? PC driven universal remote?

[wejones]

Hi, I wasn't sure which forum category this would best fit in, but here goes.
Well yesterday, I tried to set up my my new 90cm dish/SG2100 motorized system. I say "tried", because while it is working, I have a problem with the pole, in that I mounted the pole using 10 yr old concrete, which had been exposed to some moisture, and it didn't work, so it's not much different from being mounted in sand, Ie the pole moves back and forth WAY too much. I was so determined to test the thing though, that I leaned a couple rocks up against the pole to stabilize it, and it works fairly well, although I'm afraid to run the motor too far.
However, I ran into another problem, in that I have this new dish hooked up to my Fortec Lifetime, and my BUD is connected to my Lifetime ULTRA. Both these receivers are in another room, driven by one of those little RS Pyramid IR extenders. The problem is, that although the Lifetime doesn't respond to the Ultra remote, the ULTRA responds to the Lifetime remote. So for me to use these things, I have to go downstairs and cover up the front of the ULTRA while I'm using the Lifetime. Kind of destroys the concept of a "remote".

Well, what I'm curious about, is several years ago, I remember seeing a device which was basically a universal remote that could be triggered from a computer. Ie a module you plug into a computer, that allows you to send remote commands out through one of those little IR sender units connected to the computer. I seem to remember that these units were pretty expensive, so maybe they didn't get enough people buying them, and they stopped making them, but I was wondering if anyone here knows of any such device available now??

The only other option I can think of, is for me to use a different brand IR extender for the Ultra, ie one that works via UHF instead of IR perhaps (I actually may have one of these in my junk pile). But I'd really rather have one receiver controlled by a computer if possible.

Anyone know of any PC controlled IR remote modules?

Thanks.

[radiobob]

Bill:

Here's one possibility:

http://www.innotechsystems.com/spitfire.htm

Looks like the Innotech Spitfire will do what you're looking for, but it ain't cheap at about $150.

Good luck,
Bob

[wejones]

Originally Posted by radiobob

Bill:

Here's one possibility:

http://www.innotechsystems.com/spitfire.htm

Looks like the Innotech Spitfire will do what you're looking for, but it ain't cheap at about $150.

Good luck,
Bob

Thanks. That may be the one I remember seeing a few years ago, but I hadn't been able to find it again. It is pretty expensive though. Not sure I can convince my wife that it is worth that much to avoid walking downstairs. I may try to figure something else out, but at least I know I can fall back on this Spitfire thing if I fail.
Thanks.

[BKP]

Originally Posted by wejones

Thanks. That may be the one I remember seeing a few years ago, but I hadn't been able to find it again. It is pretty expensive though. Not sure I can convince my wife that it is worth that much to avoid walking downstairs. I may try to figure something else out, but at least I know I can fall back on this Spitfire thing if I fail.
Thanks.

Just keep asking the wife to go down with the remote.. She'll get tired of you asking after awhile, Hahaha..

What a bummer.. You'll have to reset that pole..

[revx]

this might be helpful for your situation... it's a product called AVCast from Crossbarmedia. It uses the 'unused' portion of your coax to xmit the IR commands thru the wires. It's main use is to create your own media network in your home, but the IR functions are outstanding. i've used these at my house for years and had very good results. and it does come with the little stick on xmitters so you can 'isolate' where the signal goes. hope it helps!
reVx

http://www.crossbarmedia.com/html/media_kit.html