I've been thinking about these wonderful UEIC remotes and trying to determine how they work and I think I've figured it out.

My guess is that a device code consists of a starting frequency and a field mapping. Advanced code 000 would be equal to the starting frequency and code 001 would be the starting freq plus one, with "one" being whatever the difference is between all the frequencies, code 002 would be plus 2, etc. Then each button on the remote would have a unique number, and the mapping would be something along the lines of

button 1 = start freq +3
button 2 = start freq +44
etc

You get the idea?

Because of the way certain equipment evolves, there are plenty of examples of hi-fi equipment that use frequencies from more than one range, so the device codes also have to include a reference to extension frequencies, however I believe that each device code (with a leading zero) is a set range of frequencies (covering 256 "slots").

If this theory is correct, then our next step should be to find some kind of IR reader that will tell us the actual frequencies given out by each of the device codes so we can deduce the range. We would also be able to determine if the codes are really in adv code order, or Original Button Code order.

Where does this get us? Well, once we have compiled a list of device codes and their frequencies, we should be able to find any missing code that's on your original remote, assuming that all ranges are covered by esiting device codes.

Say a button does not exist in the adv codes for your device, simply point the original remote at the IR reader and find out what freq of the signal is, then find a device code that has the right range and then find the adv code for the missing button.

Devices that are not covered by the remotes, such as the Raite DVD player, can be programmed the same way that we have programmed for the Apex DVD player, but we can deliberately find the codes rather than waiting for someone to experience cross-over with an existing device.

Does this make sense to anyone and does anyone know of an IR reader that can maybe be hooked up to a PC?

Rob.

I purchased a Pronto before getting into Cinema remotes. The ProntoEdit software that we use to program the pronto on our PCs will capture and display a representation of the IR codes.

The format used is fairly well documented, and has shed worlds of light on how all remotes work and how the IR signal system for remotes works.

If you want to confirm your thoughts about how the ONEforALL remotes, I suggest perusing the Pronto Forum in this site. Search for "IR code format" or something similar in that forum.

Dave

Thanks Dave. Could you shed a little light on how the Pronto works for me. What do you connect to the PC, is there a separate IR sensor or do you just connect the Pronto itself? If the IR sensor is separate, is it available for purchase by itself?

Do you still have both a Pronto and a Cinema 7? If so, could you do a little preliminary research to see if any of my ideas hold water. If they do I might consider going out and buying one, just so I can figure out all the OFA codes, and then either return it or sell it. Call me old fashioned, but I like buttons on my remotes!

Thanks again,
Rob.

The Pronto includes a cable that plugs into the Pronto 1/8" jack and into your PC with a 9 pin serial plug. The ProntoEdit software speaks to the Pronto via this serial port. Learning can be done stand alone with just the pronto or with the software using the hooked up pronto as receiver. It is only on the PC that you can view a hexidecimal readout of the learned code.

I still have and use a Pronto. My wife prefers the simply graphical layout I created when controlling the home theater setup. I prefer the Cinema7's buttons, but have to remember which button has what macro on it. No way to custom label the thing.

Barry Gordon is THE expert on IR codes, as far as I know. He has already done all the research and documentation you are just starting with. Look in the files area of the Pronto forum. He has posted his disertations there.

Dave
Dave

I have found Barry's document and it does make interesting reading. There are some Pronto's on eBay at the moment, I might see if I can get one at a reasonable price. Who knows, I might find OFA codes for devices like the Raite DVD player and ReplayTV.