Here's a quick update on my progress so far:

I've successfully copied the EEPROM contents from one RS15-1994 to another, so it is now possible to make backups of all your customizations (or even trade them over the web). Now that I've got the hardware part of the interface stable, I hope to spend more time trying to understand how codes (learned and upgrade) are stored in the EEPROM.

My current hardware interface uses components entirely available from Radio Shack, and costs about $6. It connects to the parallel port of a PC running Linux, and uses a kernel driver to handle the "real time" interface timing requirements. This system could be ported to Windows 95/98 (someone else has to write the driver, since I don't have any development tools for Windows). It would be harder to port to Windows NT,
as NT requires a true kernel driver (doesn't let user programs directly control the hardware). I have no idea if this would work on the Mac or other types of computers.

I've been toying with the idea of building a "black box", that would cost < $20 and interface the remote to any computer with an RS-232 serial port. The software would be much simpler (no real-time requirements), and
should be portable to any type of computer. It all depends on user feedback (assuming we ever get to the point where we can totally program the 15-1994!).

Here's a few extra key codes for the list:

01 TV
02 SETUP (Green P button)
09 CABLE
0A VCR (?)
11 CD
25 AUX1 (?)
26 AUX2
27 Plug & Power
30 Surround

The shifted versions of the keycodes are all keycode + 0x80 (for example, POWER is 03, so shift/Power is 83)

Rob.

A lot of progress has been happening behind the scenes. I thought I'd give a quick update.

I simplified my interface hardware and software, and ported the software to Windows 95/98 (text only, GUI is on the todo list). I've tested it on 4 different types of remotes with the JP1 interface (including a Cinema7 to which I added a 6-pin connector). I'm just about ready to put the schematics and software up on a website (free for non-commercial use).

I've been working with The Robman on decoding the format for the different remote operations. We've got everything now except for the upgrade code format. We can make the RS15-1994 do things that it normally won't let you do: like assign ANY device to the Plug-n-Power key, making it a true 7-in-1 remote, or have the volume punch through to any of the 7 devices (not just TV)

I sent one of my interfaces to Rob, and he's doing some pretty wild experiments on a bunch of different remotes, so I'm sure this project will get pretty interesting real soon. Stay tuned.

Wow!

What GregoriousM said.

One potentially stunning outcome I'd like to see from this project is whether the "built in" code database is:

a) dumpable and readable, in such a way that the codes could be "cut and pasted" into a ProntoEdit button.
b) Editable, then written back to the remote. Codes I've "copied" from my Cinema7 to my Pronto via IR have many times shown to be "dirty", or excessively redundant. If those codes could be edited in the same way that we can edit Prontoedit Hex representations of command codes then a "cleaned up" version could be written back to the OFA remote, perhaps freeing up room for more devices, etc..

Think of it, though... Any OFA remote with a 6-pin connection can potentially be "perfectly" configured for any user. The only limitation would be where the hardware itself does not support the command control protocal.

Wow!

Dave

The pre-installed codes are in the actual ROM, so they are not accessible, but if the remote has had codes added, we can see these new codes. We have been using an old Radio Shack 15-1925 remote to get new codes to look at.

Like HW said, we can assign any device code to the P&P button, but I have also figured out how to make the punch through go to any device, just like on the C7. In fact I figured it out by seeing how the C7 does it.

I just went through the memory of my remote and removed some wasted space, which is caused by learning buttons and then deleting them.

Certain device codes are programmed to use a two byte command code (such as Replay TV and the 4DTV satellite code), so you can't normally use advanced codes to program buttons, but I have found a way to program these new buttons by editing the code.

The really cool thing is that you can back-up your current configuration, and load it to another remote if you like.

We'll be posting more info soon.

Rob.

Way-to-go guys! Talk about some hard-core remote action. I am ALL for David's suggestion: steal advanced codes from these remotes and dump them in HEX format!

I have started putting together a web page with details of what we have found so far, the address is [Link: hifi-remote.com]

There's not much info there yet, but when I have time I will add samples of learned commands and upgrade codes.

Rob.

