Your Universal Remote Control Center
RemoteCentral.com
iPhone & WM Remote Apps Forum - View Post
Previous section Next section Up level
Up level
The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:

Login:
Pass:
 
 

Topic:
Help choosing a remote please
This thread has 5 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 06:43
Chris Morse
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2003
39
I have recently been looking at the Phillips TSU-6000 which had an excellent review....up until I started reading the reader reviews.
There was a chap there called Brian who suggested a cheaper alternative in a PDA that would give better performance (in some areas).
So I've been reading up on reviews but such as the iPaq H3950, but again when it gets to the reader reviews it's a mixed bag.
So could you help point me in the right direction:
I would like help choosing a colour PDA whose primary task will be as a remote. I currently have only 9 devices to control, 4 of which are on X-10 equipment. It would need about 2-3 meters range. And I would like to make my own ccf's pronto style maybe on a home computer and download it to the PDA.
Also I am in the UK.
Any help would be appreciated. I'm a bit bogged after reading reviews and would like to hear your thoughts on where I should go.
Thankyou
Chris
Post 2 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 07:59
Drewzel
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2002
61
Chris.....I too am in the UK.
I have decided to go the PDA route also. I am going to get the basic Dell Axim (£190-ish). Use TV Remote (free to download and try from pdawin.com....$15 to register. (up to version 5.5 now). If you find the IR range of the Axim limited then buy the PDA-ir device (from Laser.com in the UK....cost about £25.

I have the remote programme..... I am developing my CCF using Tonto (a CCF development programme)....just an alternative to ProntoEdit.....pending my purchase of the Axim. I use a HP Jornada to test the CCF each time I update it......the IR range is limited to a few feet but is ok for testing. You might find the IR range of a PDA is ok for your needs, though the Axim without the PDA-ir device has a particularly weak IR signal.

In my own opinion the Pronto Pro is grossly overpriced for what it is......the PDA route gives you so much more as well......a better quality screen for starters!! OK the solution is not perfect, but depending on which PDA you buy you can be up and running for less than half the price of a Pronto.

I rest my case.

Jordan Wigley, who you might notice posts often here has used an Axim, PDA-ir and TV remote software with no problems what-so-ever.

Have fun!!

Regards,

Andrew
Post 3 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 08:48
stricko
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2003
79
hi, I'm also in the UK and would simply echo everything Andrew has just said. I use a Compaq 3850 (I think) which works just fine with PDAWin and the EDV IR extender. The only caution I would raise is that the PDAWin/Electric Dog sites say something about needing a newer version of the IR Extender to work with the Axim. I don't know whether Laser is shipping the new version or stock of the original (i.e. not Axim compatible) model. I got mine from Laser and it works fine with my Ipaq. unfortunately I'm away from home so I can't check to see if it has any model information on the label.

Ergonomically, the EDV IR extender is not perfect, and I'm resigned to having to replace it every know and again if the light source gets broken off, but it's been fine so far.

As an alternative to the Axim, there are plenty of older model Ipaqs out there on ebay (some new and boxed).

I'd also recommend Tonto ahead of the ProntoEdit software. It doesn't have an emulator (that I'm aware of anyhow), but it's easy enough to download and run it on the PDA.

Have fun
OP | Post 4 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 09:02
Chris Morse
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
August 2003
39
Thanks for a good answer Andrew.
Befor writing I had visited the PDAWin site.
I had also seen the Dell Axim at dell.co.uk where you can buy the 300mhz version for £185.
The cradle/recharger which connects via DC (extra £25) .
Delivery on that is £9.50
And as you suggest the PDA-ir device for £27 + £5p+p)
Software about £10
Total: £261.50
This does seem a good deal considering the cheapest ProntoPro I found was on Ebay second hand for £500.
I own the original B&W 1MB Pronto which has done me proud but do want to go colour.
Thanks Andrew for your help, you have definatley given me something to think over.

Thanks as well Stricko, I have downloaded Tonto as well as the latest Pronto Edit.
Post 5 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 16:11
Drewzel
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2002
61
Chris, Stricko,

Laser is shipping the new Mark2 version of the PDA-ir unit. I bought the original mark1 version for my Jornada about a year ago now. I emailed them to ask if they would exchange it for the new version a few weeks back (the old one was not compatible with the Jornada so I had never used it)...and they exchanged it no problem.

I think all the new Pda-ir's are now of the Mark2 variety....but if i remember correctly the Laser site asks you for your model of PDA anyway so you should have no problem.

Regards,

Andrew
Post 6 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 16:19
Drewzel
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2002
61
Hello again,

I would also concur about "Tonto" over ProntoEdit. You can use the ProntoEdit emulator in Tonto (provrded you have both programs installed on your PC by setting it up in Preferences (on the "Files" menu). Look for the "Helpers" Tab in preferences and tell Tonto where to find your copy of ProntoEdit for the model of remote you wish to emulate.

Once set up, click on "utility" then "Launch Emulator" and Pronto edit will run. Select emulator in Pronto edit and "Bob's your Uncle".....

Regards Again,

Andrew


Jump to


Protected Feature Before you can reply to a message...
You must first register for a Remote Central user account - it's fast and free! Or, if you already have an account, please login now.

Please read the following: Unsolicited commercial advertisements are absolutely not permitted on this forum. Other private buy & sell messages should be posted to our Marketplace. For information on how to advertise your service or product click here. Remote Central reserves the right to remove or modify any post that is deemed inappropriate.

Hosting Services by ipHouse