct.

how do you match up the function number with what it actually does?

Reopen the original file in RM. Go to the functions sheet. The OBC column on the sheet is the same number as the numbered button in your CCF. On each row there is also a function name, so you can find the number for each named function.

But first you need to start over with the correct .irp file (look at the setup sheet in RM to verify my guess that it is NEC1).

Once you have the numbered panels redone for the correct protocol and you are looking at the RM functions sheet for reference, one strategy is to merge in or create panels with an appropriate UI (name or icon for each function) then make each button in the UI be an alias to the correct numbered button in the numbered panels.

There are a lot of CCF files available at RemoteCentral and some of them may be very good sources for copying the buttons and graphics for panels to control a TV. It is easy to replace all the actual signals with aliases, so it doesn't matter what brand TV you start with if you like its UI.

[jimdunn]

 
One more thing to be aware of, after following John's instructions, is that the LG Master File I'm guessing you are talking about:
( https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... le_id=3123 )
is for the recent(ish) LCD/Plasma sets.

It uses NEC1, device 4, no subdevice.

It may well control your TV fine - hopefully it will - but there is also a possibility that it will not.

LG TVs have not all used the same protocols and functions.

For instance, I had a CRT LG TV - similar date to yours - 2004/2005 which used RC-5 (UEI device code TV-0037)
There's an upgrade for that model here: https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... le_id=8356

I'm not familiar with an "LG Lafinion 70W" - and I can't turn anything up with a search with regards to its remote protocol -
but there are other LG TV upgrades in the File Section here you could search for and try if you get this far and are still stuck.

Hopefully, the "Master File" you are using will just work, and you won't have to worry about any of this.
 

[3FG]

Probably NEC1 device 4:

Some Lafinion Pronto hex codes.

[jimdunn]

Probably NEC1 device 4:
Some Lafinion Pronto hex codes.

Well done - I only searched the file section at RC for "Lafinion" - not the forums - and that post links back to here: LG/Zenith Codes

The decoded EFCs from that ccf file seem to match the "Master File" upgrade too - so chances are it will work
 

[1Click]

You guys are the bestest!

The Lafinion is a widescreen crt, still can't beat them for PQ in my opinion, especially for SD FTA tv here in Aus.

Jimdunn, that is the master file i am trying.

If that doesn't work I will try the other you linked to.

So I got the makehex NEC1 Device 4 file looking like it has the right hex codes, having crossed referenced some of them with the codes that 3FG linked to on RC.

I actually found it easier to do the following, instead of doing the alias route, as I still need to make up the new panels with buttons anyway to do that, it seems, I could be wrong, correct me if need be.

make a new device in ProntoEdit, then make new panels with appropriately named buttons(only 89 of them!), then copy and paste the hex code from the makehex file(cross referencing with the RM file) into the button in PE.

Then,

Open up remote SW, open Universal browser, open PE file, drag across required buttons.

The new buttons on the remote seem to save as 'learned' so that should work.

Now to test, will let you know the results.

Thanks again

[jimdunn]

The Lafinion is a widescreen crt, still can't beat them for PQ in my opinion, especially for SD FTA tv here in Aus.

[off-topic]
I used to think that about CRTs - but I'm happy to confess I'm thrilled with SD FTA on my LG 50" plasma - 50PQ6.
I was actually astonished how well it deals with crappy compressed SD like Foxtel/Austar Satellite (from the old decoders) -
and if you "upscale" it through a good DVD and HDMI it's close to superb, considering the limitations of what's essentially a 576i signal as received, with heavy compression.
(It also has 2 composite, 2 component, 3 HDMI, 1 RGB - for a whopping 8 inputs, heaven for a gadget freak like me - and plays DivX/Avi from any USB key/drive...)

That Lafinion does look like a nice unit, though - looking at pics/specs online
[/off-topic]

Back on topic - I don't think you'll need to worry about different protocols etc. after looking at the ccf 3FG linked - his search-fu beat mine hands down there
 

[1Click]

Hey Jim,

The first Master file worked a treat, thanks to you and everyone for your help.

But wait! There's More!

Pioneer DVDR-645HS

Using this, https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... le_id=7296

to produce a pioneermix hex output, when I put that through IRpanels I get this error,

Run-time Error '6'
Overflow,

Any suggestions?

I have tried CCF's off the pioneer site but all the soft buttons are mislabelled or don't work.

Thanks in Advace,

again [/code]

[jimdunn]

Sorry - I've never used "IRPanels" - so I don't know what could cause that.

Googling found a few posts referring to a Runtime error 5, like this one: http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/fo ... .cgi?17031
and this one: http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/fo ... cgi?796735

but only this for Runtime Error 6...
http://www.faultwire.com/solutions-appl ... *3079.html
suggesting that:

The input data was not properly formatted or has invalid characters

however much help that is...

[1Click]

mmmmmm, looks like I'll have to resort to 'learning' the codes, yawn!

cheers

[johnsfine]

IRPANELS has some bugs. Since we don't have source code, we can't diagnose or fix the bugs. Sometimes it doesn't like valid input. In some of those cases, I have made minor tweaks in the .irp file to make insignificant changes in the timing that makes IRPANELS work (and makes no difference to the actual device).

But I generally don't try that anymore because hex2ccf is a better program than IRPANELS.

If you are hitting cases where IRPANELS doesn't work, use HEX2CCF instead.

Notice HEX2CCF is a command line utility, like MakeHex. It is not a GUI, like IRPANELS.

[1Click]

righto thanks will give that a go,

[1Click]

Ok, cant get hex2ccf to work, where can I find info on using it? I've searched but can't find anything.,

If my hex file is 'pioneer2.hex' what do i need to write for the command prompt line?

And does Hex2CCF need to be put somewhere after downloading? It's just on my desktop at present.

Cheers

Edit; I worked out how to use it, codes still don't work though:(