Hi

I have used the S1175 device code for my Sky Plus PVR. The main problem I have with this is that I cannot find a way to have a power on and power off button. There is only one button that powers on and off. When I want to switch everything off using one button it does not always work. If the Sky Plus PVR is off when I use the "all off button" then it is switched on rather than off!

Should I leave my Arcam FMJ AV9 Processor/Pre Amplifier and FMJ P7 Power Amplifier on all the time? I was also told that when switching on it should be the source then amplifiers. When switching off it should be the other way round with the pre amplifier muted first.

I have or am about to have all of the following:

Remote Control Nevo SL
Pioneer Plasma PDP 506XDE
Arcam FMJ AV9
Arcam FMJ P7
Naim CDX2
Sky Plus PVR
Old Sony DVD Player
Focal JM Lab Alto Utopia Speakers
Focal JM Lab Sub Utopia
Focal JM Lab Center Utopia
4 Focal JM Lab SR 1000s

Does anyone have any tips on setting up the Nevo SL with the above components? I have found that some functions do not work unless I have a time delay when I have set things up for one button to start various components in sequence. In some cases I have a time delay of about 30 seconds. I also have a time delay between the other components and the amplifiers (in reality this may be the only time delay I use). What sort of time delay is recommended?

Sometimes the Arcam FMJ AV9 AV Processor does not start when I am using one button to start various components in sequence. Could it be that I am not pointing the Nevo SL in the right direction?

Any configuration files that could help me will be gratefully received!

Many thanks.

Sanwar

Sanwar,

As far as the cable or sat box is concerned, if it lacks discrete on and off codes, then just leave the box on all of the time and then no need to switch it. It is up to the manufacturer to decide if they employ "discrete" codes. However, just because they are not in the Nevo SL database, do not assume they don't exist. Look at the Pronto NG files area here for your sat or cable box and see if any of those listed have the discretes in their configs. If so, you will need to install the correct Pronto software on your PC, to download the config which has the discrete codes and then copy and past into NevoStudio.

As far as delays in a macro (or shortcut) yes, it is necessary to have some level of delay between every IR command, to allow the previous command to finish before the next one begins. The experimentation begins if the macro doesn't work well.

The Nevo SL uses milliseconds for the delay. The default is 500, which is 1/2 second and is usually plenty for basic input switching, powering on and off items, etc.

in macro building, I like to power things on first, then change inputs, etc., later. Some devices power up more slowly than others. If so, you need to get these slow Devices near the top of the list so there is time for it to do its thing. Many when "powering up" will not accept an IR command to change inputs, etc.

When macros are flakey, the first thing to look at is the delay. Start with 1000 milliseconds (1 sec) and work your way down until it develops problems, then go back slightly.

It is very rare when you need a 30 second delay for anything. If this is necessary, then you should think of another way to design around this challenge.

Unless your gear is unusual in the way it powers up and all of that, it is rare when a macro takes more than 5 seconds to complete.

One other trick. On some gear there may be a power on, off and standby. Make sure you are using the right ones. On Pioneer TV's for example, standby leaves the tv on just slightly, to accept IR commands. Power on and off may be the wrong codes to use in your macros.

Good luck - Dave

Dave

Workaround for Sky+ on/off in thread [Link: remotecentral.com]

Hi

Thank you so much for your advice on this. I have greatly reduced the delays I have in the macros. It still works ok! When I have time I will experiment with this and perhaps reduce the delays further. How long does it take for a typical Amp to switch on and off? I have the Arcam FMJ AV9 and P7 combination.

After my original post I actually found a solution to the Sky power on and power off problem on remote central. To switch on you use the SAT command in the macro. To switch off you use the SAT then Power command.

The guy who installed my system insists that you should switch the sources on first and then the A/V Processor and Amp. When switching off you should do this the other way round.

Another problem I have found is with the PC command for my Pioneer PDP 506XDE. I have used device code T1260 which overall seems to work fine. However, when I use the PC command on the Nevo SL it does not work.

Many thanks.

Sanwar