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.TOPIC:
Contents
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IMPORTANT: WARNING
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
▌GENERAL INFORMATION▐ ▌ PROGRAM USAGE ▐
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
IRDC Description Command Line Args
ONE FOR ALL IRDC.INI File
Special Serial Cable Communication Ports
X-10 Powermid Keyboard Usage
Home Automation BBS' Problem Resolution
Help on Help! IRDQ.EXE
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
▌REGISTRATION INFORMATION▐ ▌ UPGRADE INFORMATION ▐
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
.TOPIC:
WARNING
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
ONE FOR ALL* Remote Controls are sensitive devices; using a
ONE FOR ALL Remote Control with a Special Serial Cable
connected to a PC Serial Port could alter the memory
contents of the Remote Control possibly rendering it
inoperable if the following precautions are not adhered to:
1) Ensure that the PC is powered-off.
2) Plug the Special Serial Cable into the PC Serial Port.
3) Plug the Special Serial Cable into the ONE-FOR-ALL Remote
Control.
4) Ensure that there are no loose connections.
5) Power on the PC and run the software.
6) VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT TOUCH ANY BUTTONS on the remote
control when using the software.
7) Do not disconnect the Special Serial Cable until the
PC is powered off.
The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or
consequential, which may result from the use of IRDC.
NOTES:
──────
∙ If you follow these precautions you should not encounter
any problems using your remote control with the software
or manually.
∙ If you physically press buttons on the keypad while the
software is communicating with the remote control strange
things can happen that could affect the operability of
your remote control. If the memory contents of your
remote control are altered then the only way to restore
it to normal operation is to have it reloaded by
Universal Electronics or a local Service Dealer.
─────
* ONE FOR ALL is a trademark of Universal Electronics.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
IRDC Description
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IRDC is a program that sends commands to a ONE FOR ALL*
Remote Control that instruct the remote control to emit
INFRA RED (I/R) signals. Essentially, IRDC emulates a
person pressing buttons on the remote control keypad. Any
button sequence that can be physically entered on the remote
control keypad can be emulated with the IRDC program
including setting the Device type. The range for the I/R
signals can easily be extended through the use of the
X-10 Powermid product.
IRDC is a DOS program that uses a simple point & click user
interface. (A Mouse though not required is highly
recommended). IRDC is designed to be robust software that
is processor speed independent. This program is shareware
and you are invited to evaluate it for 30 days. If you
continue to use the program after the 30 day evaluation
period you are asked to register it. The author retains all
rights to the program.
─────
* ONE FOR ALL is a trademark of Universal Electronics
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
ONE FOR ALL
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
┌───────┐ ┌───────┐
ONE │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ IRDC supports the ONE FOR ALL │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ ONE
FOR │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ 6 & 12. Models: URC-4000-2 & │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ FOR
ALL │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ URC-5000-2. │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ ALL
6 │▀ ▀ ▀ │ │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ 12
│▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ Models URC-4000-1 & URC-5000-2 │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│
│ ▀ ▀│ (1st generation) are not │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│
│▀ ▀ ▀│ currently supported. │ ▀ ▀│
│▀ ▀ ▀│ Quick Test: │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│
│▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ 4000-1 does not have CD button. │▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│
│▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ 5000-1 does not have SAT button.│▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│
└───────┘ See IRDC.DOC for details. └───────┘
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Special Serial Cable
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The Special Serial Cable connects to
┌───────┐ the external port (behind the battery
ONE │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ compartment) in the ONE FOR ALL remote
FOR │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ and to a standard PC CommPort. You can
ALL │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ order the cable directly from the author
Remote │▀ ▀ ▀ │ See:REGISTRATION INFORMATION ╔════════╗
Control│▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ ║ PC ║
│ ▀ ▀│ ║ ║
│▀ ▀ ▀│ ╚══╤══╤══╝
│▀ ▀ ▀│ Special Serial Cable █≡ ┌───┴──┴────┐
│▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│≡█──────────────────────────█≡ │││││ ══█══ │
│▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ 3 PIN 9 PIN █≡ └───────────┘
└───────┘ MALE PLUG FEMALE PLUG
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
X-10 Powermid
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
X-10 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ X-10
POWERMID ▄███▄ Radio Signals ▄███▄ POWERMID
TRANSMITTER▄███████▄ ─────> ▄███████▄RECEIVER
<---I/R Signals--->
╔════════╗ ┌───────┐
║ PC ║ ONE │▀ ▀ ▀ ▀│ ╔═════════════════╗
║ ║ FOR │ ▀ ▀│ ║ \ / ║
╚══╤══╤══╝ ALL │▀ ▀ ▀│ ║ TV ║
┌───┴──┴────┐≡▄ │▀ ▀ ▀│ ║ ║
│││││ ══█══ │≡█────█≡│▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ ║ / \ ║
└───────────┘≡▀CABLE │▄ ▄ ▄ ▄│ ╟─────────────────╢
└───────┘ ╚═════════════════╝
The X-10 Powermid product consists of 2 components;
1) a transmitter which receives I/R signals, converts
them to radio signals and sends them to:
2) a receiver which receives the radio signals and
translates them back to I/R signals which are
them transmitted to line-of-sight I/R devices.
