I use OpenHab to control my z-wave lights but also my audio/video machines (kodi/mpd).
So, i can use my tablet to choose a "activity". I want to keep the tablet and remote controller in sync.

I also want to be able to choose activities on a remote controller.
The Logitech Harmony Hub comes in mind but this one can not control Kodi (via IP), MPD. Also, if i would connect the Hub to OpenHab it would be able to send Hub to OpenHab API commands, but the Hub is not able to tell "keypresses" of the remote controller.

So, i am looking a real *dumb* remote controller. RF has my preference.
I prefer a programmable (lcd) screen for "activities". All buttons should sent 1 signal for each button.
So, if i press "activity: mpd" it should sent a signal to openhab. Now i know the mode. A following "play" command will be translated to the right (IP api command) by openHab. If the activity was "kodi" it would send a xbmc API command.

Any thoughts and ideas are welcome!

If you have an iPad/iPhone, look into TouchControl. It's not "dumb", but it can be if you want.

Another approach for a somewhat "dumb" remote that can set relays would be to set relays to indicate the activity that you are controlling. At that point the data sent by the remote is arbitrary and will be translated by OpenHub, based on the current relay settings. Since there is a possibility that things will get out of sync, you might need to re-select the activity from time to time or you could define a "sync" button for each activity on the remote.

Yet another approach would be to define unique codes for each remote key in each activity and simply translate them in OpenHub. There would be only one "activity" in OpenHub -- a huge translate table. If you need to keep track of power toggles, a few of the keys might be macros (functions, subroutines, or whatever they are called in OpenHub) with some logic.

Hi buzz, thanks for the reply. Maybe i explained it wrong. The biggest problem i have is to find a "dumb" remote controller (one with buttons).
OpenHab has already a touch/web interface. To control the music/video player i like to have physical buttons. This part is also not that difficult.
The difficult part is to find a universal remote that also has "activities" but is "dumb" or more open.

Are you a "pro" or is this a DIY project. Pro level remotes are usually associated with restricted access programming tools. In this respect URC is a bit "leaky".

The JP1 family of remotes might offer something for you, but I don't know if any of these have an RF option.

I'm not sure what you mean by: 'but the Hub is not able to tell "keypresses" of the remote controller.' If OpenHab can translate commands, then the codes, IR or IP, associated with a remote key are arbitrary. In this context the most significant issue would be having the remote indicate which activity is the current activity. Otherwise, if you simply pick up the remote, you don't know what it is controlling.

Full disclosure: I'm a pro and I ignore Harmony because I can't customize as much as I want, but it seems relatively capable. Even in the pro world, it is hard to associate arbitrary strings with a key. In an effort to offer "quick and easy" programming, one picks a target device, "activity" if you like, and the keys are preprogrammed with appropriate IP or IR codes. Some additional customization is available if one subscribes to a "driver" kit from the remote manufacturer, but access to the driver kit is even more restricted.

Maybe I'm misinterpreting your project. I'm assuming that you can route IR signal levels to OpenHab, and these will be transformed into a character string that OpenHab can recognize and translate into commands for your devices. This is why I claim that the codes emitted by the physical remote are arbitrary.

I've never used it and I'm not sure that this is a great idea, but it is out there.

Best Buy is offering some of the URC models. Make sure that the model you order can be paired with the MRF350 RF receiver and that they will give you access to the programming software. (It's PC only)

The only current RF JP1 remote is the Nevo C3 / Xsight Touch, both available on ebay. They have no IP capabilities, but decent macro/activity capability and nice graphics. They can easily perform the tasks you have indicated in your post. They have 18 device capacity and the RF base has 6 blasters. I have several of them and have written a wiki if you want more information:
[Link: hifi-remote.com]

Edit: I may even control certain RF lighting systems natively - [Link: oneforall.com]