New X10 RF/IR PC Remote Control. - Page 2

bradaland · 12-29-2003, 07:40 PM

I have been using my One Box for a few days now, still haven't received my X10 remote yet either Blicky, I am same deal as you, ordered somewhere around 17th, My Paypal was charged, but no remote, no tracking number, nothing!! I ordered from HomeTheaterComputer.net. How 'bout you?
I waiting to do a side by side to see. So far I can say that the One Box is quite limited considering it's being used in a car. You really need HotKeysXP to map the keys to work functionally, and not all of them are recognizable. So Far, it's a great volume control, up and down arrow, and escape key. Too bad X10 doesn't make a credit card sized or key chain sized remote with basic functions.... Let's see how X10 weighs in.....

mike74 · 12-29-2003, 07:55 PM

Hi all,

There was a hold up, partially due to the holiday, and partially due to my want to have the software in the box for you.

bradaland and Defiler... your remotes are already on their way. ucidave, your remote is packed and ready to go tomorrow.

Sorry for the delay.

Sway · 12-29-2003, 08:12 PM

this one is a little cheaper
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=50586

Defiler · 12-30-2003, 09:40 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sway

this one is a little cheaper
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=50586

Sorry, but I don't believe that has the same capabilities as the one being discussed in this thread...

-al- · 12-31-2003, 09:46 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Defiler

Sorry, but I don't believe that has the same capabilities as the one being discussed in this thread...

Thats exactly the one I asked about a few posts back...so why WOULDN'T that ebay one work for us? It looks to do everything required.

mike74 · 12-31-2003, 11:42 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by -al-

Thats exactly the one I asked about a few posts back...so why WOULDN'T that ebay one work for us? It looks to do everything required.

The remote (on ebay) likely will do much of what you want. The base technology is the same. However, there are several notable differences.

I am struck by the fact that there is no PC button on the remote. I'm not entirely sure how you tell this remote to operate in PC control mode. Unless that is the purpose of the AUDIO button, which would make sense given the histories of the remotes as I have been told by X10.

There is no mouse pad on this remote. That may not seem a big deal, but the mouse pad is a nice feature. There may be times that the remote just won't cut it, and you'll need to use a mouse, if just to execute one action. With this remote, you'll need to reach to the coffee table and grab the mouse.

The transceiver is RS232 serial. Many PCs only have one serial port available these days, so if you use a serial channel changing device or IR blaster, you will need a second port. Most mobos have a header for additional ports, but if your mobo didn't come with an addon bracket, you'll have to purchase one. Probably about $10 once price and shipping is figured in.

There is no learning feature on this remote. If you have an IR device that is unsupported in the built in code base, then you will not be able to train this remote to work with that device.

Software support is little for all of these remotes. X10 never produced any configuration software for these remotes. The Boom2000 software is all they have. You can use Girder which for newcomers is a bit challenging, and Girder is now a $20 application. The X10 remote I offer comes with software to configure the remote. A great amount of time has been spent to make the software as simple and intuitive as possible.

NightHunter · 01-02-2004, 11:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Defiler

Saw this over on the HTPCNews forums. A new X10 remote (yes I know they filed for bankruptcy) that is RF as well as IR. It can learn other remotes too. Perfect for HTPCs and could work well for carputers AND Headunits that have remotes too.

HERE is the link to the only place (I know of) you can buy it. $40 shipped. Not bad IMHO. I ordered one for the HTPC I'm building.

Also HERE is a link to a thread on the myHTPC forums that talks about it.

Enjoy!!!

Excellent Find, I was just looking for a RF USB Remote. I allmost went with the ATI but it was IR. I need it to be RF and USB since my touchscreen takes the Serial port. I wanted RF for the obvious reason that I want the reciever out of sight and I dont want to have to worry about pointing it at a reciever as well. I will probably order one of these in the near future, unless I can ebay one of these babies.

Jackso · 01-02-2004, 12:05 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by NightHunter

I allmost went with the ATI but it was IR. I need it to be RF and USB since my touchscreen takes the Serial port. I wanted RF for the obvious reason that I want the reciever out of sight and I dont want to have to worry about pointing it at a reciever as well.