OK, if you're handy with a soldering iron, I have just been given all the details you need to build your own upgrade box, and they're on the web site, so check it out: [Link: hifi-remote.com]

Rob.

Okay Rob, so have you programmed the remote to control the ShowStopper yet?

Sure have, I've got ReplayTV programmed and Ive added a code for my Raite DVD player. I had to use alot of advanced codes to set up my Samsung SV5000 VCR, so I have created a new device code for that so I can free up some of my advanced code memory bank.

This little box is the breakthrough that I've been looking for, so anyone out there who can handle a soldering iron, please make yourself a box! If you do, I will send you the software to work it and will help you create new device codes, etc.

Rob.
[Link: hifi-remote.com]

Rob,
I have two identical UEIC remotes of the RS 15-1924 (X10 UR24A) variety. It has basically the same capabilities as the 15-1994. It is 7(8)-in-1 with an older list of preprogrammed devices; and built-in RF support for P&P/X10 control which I do use somewhat. I'm not sure how much memory it has, but I have been able to squeeze 15-20 programmed buttons into it on occasion (and a maximum of 3 new 'protocols').
The main problem is the 'older list of devices' I mentioned. My equipment has outpaced the remote-it isn't preprogammed for my Technics SAAX910 Receiver and Panasonic A110 DVD. In the past, as I added those devices, I have successfully restricted what programmed buttons I put on the remote to a bare minimum to get by with my A/V setup.
But with the recent addition of a ReplayTV box, I can no longer live within the limitations of the remote. So I am in search of a replacement.
I've been lurking on a number of these forums, and trying to decide if it is worth getting a 15-1994. I've read through your web site, hack info, et al. And I finally went and bought one to play with last night. I figure I have 30 days to determine if it will fulfill my needs. And when I got home I determined that it is preprogrammed for both my VCRs, DVD, Stereo, and TV--which is a good start. Although the key mappings on the stereo S#CK!
So my question(s):
1) When you 'add' the ReplayTV to the remote, reading between the lines, I'm guessing you're adding it within the 'upgrade codes' memory of the EEPROM?
2) Is there still 1K of memory available for learned functions after your 'upgrade'?

I realize the following questions are probably best directed at the X10 forum, but with your experience, thought I'd give them a shot here--feel free to ignore them if there outside your experience:

3) Does the 15-1994 have RF support for X10. I can't find anything about it in the RS documentation or online anywhere.
4) If it doesn't, since it is so similar to the 15-1995, which has an internal RF transmitter, is it possible to add the RF feature to the 1994? Ie. if you've had the case open, is there an obvious empty spot(s) for the RF circuitry?
5) Any idea if that would enable direct X10 control with the proper home controller code (ala the 15-1924)? Or would I still need the RF->IR base station from the 15-1995 model?

Regardless of the X10 capabilities, I'm probably going to start using this as my main A/V remote and will be getting the parts necessary to build the hack circuitry. If you're not putting the software online for download, please add me to the list for the software.

Thanks for all the info, Q&A, and support,
David

David,
So many questions! Let's try and pick them apart one by one.

First off the 15-1924 remote is completely different to all the other Radio Shack remotes. This one is a clone of the IBM/X10 remotes, so you can't use things like advanced codes on it, etc. Stick with your new 15-1994, you're gonna love it. Even though the button layout for your amp may not suit your taste, you can use key mover to move the buttons around until they suit you exactly.

Regarding the 15-1995 remote, although it looks similar to the 15-1994 on the outside, it's also completely different on the inside. The 15-1995 is a clone of the OFA Producer 8, whereas the 15-1994 is similar to the OFA Cinema 7. Also, I don't believe the 15-1995 uses it's RF feature to control X10 (I could be wrong as I haven't tested this feature), I think it also needs a converter box (IR543).

The 15-1994 can control X10 but does need an IR-->X10 converter box.

Regarding memory usage. There's actually three memory banks in the 15-1994, the first is used for advanced codes and macros, the second is for upgrade codes only, and the third is for learned commands. So, adding new device codes doesn't affect the two main memory banks at all, which is cool. In fact, I originally had to use several advanced codes to fix the button layout for my Samsung VCR, so in order to free up some memory, I created a new device code for it with the buttons layed out exactly how I want them.