This allows you to send I/R signals from your PC
running IRDC/IRDQ to virtually anywhere in your
home.
The X-10 Powermid can be purchased from any X-10
dealer.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Home Automation BBS'
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The following BBS's are primarily dedicated to Home Automation:
AUTOMATIC MANSION........................604-872-8407
BARAN-HARPER GROUP HOME AUTOMATION BBS...905-471-9574
(HC2000 Source) 905-471-6776
HOME AUTOMATION LABS.....................404-319-6227
There is also a Home Automation section within the Consumer
Electronics Forum (CEFORUM) on CompuServe.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Help On Help!
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Selecting a Help link:
══════════════════════
With a mouse - click on phrases outlined by two triangles.
With the keyboard - Press TAB or Shift-TAB to select a link.
Press ENTER to jump to that topic.
Scrolling the Help window:
══════════════════════════
With a mouse - click on the horizontal or vertical scroll
bars.
With the keyboard - press the cursor navigation keys.
Command Buttons:
════════════════
Use a mouse to click a button or press the letter
mentioned below.
Contents - displays a table of contents for the application's
Help. Press C to select Contents.
Search - opens a dialog box that lists all available Help
topics. Select a topic from the list box and press ENTER.
Press S to select Search.
Back - jumps to the last Help topic viewed. Press B to select
Back.
Exit - Closes the Help Window. Press X to select Exit.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
IRDC.INI File
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IRDC will look for an IRDC.INI file in the current
directory. All program parameters can be defined within
this file as well as Extended Remote Code definitions. Any
errors found within the IRDC.INI file will be reported and
the program will be terminated. IRDC will generate an IRDC
IRDC.INI file (or overwrite an existing IRDC.INI file) when
the 'Save' button on the Configuration panel is clicked.