The ATI Remote Wonder is NOT IR, it IS RF. It is also USB. If you're using an ATI tv tuner I would suggest the ATI remote as it handles all of the tv tuner functions. Otherwise, this remote seems to be very good also. As a side note, I'm not sure what battery life is like with other RF remotes, but my ATI is using the same batteries I originally installed over a year ago. Some distance loss since then, but it still works within a reasonable radius.

mike74 · 01-02-2004, 12:54 PM

NightHunter,

If you ebay it, it would be mine. I have put a few on ebay as well. At present I am the only source for this model of the remote. The technology is the same as the Remote Wonder. There are a few differences in some of the button codes sent, but essentially the RF technology is identical.

Jackso,

The battery life of this remote is just as long as the RW.

The major benefit of this remote over the RW is that it is also a universal IR remote with learning capability for your TV, stereo, etc... as well as RF for your PC and of course it controls X10 automation equipment as well.

The software we have developed also makes it very easy to configure new applications for use with the remote, and we are building a collection of configurations for applications that can be imported into the each users database to support more programs without any configuration on the user's part. There have been some issues with installation of the software on Win2K systems. If you experience any problems with the software install or operation, please visit our forum at http://www.hometheatercomputer.net/forum for help or to report any issues.

ucidave · 01-02-2004, 04:00 PM

I received it. They included it in a nice box. And some additional software, as promised... It has ac3filter, audacity, cdex, dscaler, ffdshow, gordian knot, media player classic, stationripper, virtualdub as additional software.

the other cd has the drivers, the premove manager, trivia slides, x10.

I haven't tried it out yet, because the remote needs 4 aaa batteries, but in all it feels very nice. not as tactile as lets say... a $200 sony remote but has a nice shimmery paintjob to it.

I'll post more once i get the batteries...

NightHunter · 01-02-2004, 05:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jackso

The ATI Remote Wonder is NOT IR, it IS RF. It is also USB. If you're using an ATI tv tuner I would suggest the ATI remote as it handles all of the tv tuner functions. Otherwise, this remote seems to be very good also. As a side note, I'm not sure what battery life is like with other RF remotes, but my ATI is using the same batteries I originally installed over a year ago. Some distance loss since then, but it still works within a reasonable radius.

Your right thanks. I guess I read it too fast. I am just looking for cheap now I guess. I dont know how usefull this remote will be for me, I dont use Mediaengine or MediaCar. I carbox software so it doesnt even use keyboard shortcuts yet. But maybe I can setup macros with girder or something. Who knows. Anyway thanks.

bradaland · 01-03-2004, 04:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by blicky_1

Let us know how you get on!!!

Hi All!
Okay, i got my X10 remote, installed the software and started configuring it to open and control regularly used keys in my programs.

I tested it against the OneBox remote, and there is no comparison. The X10 is a million time more configurable, and more straight forward.

I'm returning my OneBox remote. It's nothing compared to the extras you get with X10. Good job Mike74!

mike74 · 01-03-2004, 04:30 PM

Very happy that you are happy with your remote, Brad. Let us know over at the hometheatercomputer.net forums if you have any issues or feature requests for the software.

Thanks,

Mike

Defiler · 01-03-2004, 09:37 PM

Got mine the other day. Very impressed with the quality of the remote. I like the bronze look to it as well. Different than most others I've seen. One gripe about the software. It installed fine but when I click to add a program I get the window, I name it then click OK and it crashes. BTW I have not spent any time trying to figure out the answer or searched for an answer at this point so it may be an easy fix.

Other than that, I have my TV, and VCR/DVD combo working perfectly with the remote. I hope to get some lamp modules so I can control them as well. Mike I will be checking your site for answeres on the software soon.

mike74 · 01-03-2004, 11:22 PM

Defiler,

Yes, there is a fix for the software. The software did have problems on some systems, but we're pretty sure we've gotten it worked out. Visit at the forum for the link to the fix.