As for the software, I will add it to the site at some point, but it's still very primitive. All it does is dump the memory and re-load it and it runs from a DOS prompt. We have started two new programs that you can use to decode the dump based on my discoveries of the format, and then reformat it again. These are also brand new programs and I've already found a bug in one of them, that's why I haven't put them on the site yet. If people ask me for them I have some idea of how many copies are out there in circulation.

NOTE: The Radio Shack web site and 800 number are both showing the 15-1994 as being out of stock, I don't know if this means that it has been discontinued or not, but I would recommend anyone that doens't have one yet, to rush down to your local RS store and grab one up while you still can. It's possible that there's a new and improved model around the corner, but will it be as hack-friendly, who knows????

Rob.

Thanks, Rob.

The 15-1995 must have an RF transmitter in it because they tout that as a feature, being able to control your A/V equipment from anywhere in the house. So the base station must be an 'RF rcvr->IR blaster'.
It probably uses a proprietary command set. However, I was thinking that because they document multiple device codes for 'home automation'--including RS P&P, X10, and more), that the RF transmitter might be able to directly send to an X10 transceiver module, et al. in the same way it communicates to the RS base station.
Plus it makes little sense to talk about the RF capability and then have to have an IR rcvr base station to operate X10. Although, that seems to be what they expect with the 15-1994, which also says it can control P&P devices '...with additional hardware'.

Okay, new question: did I read your info correctly where it mentions that the 15-1994 learning remote has a 2K EEPROM, and that the 15-1995 preprogrammed remote has a 1K EEPROM? Does that mean you could 'upgrade' a 15-1995 with the ReplayTV device code the same way you're doing the 1994? If so, then we could create a remote with key mapping, supporting all my (current) equipment, and RF support from any room in the house.
It would be a tough decision to make. Trading off adding A/V control from anywhere in the house and support for X10, versus, having a separate remote for X10.

Remotes like the 15-1995, 15-1935, 15-1925, URC-8090 and URC-9800 and have built in RF transmitters who's sole purpose is to communicate with the base unit. The idea being that you can use the remote from another room and it will control the devices in your main room, as long as the base unit is pointing to your devices.

There is an old RS remote, the 15-1919, that came with a base unit that was also an X10 converter box, but that remote has long since been discontinued. Also, just FYI, these remotes don't talk to each others base units. So you can have a 15-1995 and a URC-9800 set up and use them seperately, even though the base units look identical.

You are correct that the 15-1994 has 2k of memory, but I'm not sure how much memory the 15-1995 has. Also, I haven't taken the time yet to figure out the format of the memory banks of the 15-1995. Remember, although this remote looks like a 15-1994, it has a completely different IC chip inside.

Also, while the device code info does appear to be the same regardless of what remote it is in, the protocol info is completely different, leading us to believe that it may be machine code. If you wish to set up a new device code that uses a standard IR protocol, this is no problem as you simply refer to the protocol by whatever name that it's known by in the remotes memory (the protocol names are also consistent across remotes, which is usefull). But, if you want to set up a device code that uses a new protocol, which is the case with the Replay code, then you also have to add the protocol to the remotes memory. The protocol code for ReplayTV is transplantable between the 15-1994, the Cinema 7 and the various OEM remotes (such as the original ReplayTV remote), but you can't transplant it to remotes such as the 15-1995 and the URC-9800, or even the old 15-1925.

I will eventually take a look at the memory of the 15-1995/URC-9800 and come up with a memory map. I have had the Replay code added to my URC-9800, so I will probably be able to transplant it to the 15-1995, but I haven't tried that yet.

If you would like to see some examples of memory dumps, email me and I'll send you some, which you can then compare to the memory map info on my site.

Once you see how the 15-1994's memory is configured, maybe you'd like to be the one to document the format of the 15-1995/URC-9800 memory. Otherwise, I'll do it eventually, but the 15-1994 is my primary focus for now.

If anyone reading this thinks they might be able to reverse engineer some machine code, please email me and I'll send you some examples.

Rob.