Note that Command Line Args will ALWAYS OVERRIDE
conflicting parameters within the IRDC.INI file. A sample
IRDC.INI file, generated by IRDC, is shown below:
;
;IRDC.INI File Created: 10-02-1993 07:37:33
;
; All Lines prefixed with ; are ignored
; Program Options
; ---------------
; CommPort=1,2,3 OR 4 DEFAULT=1
; Model=6 or 12 DEFAULT=6
; BW=YES or NO DEFAULT=NO (Colour)
; WARNING=YES or NO DEFAULT=YES
;
Model=6
BW=NO
WARNING=YES
;
; User Defined CommPort
; ---------------------
; IRQ and Base_IO_Address apply to User Defined CommPort ONLY
;
; IRQ=1-15 DEFAULT=4; IF Base_IO_Address is set
; Base_IO_Address=nnnn(n) DEFAULT=1016; IF IRQ is set
;
; NOTE: The presence of either IRQ or Base_IO_Address in the
; INI file will enable the 'User Defined CommPort'
;
IRQ=4
Base_IO_Address=1016
;
; Extended Remote Codes
; ---------------------
;
; The codes applicable to your I/R devices can be found in your
; your ONE FOR ALL manual. These codes range from A10 - 78
;
CODE=TV,10,DISPLAY
CODE=TV,11,MTS
CODE=TV,12,PICTURE +
CODE=TV,13,PICTURE -
CODE=TV,14,SLEEP
CODE=TV,15,TV/VIDEO
CODE=TV,15,ANTENNA/AUX
CODE=TV,18,COLOUR UP
CODE=TV,19,COLOUR DOWN
CODE=TV,20,BRIGHT UP
CODE=TV,21,BRIGHT DOWN
CODE=TV,22,HUE UP
CODE=TV,23,HUE DOWN
CODE=TV,24,MATRIX/SURROUND
CODE=VCR,10,SLOW SRCH UP
CODE=VCR,11,SLOW SRCH DN
CODE=VCR,12,MENU
CODE=VCR,13,SELECT
CODE=VCR,14,ON SCREEN
CODE=VCR,15,CANCEL/SKIP
CODE=VCR,16,TIMER
;
; End of IRDC.INI (07:37:33)
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Command Line Args
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The following command line arguments can be entered in any
order:
/Annnn(n) ∙ Base I/O Address applicable to User Defined
CommPort (Must be specified as a decimal number)
If /I argument is present, but /A is not; then
Base I/O Address will default to 1016 (3F8 Hex).
/BW ∙ Use Black & White colours
/BW- ∙ Use Colour (You would only use this argument to
override an INI BW=YES)
/Cn ∙ COMMPORT where n = 1-4 (See Communication Ports)
/In ∙ IRQ applicable to User Defined CommPort where n=1-15
If /A argument is present, but /I is not; then IRQ
will default to 4.
/Mn ∙ MODEL where n = 6 or 12 (See ONE FOR ALL)
/NW ∙ Suppress the program reminder to read the WARNING
within Help (This command line argument is not
required if you have elected to forego the online
help by renaming or deleting IRDC.HLP).
/NW- ∙ Display Warning (You would only use this argument to
override an INI WARNING=NO)
/? ∙ Display Command Line Arguments
DEFAULTS: If the program is run without any command line
arguments it will default to COMMPORT 1,MODEL 6,
COLOUR DISPLAY & WARNING=YES. Note that
CommPort, Model & Display can be toggled from
within the program.
NOTES: COMMAND LINE OPTIONS OVERRIDE IRDC.INI SETTINGS
MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES OF THE SAME COMMAND LINE ARGUMENT
ARE ACCEPTED; THE LAST INSTANCE WILL BE USED BY IRDC.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Communication Ports
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IRDC supports "pseudo standard" CommPorts 1 thru 4 using the
following settings:
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
█ │ ├─ Base I/O Addr.──█ FOR PS/2 Settings
█ CommPort │ IRQ │ Decimal │ HEX. █ see PS/2 CommPorts
█──────────┼──────┼─────────┼────────█
█ 1 │ 4 │ 1016 │ 3F8 █
█ 2 │ 3 │ 760 │ 2F8 █
█ 3 │ 4 │ 1000 │ 3E8 █
█ 4 │ 3 │ 744 │ 2E8 █
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
If one of these CommPort settings matches your hardware
configuration simply use the /C command line argument with
the appropriate CommPort. The CommPort= IRDC.INI directive
can also be used. Note that if IRDC is run without the /I
(IRQ) or /A (Base I/O Address) Command Line arguments then
the 'User Defined CommPort' is "undefined" and cannot be
selected from the Configuration panel.
If your hardware configuration differs from the table above,
then can define your own CommPort;see User Defined CommPort
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
User Defined CommPort
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
You can define your own CommPort by using the /I and /A
command line arguments (or IRQ= & Base_IO_Address= IRDC.INI
file directives). IRQ can be set to any value between 1 and
15 (inclusive). Base I/O Address can be set to any value
greater than zero. CAUTION: your hardware may "lock up" if
incorrect settings are used. You should supply both
arguments (/A & /I), however, if you only supply one of the
arguments then the defaults applicable to CommPort 1 will
apply to the other argument. (eg. if only the /I5 argument
is supplied, then the /A argument defaults to 1016). If
either the /I or /A argument is supplied, then the 'User
Defined Commport' on the Configuration panel becomes
enabled.
