I'm thinking about installing a keypad with IR sensor (like a Xantech or Niles) in the bedroom so that I can utilize all the equipment in the downstair's equipment closet (eg. DVD, sound processors, LD, etc.). However, these very same equipment are being controlled by the T2 using the IRF unit with IR emitter connecting to each equipment IR sensor window. So, how would I go about installing a keypad (which will control the equipment in another zone) using IR work with this setup? I can't use the T2 since someone else downstair may be using it. Also, the distance to the IRF is probably out of RF range.

I guess noone else is using the T2, IRF-6, and a keypad to control the same set of equipment. Huh?

Joe,

I'm not sure I get you. You mean some third party keypad, not the T2 keypad?

DJ

Joe,
I suggest you use an IR connceting block and treat one of the IRF-6 ports as another IR receiver. That way, you can parellel the inputs and use the connecting block outputs to route to the individual components. If you need zoned IR control, then use a multi-zone connecting block (Xantech and Niles both make various) and use two or more ports from the IRF-6 to connect to each zone input on the connecting block.

Rob

Rob:

Thanks. Kind of what I was thinking but got confused on the logistics once I started thinking more about it.
Let me make sure I understand your recommendation. First I would get a connecting block where I can connect my Keypad/IR sensor in the bedroom to. Then I would connect the Connecting Block to the IRF-6's input port(?) or is it the other way around. This is where I get confused. Also, the other confusion point is right now all the emitters, which are connected to all the equipment's sensor window, come out of the IRF-6 ports.
I shouldn't need to have additional emitters coming from anywhere else connecting to the equipment, right? There are no rooms for them any how. Please clarify.
Thanks again.

Joe,

To (attempt) clarify:
Lets say for arguments sake you have a Xantech 791-44. This is an amplified connecting block with 10 emiiter ports. Other features aside, we'll use it as a one input, ten output block. Essentially this is the same as the IRF-6 except the IRF-6's input is RF only. We use the IRF-6 only as an RF to IR converter with one output.

First, disconnect power from both IRF-6 and 791-44.
Disconnect all emitters from the IRF-6 and connect them to the outputs of the connecting block. Use one of the IRF-6 ports to connect to the input of the 791-44. You'll need an 1/8" jack to bare wire cable to connect to the signal and ground on the 791-44's terminal input strip. The other 5 ports of the IRF-6 are not used. The third party keypad's IR output (similar to the IRF-6's output) is also connected to the 791-44's input; parellel with the IRF-6. You will have both 'IR outputs' going to the same input on the block. Connect power to the IRF-6 and the 791-44. and off you go.

This is for a single zone IR system. If you need to route IR, you will need a multi-zone connecting block.

Hope this helps.

Rob

Thanks Rob. This make complete sense now. I'll give it a try.