USB-UIRT Won't Learn RCA Scenium Codes

[0tisFrump]

I have an RCA Scenium DLP HDTV that I want to control with the USB-UIRT and Homeseer. When I try to learn the codes in Homeseer, it accepts the first button press but not the confirmation press; the LED on the USB-UIRT doesn't light up the second time. I tried using lrnhelper but get the same effect; it accepts the first key press but I can't get it to do anything for the confirmation key press. I tried switching remotes and used my Pronto TSU7000 to learn the codes into the USB-UIRT but had the same problem. The Pronto and the RCA remotes both work with the TV when used directly; am I missing something with the USB-UIRT learning process? Thanks in advance.

Alan Whitney

[jrhees]

Alan,

What's happening here is this:

In Homeseer, a 'learn' actually learns TWO codes -- it a) performs a full IR 'learn' which captures the IR stream so that you can later transmit it, and b) it learns the IR 'event' so that Homeseer can do IR matching on the code if you choose to use it as an event trigger.

While learning, the 'Confirm' dialog and remote-button-press are for the IR matching learn, which uses the normal long-range IR receiver. It appears that your Scenium remote uses 56KHz which the standard USB-UIRT's long-range receiver cannot see.

The workaround is simple -- since you are not planning on using these learned codes for IR match triggers (you simply want HS to transmit them), when you get asked to 'Confirm', grab any other remote and press any button that will work.

-Jon

[0tisFrump]

Jon,

Thanks again, that solved the learning problem.

Alan

[0tisFrump]

Jon,

Well, I'm finding that there may still be a problem. I did as you suggested; used the RCA remote to learn the key and another remote to confirm. You had mentioned that "confirm" was used to learn the "event" so Homeseer can use the IR receivedm as a trigger. This is what I need to do (receive XX IR command through the USB-UIRT, trigger an IR command to be sent back out from a Homeseer event.) Your response said the standard USB-UIRTs can't see a 56K signal. My USB-UIRT is only a few months old; is there a way to tell if this one has the 56k receiver as I can't remember what I ordered? If it doesn't have the 56k receiver, is there a way to upgrade or do I need to buy a new model?

Thanks,
Alan

[jrhees]

56KHz models are part number USBUIRT0056 (look on the label).

-Jon

[0tisFrump]

Jon,

My label ends in 38 so I don't have the 56kHz model. Is my model upgradable or do I need to buy a new 56kHz one?

Alan

[jrhees]

Alan,

Your options are:

1. Choose another remote to trigger HS (a non 56KHz based one)
or
2. Send your unit back and I'll upgrade it
or
3. Purchase a 56KHz one.

What you are trying to do concerns me a bit, however. Hopefully you're not trying to use the USB-UIRT / HS as an 'IR' translator (ie having HS receive one code and immediately transmit another). While this will work, it never works all that well since the USB-UIRT will not receive and transmit at the same time, so each IR code that HS must transmit must wait for the received IR from your remote to finish, etc.

-Jon

[0tisFrump]

Jon,

I will probably purchase a new 56k model as having the IR part of my HS system down for any length of time will lead to problems with members of my family having to unlearn the operation they just got used to.

As to its usage, what I am doing is using the USB-UIRT and HS to manage all the functions that may be needed for a variety of events. For example, if a phone call comes in, I have HS/UIRT send out commands that will pause the Windows Media Center TV, and announce the CallerID info (as well as reversing the process after the call is over.) The reason I need the RCA TV functions is for when we want to watch a movie/DVD. I need to switch the sound to my amp and mute the RCA internal sound, otherwise I get an echo. So I don't think I'm trying to receive an IR signal and have it retransmit for most of my events,

Thanks for all your help and advice,

Alan