The Program will accept any combination of /C,/I,/A command
line arguments and CommPort=,IRQ=,& Base_IO_Address=
IRDC.INI settings. The presence of any of the User Defined
CommPort parameters will enable the 'User Defined
CommPort'. However, the startup (or active) CommPort will
always be the last CommPort setting. For example, if IRQ=7
is defined in the INI file, but COMMPORT=3 is also defined
later on in the file, then CommPort 3 becomes the startup
CommPort. In the same scenario, if /A3220 is specified on
the Command Line, then the startup CommPort becomes the User
Defined CommPort where IRQ=7 and Base I/O Address=3220. The
CommPort is NOT opened until a remote keypad button is
'clicked'.
THE BASE I/O ADDRESS MUST BE SPECIFIED IN DECIMAL NOTATION.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
PS/2 CommPorts
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
█ PS/2 │ ├─ Base I/O Addr.──█ NOTE: A User Defined
█ CommPort │ IRQ │ Decimal │ HEX. █ CommPort must be
█──────────┼──────┼─────────┼────────█ used for PS/2
█ 1 │ 4 │ 1016 │ 3F8 █ CommPorts 3-8
█ 2 │ 3 │ 760 │ 2F8 █
█ 3 │ 3 │ 12832 │ 3220 █
█ 4 │ 3 │ 12840 │ 3228 █
█ 5 │ 3 │ 16928 │ 4220 █
█ 6 │ 3 │ 16936 │ 4228 █
█ 7 │ 3 │ 21024 │ 5220 █
█ 8 │ 3 │ 21032 │ 5228 █
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Keyboard Usage
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Use the TAB/Shift-TAB keys to move among the various remote
keypad buttons and the control buttons (eg. Configure, Help
& About). The Up/Down arrows can be used to move up and
down the Extended Remote Code List Boxes. Use the Space Bar
key to select the current List Box item, check/uncheck a
check box, or invoke a command button. (The Enter key can
also be used for all controls except the Extended Remote
Code list box; the space bar must be used.) The ESCAPE key
will exit the current function or the program if no other
windows are visible. The cursor keys can be used to navigate
within the keypad area; you can jump to adjacent buttons by
pressing the appropriate key. The program will jump over 1
blank row/button if an ajacent button is not present. The
following quick access keys are applicable when the
Configuration Panel IS NOT displayed:
Configure ∙ Alt-c
Help ∙ Alt-h
Exit ∙ Alt-x
Remote Codes ∙ Alt-d
The following quick access keys are applicable when the
Configuration Panel IS displayed:
Model ∙ Alt-m
CommPort ∙ Alt-p
Display ∙ Alt-d
Warning ∙ Alt-w
OK ∙ Alt-o
Save ∙ Alt-s
Cancel ∙ Alt-a
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Problem Resolution
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
The ONE FOR ALL remote control PC interface deploys a
relatively simple communications protocol and you should not
experience any problems provided that your special serial
cable is in good condition and there are no loose
connections. However, the timing of the serial
communications is very critical and there is not much
tolerance for even minor deviation. Any resident software
that tampers with the system clock could throw the serial
communications out of sync.
If IRDC does not appear to be working at all, then read
through the following checklist to confirm your
hardware/software setup:
1) Verify that your remote control is supported;
currently only the URC-4000-2 and URC-5000-2 are
supported. (See the ONE FOR ALL section for a quick
test to identify your model.)
2) Ensure that you are using the correct CommPort; click
on the Configuration button and verify that the active
CommPort is correct.
3) Ensure that the Special Serial Cable connections are
firm and that the cable is not bent or stretched; The
most likely cause is the 3-pin serial connector not being
seated properly in the external port of the ONE FOR ALL
remote. In some cases, it may appear to be properly
seated but in fact it is not. It may be necessary to
tape the connection to ensure that it is sound.
4) Ensure that memory resident software is not
conflicting with IRDC by booting your PC without any
Device Drivers or TSR's. (ie. use a stripped down
CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT).
