Verrrry interesting. B4S is X-10's "Grantee Code".

The UR84A (AKA RemoteWonder) uses 433.92MHz while the D930 uses 418MHz.

The European version of X-10's Powermid uses 433.92MHz.

So obviously the D930 cannot be used withe the UR84A. But the D930 does receive from the 7000. What is the input receive frequency of the Pronto extender?

All RF capable Prontos and their extenders sold in N. America use 418MHz as has already been stated both in this thread, in other threads, as well as in the app notes I referenced.

Thanks Dave, sorry for not looking up the Pronto frequency.
But it appears that this is why the D930 works well as an RF extender, and may not be used to program the pronto with RemoteWonder codes. It would also close the door on using the 7000 to control the RemoteWonder USB interface receiver and it does not transmit on 433MHz.

So in conclusion, it won't work with the 7000.

The 433.92MHz RU950, RU970, RU980, RC5200, RC5400, RC9200 & Onkyo CHAD should be able to communicate with the RemoteWonder USB interface.

The 433.92MHz TSU3000, TSU6000, TSU7000 & Onkyo CHAD will not be able to control the RemoteWonder USB interface.

You can build an RF2RF converter.

[Link: mbx-usa.com]

There is one more option if you can get someone in Europe to learn the codes.

The European battery powered Powermid uses 433.92MHz.

Ramsey Electronics sells an IR2RF/RF2IR extender that uses 433MHz (probably 433.92). The units are available as separates.

[Link: ramseyelectronics.com]

You could send the codes as IR to either of these units which would repeat as 433.92MHz.

It seems that if one could obtain a pair of Powermid devices, both ends, that operate at 433.92, the problem could be solved for both programming and operation. You could probably also use the IR receiver/RF transmitter unit to operate X10 equipment.

But how do you buy one at 433. For example this link
[Link: mytvstore.com]
doesn't specify the frequency.

Dave thanks for these ideas. I also have a question on codegen, but later for that.

You would have to order the new battery powered Powermid pair from a European dealer.

The Ramsey device I cited also has a matching RF2IR model but they are somewhat pricey.

Considering the remote wonder is only $40, maybe there is a better way to control a PC or MAC. Do you know of any IR based USB controllers where some of the codes might be known, or perhaps an alternative RF/USB or serial device?

On the 433 Powermid devices, of course they are all 230V wall plug. I like your Ramsey device, but I think one has to contstruct it. I am not sure how steady my solder hand is anymor.

The RF2RF converter is very interesting and fairly inexpensive. I suppose you would propose to use the RWS-418 418 MHz receiver and the TWS-433 transmitter. Do you know if the bandwidth is sufficient, and what do you do with the Linear output of PIN 3? Would you load it? How tricky is the layout for RF? Bypass caps, etc, stable 5V supply, recommendation?

You are very creative.

This message was edited by Ti-maniac on 04/17/04 00:28.

If all you're doing is trying to do is control a PC via the Pronto, then why not just buy an IR-based PC remote to start with? I've reviewed the Streamzap and the iMON, both should perform just as well at the Remote Wonder... (although I do have a review of the Remote Wonder II coming up).

USB-UIRT is a two-way IR device. It can learn/send codes as CCF. I'm not sure there is any dedicated off-the-shelf software for it but it works with things like IRAssistant and Girder for controlling something.


What part of "new, battery powered" did you miss?

The RF2RF converter is very interesting and fairly
inexpensive. I suppose you would propose to use
the RWS-418 418 MHz receiver and the TWS-433 transmitter.
Do you know if the bandwidth is sufficient, and
what do you do with the Linear output of PIN 3?
Would you load it? How tricky is the layout
for RF? Bypass caps, etc, stable 5V supply, recommendation?

Most of the sites listed under RF Module Suppliers have datasheets. You don't need to do anything with the linear output - it's an audio frequency signal. All the RF (except the antennae) is on the modules. The interconnections are Vcc, GND, and audio frequency DATA so layout is not critical. Buy a +5V regulated wall transformer from Jameco or use batteries.


This message was edited by Dave Houston on 04/17/04 06:23.

Heh, believe it... and this, direct from ATI too! Are you *sure* it's illegal?

At one time I purchased this keyspan remote but I couldn't get it to work at all on my MAC back then in the system 9 days. Perhaps it has improved. Has there been any improvement in this product? This might in principal provide yet another alternative to this issue.

Dave, thanks for the clarification on the 'new, battery powered', I am going to look again for eurpoean models. The ATI has the codes which work well.

This message was edited by Ti-maniac on 04/17/04 11:16.

After a closer look, I think it's only the RF2IR (receiver) half that is battery powered. It looks as if the IR2RF (transmitter) half is still mains powered.

[Link: x-10europe.com]

I know, I have been looking all over the internet for the transmitter. In fact, I am unable to find a place to even purchase the receiver in europe, but haven't finished my searching.

It seems that there is a strong need to convert between 418 and 433 as well as 418 and 310. I am surprised that products do not exist, unless you piece together rf modules as you have suggested. It would seem to make sense to make a small module with selectable conversion frequencies.