I have questions about inputting hex codes I see on the Remote Central site into a remote control to create actual working, functioning ir commands. I am a newbie to this. My questions are...
1. What model remote, is the lowest priced remote that lets you load hex codes/ir commands into the remote?
2. In speaking with URC, they said because I am not a dealer the software needed to load in ir codes was not available to me. Is there any other way to load hex codes into a URC remote without the URC software?
3. Should I be using another remote other than a URC to be loading in hex codes? Once I have the command whatever remote I use I am going to transfer the command to a learning remote, therefore I don't care what remote I create the ir command on. Only consideration is price.
4. I see hex codes posted on the Remote Central site. What is the exact step by step process, and exactly what is needed other than the the proper remote to turn the long stream of numbers shown as hex codes into actual working, functioning ir commands on a remote control?

Thanks in Advance
Brian Phoenix

The hex codes at Remote Central are something of a throwback to the noughties when the Philips Pronto range of remote controls (also the Marantz, Onkyo, Yamaha alternatives) were available to all. Unfortunately the market has since changed, with the emphasis now being placed upon the professional integrator and little support (Harmony being an exception) being given to the enthusiastic DIYer - hence URC not allowing you their software.

If you're still interested in hex codes, I suggest you try obtaining a Pronto/Marantz (eBay?) and using ProntoEdit.

Check out the Pronto information under Features and the Pronto NG and Classic forums.

A JP1 remote will be your cheapest option by far for Hex codes. Load them in to the JP1 remote, then teach your URC (or replace the URC with JP1 entirely ;-) ).

JP1 remotes start at $3 on ebay. If you have cable TV, you probably already own one. You may also need a programming cable, depending on the model. Those are $8. Usually you don't even need to load the pronto hex (hence no cable), only to decode it. Then you simply enter a 5 digit number on the JP1 remote to send the signal for teaching purposes.

If you decide to go the JP1 route, post back, and I can give you the procedures.

To mdavej:
I have s jp1 remote. I will order the jp1 cable today 8/13/15. I will need help with procedure. Al I know is the cable hooks to the jp1 remote, and I assume the cable hooks to USB port on your laptop.. That's all I know. Thank you for your help.
Brian Phoenix

There are lots of different JP1 cables and remotes, and not all are compatible. Let's make sure you get the right one. Post your remote model or a link to a picture of it, and I'll tell you which cable. No matter what, don't buy from DIYGadget. We spend a lot of time in the JP1 forum troubleshooting their terrible cables.

Also be aware you may not even need a cable at all. If you post the device, I can probably tell you what codes to enter into the remote directly via the keypad that are equivalent to whatever pronto hex you've found.

I have a Time Warner UEI remote. The model number is 1056B01. There are 6 pins on the connector.

Brian Phoenix

Then get a JP1.3 cable. This is what I use:
[Link: ebay.com]

But as I said, you probably don't need a cable at all, depending on the codes. If you do get a cable, you'll need to learn how to use Remote Master and IRScrutinizer. See the JP1 Wiki to get started.
[Link: hifi-remote.com]

When you say I may not need a cable do you mean using advanced codes from hi fi remote website? I am already doing that. And if that is what you mean what is the benefit of using a jp1 cable?

Yes, that's what I mean. Cable lets you load hundreds of codes with the click of a mouse rather than entering each one on the keypad. Regardless, if you lean to use the above programs, you can access and create many more codes than you find with the Lookup Tool.

If you have only a few codes to enter, may as well save $8 and forego the cable. But some codes can only be loaded with a cable if the base setup code isn't built in.

I'll add to mdavej's comment about the need for a cable.  An Atlas 1056B01 can of course control a Yamaha receiver, but if you want to have the remote send a discrete power command for receivers made in the last 5 years or so, the Atlas can't do it by manual entry of advanced codes (also called EFCs).   Although the Atlas can easily send the NEC1 IR protocol that Yamaha mostly uses, it can't send IR signals which use device number 126.  But it is trivial to add an upgrade to the Atlas using a cable.  Similarly, the Atlas 1056B01 was designed before Samsung started using the Samsung36 IR protocol for some of their Blu-ray players.  A cable is needed to upgrade the remote to send those signals.

There are lots of examples like these; there are also many components which can be controlled using manually programmed EFCs.  It depends on which signals you'll need to send.

I do want to have the ability to get ir codes that are not available using the advanced code method so I do want to use the jp1 cable method. I am purchasing the jp1 cable you said I should get. My two questions are.....
1. Where do I find hex codes for discrete ir commands?
2. How do you load these hex codes into the remote to create an actual working ir command.? What is the EXACT process?

Thanks;

Brian Phoenix

1. They come from many places: Here, JP1 file section, manufacturer technical documents. They also come in many forms, so IRScrutinzer is critical. If you post what you're looking for, we can help you find it.

2. If you're starting with Hex, copy it, open IRScrutinizer and click "Paste and Scrutinize". That will yield the protocol, device, subdevice and function code (OBC) for entry into a new device upgrade in Remote Master. After adding the above data, add your new device to your current remote config in RMIR and download to your remote. To understand the process you need to learn how to use both programs and practice.

What's the model of URC remote lacking the software? Remotes like the mx-700 are going for under $30 on ebay, the nxg software here at RC will work:

[Link: files.remotecentral.com]

Hello Edmund;
Just to make sure I understand what you are saying, do you mean the following?... Two questions...

1. If I purchase a URC MX-700 remote, and hook it up to my laptop, then by using the NX-RM820 Editor software I downloaded from the Remote Central website I can customize my MX-700 remote, but most importantly I will be able to download ir commands including discrete commands I find on the Remote Central website into my MX-700 remote. Is this correct?

2. And because it is a URC remote I will not need the URC remote control software which I cannot get because I am not a dealer, and the NX-RM820 Editor software will work just fine with the URC-MX-700 remote. Is this all correct?

Thanks for the help!

Brian Phoenix

Yes to both questions, in the software, its the second from the last icon, the universal browser. Open it, open the hex box, paste the hex code you copied from RC, and then drag it to key. You can edit the name, save it, and download it to the mx-700. Other remote to look for is mx-800, RF version of the mx-700. The mx-850 are very hit and miss for keys no longer working.