I want to learn about hex codes,.. basically how to download them onto a remote from the computer. Also I read on this site that the codes can not be downloaded directly. You must do something to them. What, I don't know. I want to have the ability to download discrete on off codes, and discrete source select codes to create accurate macros. I do know that not all devices have available discrete codes. Also, what remote do you need to do this with? Can someone tell me where can I go to in order to learn all about this subject. Thanks in advance.

Steve Kovacs

You would need a PC programmable remote. The main companies that installers use would be URC and RTI. There are also much more sophisticated and comprehensive solutions from "Control System" manufacturers such as Crestron, Control4, Savant etc that will do the same thing (and a lot more).

If you were using a URC remote for example, within the software (that you obtain legally as a dealer) there is a function that allows you to literally paste hex code into a button. I'm simplifying it a little but that is all there really is to it. RTI has something similar.

From there you would do any other programming required and load to the remote.

Thanks for the quick response. Could you explain what you mean when you say...
"If you were using a URC remote for example, within the software (that you obtain legally as a dealer)". Does this mean because I am not a dealer I can not access these discrete codes.

Also, are there other places to download discrete coded from?

Infrared Codes are pretty complex, Here is a link that breaks down a code

[Link: hifi-remote.com]

There are many programs to decipher, decode, convert, create, change and so on.Here is a link to some programs

[Link: files.remotecentral.com]

it means that unless your a dealer (as in the example) you can 't get the software, which in turn means that having the codes is useless as you still can't program the remote.
FYI, most of the software that would be used to program most manufactures remotes also includes a data base that would have 1000's of discrete codes. So unless you have some odd ball product or a complete POS to deal with, the codes would most likely be available thru the proper software.

Does this mean if I bought a URC remote I could only download codes from the URC database, or could I download from other databases?

Also, is it as simple as downloading to the remote, or do you have to do any converting or math work on the code?

Again thanks for the help.

It means if you aren't a dealer, then you don't get the software to edit the programming.

But, lets cut to the point. What remote do you have and what are you trying to do?

.I want to download discrete codes to ANY remote that will do allow me to do that. Then I want to learn those discrete codes into my URC RF 20 remotes.

You can't do that. The RF20 can only be programmed with its built in codes or by pointing a remote at it and having it learn the codes from the other remote.

To work with hex codes requires one of th MX or TC models. Those remotes are programmed through professional software that allows you to customize each button, and paste in hex codes into the editor.

Can I paste only codes into the remote from the manufacturer's database?

CEDIA is coming up, plenty of programming classes...

In order to teach your RF 20 some other codes that are available online in hex format, you would have to get the URC CCP software, and a URC computer programmable remote. You could then simply take the hex codes available online and paste them into the CCP software. This could be a hex code from anywhere online, not just a specific database. The only requirement (obviously) would be that the code actually does something on the device you are trying to control.

Once you have pasted the hex code into the software, you'd assign that code to a button on the computer programmable remote that you have. You'd download the code, and then use that remote to teach your RF 20 the code.

So from the sounds of it, you're missing two vital pieces of the puzzle at the moment: the URC CCP software, and a URC computer programmable remote.

Another alternative is if you buy a cheap Logitech Harmony remote online, I have heard that if you call up Logitech support and provide them with a hex code, they can add it into your remote's profile so that you could then use that remote to teach your RF 20 the codes.

Since you have the RF20, just forget that you've ever heard of Hex codes. You can't do anything with Hex codes. You can't cut and paste anything to the RF20.

 Pick up an old pronto remote from ebay.  Download the prontoedit software from this website, then you can use the pronto remote to teach the hex codes to any learning remote.   

He is not trying to import the hex codes directly to the RF20. He stated that he wants to import hex codes to another remote, and then learn those codes to the RF20 remotes that he has.