If IRDC appears to be working but you run into a situation
where the LED on the remote control stays ON with an amber
colour and will not turn off, then communications between
the remote control and the software have been disrupted. The
most likely cause for this is a loose connection. The
remote control is in Serial Execution mode; power OFF your
PC, check cable connections, power ON your PC and reload
IRDC. Click on a remote button and the LED should flicker
amber, then green, then turn off. If your remote
consistently becomes stuck in Serial Execution mode, then it
is probably the result of a timing problem; please contact
the author in this case, adjustments can be made to the
software to work around this.
If the ONE FOR REMOTE becomes "unresponsive" to IRDC, it
could be because commands were sent to it while it was
executing a macro. This only applies to a ONE FOR ALL 12
which will not act on commands sent while it is executing a
macro; you should wait for the macro to complete before
sending more commands.
If your problems persist, then please report your problem to
the author who will attempt to resolve any problems you
encounter:
David Huras
37 Ruddell Crescent
Georgetown, Ont. L7G 5N4
CANADA
FAX: 905-873-6429
CIS: 72767,472
Internet: david.huras@canrem.com
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
IRDC is currently supplied as fully functioning software
without built-in delays or "nag" screens prompting you to
register. However, the program will timeout after 10
minutes. This limitation does not apply to the Registered
version.
A significant amount of time and effort went into this
program; please register the program if you intend to use it
beyond the 30 day evaluation period. The Registration Fee
is $25. You can also order the Special Serial Cable
directly from the author ($20). Registered Users will be
shipped a printed manual and a diskette containing the
Registered Version of the IRDC. Registered Users will also
receive IRDQ.EXE, a command line driven version of IRDC.
See IRDQ.EXE for further information.
You can register IRDC by using the CompuServe Shareware
Registration Service. The $25 USD registration fee will be
billed to your CIS account. GO SWREG, the Registration ID
for IRDC is #1449. You are assured that the latest version
of the software will be shipped within one business day when
you use the CompuServe Shareware Registration Service.
(Special Serial Cables must be ordered directly from the
author).
-=OR=-
Complete the REGISTRATION FORM contained in the REGISTER.FRM
file and send with your cheque/money order to:
David Huras
37 Ruddell Crescent
Georgetown, Ont. L7G 5N4
CANADA
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
UPGRADE INFORMATION
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║REGISTERED USERS of prior versions of IRDC can upgrade to the ║
║current version at ANY TIME by simply sending a diskette ║
║containing their registered version of the software to the ║
║author. ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
IRDQ.EXE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
When you register IRDC you will receive IRDQ as a BONUS
PROGRAM.
IRDQ is a command line driven version of IRDC that instructs
ONE FOR ALL remotes to emit I/R signals based on a button
name passed on the command line. Alternatively, it will
'press' a series of buttons that are contained within a file
when the filename is passed to IRDQ on the command line.
This means you can build "macros" by creating files of the
button names to be pressed. In addition, it means the
entire library of ONE FOR ALL I/R codes is at your disposal
because you can dynamically set the device type at anytime.
For example, you could build a button file containing the
following button names:
;
; IRDQ Button File - Turn on both TV's
; Note: lines prefixed with ";" are ignored
;
; Assign TV Code: 000 (Sony TV)
TV
A
B
C
0
0
0
; The Wait button name does not exist,but instructs
; IRDQ to wait for 1/2 second to allow the ONE FOR ALL
; remote to 'catch up'
Wait
; The SONY TV has an Extended Remote Code to turn the
; POWER ON use this code rather than the POWER button
; which is just a toggle
A
6
8
Wait
; Assign TV Code: 047 (GE TV)
TV
A
B
C
0
4
7
Wait
; The GE TV has an Extended Remote Code to turn the
; POWER ON use this code rather than the POWER button
; which is just a toggle
A
1
8
The end result being you can build a virtually unlimited
library of I/R signal sequences and generate them simply by
invoking a program from the DOS command prompt.
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────
.TOPIC:
Special Thanks
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Special Thanks to Jeff Sumberg & Doug Harper
───────────────────────<End of Topic>────────────────────────────────