Re: USB IR receiver with existing IR remote?

On 08/22/17 20:11, Tom Dexter wrote:
> I have another thread going on the list around (apparent decoding)
> issues I'm running into moving from lirc_serial to serial_ir. Frankly,
> I'd sort of like to switch to a USB receiver, but I really want to use
> my existing remote if possible. I asked about this on the MythTV
> mailing list, but haven't had a reply yet. Looking to clarify a few
> things:
> 
> In older kernels I've been using the kernel's lirc_serial with a
> Philips TIVO34 remote, using this config (just with the old button
> names):
> 
> http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/philips/TIVO34
> 
> Should I be able to use that remote with that config via a USB IR
> receiver?

Yes. If the timings are imprecise (as Alec suggests), import your 
lircd.conf in IrScrutinizer, inspect, and export it again. That should 
replace any imprecise measuments with the theoretical values. If you 
need help, say so.

> From what I gather that seems to be the case. That is where
> the devices / drivers required for the specific IR receiver, and the
> actual remote used (and it's configuration) really aren't related. Is
> that in fact the case?

Yes.
> If so, I haven't found any really solid recommendations...though I see
> a lot of people using MCE IR receivers. It appears that there are many
> different manufacturers that sell what they refer to as MCE USB
> receivers. Are those all the same internally in that they'd be
> compatible with the kernel IR_MCEUSB?

Exactly what makes some receivers recognized (= creates a /dev/lirc* 
device) and some not I have still not learned. Possibly just some have 
drivers written for them? See 
http://kodi.wiki/view/List_of_MCE_remote_controls#HP_MCE_Remote

I have had good experiences with HP MCE Remote. Can also send (with two 
transmitters in the sense of Lirc), BUT for this you have to connect 
your own IR senders. Now discontinued, can be had from EBay for between 
10 and 20 EUR. It records everything (with modulation frequency around 
38kHz), not just MCE.

BTW, I drilled a hole in the housing, and cut threads with a thread 
cutter (1/4-20 UNC), and can now mount it on a camera tripod (like 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripod_(photography)#/media/File:Tabletop_tripod.jpg). 
Very practical...

As Alec says, also "generic IR recceivers" can be used. (Actually, 
strictly speaking the HP MCE is one such, just that it cannot record the 
modulation frequency). IMHO, the best one is my "toy": 
http://www.harctoolbox.org/arduino_nano.html but it requires some 
hardware skills to build. Use with the Lirc Girs driver. Also supports 
IrScrutinizer.


> Thanks in advance. I'd love to put serial ports in the same place as
> floppy disks here ;).

(Mis-) using the serial port  in this way (really as a primitive GPIO) 
was a terrible idea from the start...

Greetz,

Bengt

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most
engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot