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jeremybe
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Joined: March 15 2007
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| Posted: April 03 2007 at 10:15 | IP Logged
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I have all of my AV/Home Theatre equipment located in another room and controlled by a Universal Remotes MX3000 RF remote - I have an RF/IR blaster (RFX-150)that receives the MX3000's commands and then blasts it to the devices - What I would like to do is use my remote control to power on/of my Insteon lights (set up a scene)- I envision Powerhome triggering my insteon lights on/off in the family room - What I'm trying to figure out is how to extend the IR signal from one room to another and then have PH control the lights. I would have no problem running any type of cabling
Thansk for all of your help!
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smarty
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Joined: May 21 2006
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| Posted: April 04 2007 at 08:16 | IP Logged
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Jeremy,
The approach that I used during my new construction was to install a Xantech (780-10 J-box type) IR receiver in each room that feeds back to my utility room where PH is located.
All the IR recievers feed into a "connecting block" (either common or zoned block). From this block, small stick on IR emmitters or an RCA jacks can connect up to my USB-UIRT that P.H. can receieve IR signals from.
I took this a step further and also added an IR blaster (J-box type) to each room where I had any IR recieveing equipment. That way PH can also command these devices also.
For the record, I have 8 IR receievers (one for each room), and 4 blasters. There ARE other ways of doing this, but for new construction this fit well.
Hope this helps,
Steve
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nadler
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Joined: February 25 2006
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| Posted: April 04 2007 at 12:55 | IP Logged
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I've been searching for the ultimate IR for almost 2 years....and I'm still looking. I'm probably still looking because I've been trying to do it on the cheap for 2 years. A hardwired IR solution is always the best but can be very expensive for multiple rooms.
Here's what I did so far.
I used RS-232 from PH instead of IR to a Denon receiver and an automated speaker selector switch that has RS-232 connections. This works 100% of the time and works with PH So I am convinced that RS-232 is the way to go, when possible.
I use a USB-UIRT to interface with the PC and PH. This can both receive IR, blast IR and be connected to IR emitters in 2 zones (I don't zone it however). One IR emitter is connected through a long run in the basement to an inexpensive receiver that I run PC audio through.
I also have an insteon KPL in the kitchen which I use for audio control as well as insteon lights. It sends insteon commands to PH which then sends IR commands to the basement receiver (to change volume and mute for example). This is truly a poor man's touchscreen. I happen to like it and it works well.
I use a pair of powermids to wirelessly transmit IR signals from my harmony remote in the upstairs bedroom to the USB-UIRT on the main floor. In this way I can turn on/off insteon lights in the bedroom from the harmony remote. When it works, it works great. But in general, I am not happy with the powermids in that they seem to be subject to a lot of interference.
I just purchased (from Smarthome during its recent 20% off sale) a smarthpath (Speakercraft) IR kit. This is a hardwired IR solution which runs about $200/room. It will replace my wireless powermids when I find time to install it.
I am also waiting for Dave to complete the coding of the Global Cache as a controller in PH. This seems to be an interesting, more up-to-date IR solution with other benefits as well (RS-232, sensors). I've been trying to read up about it, but there is not much on it. It's also about $200 per room.
A lot of people use Ocelot. I'll let them report on their use of the Ocelot.
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smarty
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| Posted: April 04 2007 at 14:34 | IP Logged
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nadler wrote:
| .... This works 100% of the time and works with PH So I am convinced that RS-232 is the way to go, when possible. |
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I can't agree more!!!!
Based on one of my earlier posts, Dave mentioned the POSSIBILITY of having more than one usb-uirt to connect to PH. What that would give you is more zones, such that PH would know where (what room) the IR came from and could act accordingly (for my set-up, that will be a signficant enhancement). Good Luck.
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Elk - Insteon - BlueIris - DMC1 - PowerHome - XLobby - HA_Bridge w/Dots - Brultech
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Topic: IR Control OF Insteon Through PH
