Stick with JP1 or ??? Advice requested...

varaonaid · Post by **varaonaid** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 3:54 pm

Hello,

I've been a JP1 user now for several years. I have a standard original JP1 cable with parallel port interface and I use it with my RadioShack 15-2117 JP1 remote. I use this with a rather old desktop computer, and I recently realized that the JP1 interface is the only reason I'm using that desktop computer anymore. Seems like a lot of space to take up for something to program my remote.

So I guess I have a couple questions for you guys.

My laptop runs 64-bit Windows 7 and am curious, if I can use the JP1 programs, interface, etc. I'd obviously need a different type of JP1 cable, and I was also wondering if you know anyone who can convert a parallel JP1 cable to a USB JP1 cable.

Please don't flame me for this question, but I'm curious if JP1 remote hacking is still as relevant as it used to be. Personally, I've noticed my remote, getting more and more full of codes I'd have to create as I've upgraded components over the years. If you were me, would you invest in the JP1 USB cable or would you look at a different unified remote system. If so, what and why. Perhaps I'm mistaken or uninformed, but it seems that over the last few years, there are less and less JP1 compatible remotes being manufactured. And the newer versions of JP1, have made things even more confusing for me.

I'd love to hear any advice and opinions that you have, but I also don't mind links for additional information that I may have missed in my searches.

Thanks so much in advance, I look forward to your replies.

Post by **The Robman** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 4:48 pm

You can't convert a parallel cable into a USB cable, so you would need to get a new cable if your main computer doesn't have a parallel port.

We are very close to finalizing a new driver program that would let you use an EEPROM based JP1 USB cable on a 64-bit version of Windows (Vista and Win7).

If you wanted to do it today, you would have to buy a flash based JP1 USB cable and a special adapter that Tommy now sells, but the combined price is $53 (shipped).

Radio Shack and One For All still sell JP1 compatible remotes, but you are right that they're not making as many as they used to.

Seeing as how you already have a perfectly good remote in your 15-2117, I would just get a new cable and stick with it. Sure, as new devices come out you'll have to add upgrades, but as long as you delete the upgrades for the devices that you're no longer using, you should have plenty of memory for it.

Just FYI, every so often I get sent a new remote to try out, and so far, none of them have made me give up my 15-1994.

varaonaid · Post by **varaonaid** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 5:02 pm

Thanks for the response, Rob. I really appreciate it.

Once the new driver program comes out, would just the standard USB cable suffice? If so, how much would that lower the cost? Also, I suppose I could "borrow" my husband's laptop which is 32-bit and use it instead but I'm curious if the same cable would eventually be able to be used with my 64-bit Win 7 once the new driver program is completed?

Again, thanks so much for the reply!

All the best,
Rae

Post by **The Robman** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 5:16 pm

Yes, we're trying to get standard "EEPROM based" USB cables working with 64-bit systems. Delcom decided not to make any new drivers, so we've been left to try and do it ourselves, and fortunately one of our members (3FG) has the skills to make it happen.

However, if you want the maximum flexibility, you should get the flash cable plus adapter, because if your 15-2117 does eventually die, any new JP1 remote that you're likely to buy is going to be flash based. Having the cable/adapter combo means that you can use the same cable for both EEPROM based remotes like your 15-2117 and the current flash based remotes.

Tommy doesn't sell USB cables anymore for EEPROM based remotes, but DIYGadget does, his price is $32 but I'm not sure if that includes shipping or not.

http://www.diygadget.com/jp1-1-1-1-2-1- ... cable.html

jeajea · Post by **jeajea** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 6:18 pm

If you don’t need to control more than five devices and don’t need a learning remote I suggest you buy a new Atlas OCAP (1056) backlit remote (less than $20 shipped "buy it now" eBay) and Tommy Tyler’s USB to JP1.2/1.3 cable ($34) shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0171086859

If you need more than five devices or a learning remote you can get the 10820N for around $20 shipped from Amazon.com. However the 10820N doesn’t have a backlight and doesn’t have as many buttons as the Atlas. The 10820N also uses the JP1.2/1.3 cable.

varaonaid · Post by **varaonaid** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 9:49 am

Thanks for the information. That makes sense about the cable with the adapter. Is the info on where to order from Tommy somewhere on the site?

Also, thanks for the info re: the Atlas. We had a similar one when we used to have cable and it worked quite well, except that it was older and wouldn't support macros. So I'll definitely check it out.

Again, many thanks to both of you!

All the best,
Rae

Post by **The Robman** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:08 am

Yes, Tommy's thread is the first thread in the Market Place forum:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9405

varaonaid · Post by **varaonaid** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:08 pm

Thanks so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to post it for me!