View Full Version : Which Infrared USB dongle?
Hi guys, I would like to control XBMC in Windows XP via my Logitech Harmony 555 remote control but am not sure if a cheap no named ebay one would work... Also most of them say up to 1 metre range...
Any idea which one I should go for from ebay or a chinese website like deal extreme?
Thanks....
xanadu1979
2009-02-25, 17:08
try to find an MCE receiver. Make sure it works with XP. Some of them are Vista only. Then setup your Harmony remote as a Microsoft Media Center remote.
tbird2340
2009-02-25, 17:33
Definitely go with the MCE Receiver. I use it with Event Ghost and can do everything:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Remote-Control-USB-IR-RECEIVER-for-MCE-VISTA_W0QQitemZ160314297946QQihZ006QQcategoryZ3153 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
All depends on whether or not you mind the flashing LED when sending signals.
I use USB-UIRT because you can turn them off.
tbird2340
2009-02-25, 17:43
Just so the OP knows.. The "flashing LED" is barely noticeable..
ok so something like this should be fine then?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14380
or
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9877
tbird2340
2009-02-25, 18:04
No, I don't think either of those will work in EventGhost.. I actually started a thread in the eventghost forums looking for the cheapest USB receiver available (for my carputer / truck) and found those... I don't think those will work with other remotes..
The MCE IR Receiver will work with other IR remotes (ie: Your TV remote) coupled with EventGhost..
some of the forum topics on those links say that they have been able to use there logitech harmony remote controls with it, including in some of the reviews.... It says that they install as HID's and that they work as keyboard keys?
The ebay link above, the seller does not post out of America, I am in the UK... cheers...
tbird2340
2009-02-25, 18:27
Don't know for sure as I don't own one..
All I know for 100% is that with the MCE Receiver coupled with EG and my URC-8910 remote I can assign ANY key on my remote to basically do ANYTHING... Not sure you'll have that flexibility with the other receiver and it's only $10 less.. Not worth the risk IMO.
alright, will try and search for something similar that delivers to me in the UK, cheers....
xanadu1979
2009-02-25, 19:26
Really, MCE is your best bet. It works on Windows and Linux right out of the box and many applications support it.
shinnlly
2009-02-25, 20:06
This is the one that I bought. It is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I can not tell you for sure it works, but it was recommended on another thread I read awhile back.
Microsoft Media Center IR Remote and Receiver (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1644435&CatId=358&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=X3Th4gZi_iQ-2gR5_386nePZSoxS50aS1w)
supernoman
2009-02-26, 02:56
I have that exact one. It doesn't work so well for me. It's a Harmony + IR thing since the original remote works flawlessly. The harmony configured as a media center pc, doesn't work as smoothly.
I have two connected to different HTPC (harmony one and harmony 880) and both have consistency issues.
If you figure something out, PM me. I set mine up as a dell mce computer.
This is the one that I bought. It is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I can not tell you for sure it works, but it was recommended on another thread I read awhile back.
Microsoft Media Center IR Remote and Receiver (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1644435&CatId=358&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=X3Th4gZi_iQ-2gR5_386nePZSoxS50aS1w)
shinnlly
2009-02-26, 06:16
Is this not the same remote other folks in this thread are recommending? When I google MCE Remote, several of the links point to this same remote.
Well, I should know something by this weekend. I'll let you guys know how it works.
I use a USB-UIRT with my Harmony One remote
supernoman
2009-02-26, 08:16
I already had the two mce remotes so I used what I had around. I was/am hesitant to spend 55 for another IR.
Please tell me more. Do you have consistent scrolling in menus? I use my harmony to wake my htpc (albeit inconsistently). Can this be done using USB-UIRT? I also use eventghost. I'm guess there is support for it.
I still think it's odd that I don't have a problem with the original MCE remote and only with the harmony. I can point the MCE remote away from my HTPC and get more consistent response than pointing my Harmony at the receiver.
I use a USB-UIRT with my Harmony One remote
does the ones that you have said work in Windows XP at all? Most seem to only say Vista compatible....
does the ones that you have said work in Windows XP at all? Most seem to only say Vista compatible....
I use the original xbox DVD remote with EventGhost and it works great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250374290589
$5.50, free shipping, plus you get the actual remote with it.
Also, you'll need an adapter to plug it in to your computer. (http://shop.ebay.com/items/__xbox-controller-adapter?=&_dmpt=Video_Games_Accessories&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=4&_udhi=6)
Under $6, free shipping. Total cost: $11.50.
Program your Harmony for an RCA DVD player and it should work fine.
Here's how to do it:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=45337
-Wes
feerlessleadr
2009-02-26, 18:46
this is a little OT for the thread, but is there anyway to have a remote be able to turn the HTPC on without having to physically get up and do it?
I love the fact that with my 360 I can turn it on from the couch with my harmony one. I am guessing that my only option is sleep mode?
supernoman
2009-02-26, 18:53
I can do it with the MCE IR. Just set it in the device manager (allow device to wake). Now I do have random issues, like turning on my xbox 360 some times turns on the HTPC or the other problem I'm trying to solve is the inconsistency problems, which means the pc doesn't always turn on or off with my harmony activity.
I keep my HTPC in sleep for it to work. I have heard of wake on hibernate but that is a mobo supported feature that I don't think mine supports.
I am going to try the xbox IR to see if this helps. I do have an xbox1 as well and never had problems controlling it with the harmony. Now will there be problems if I have HTPC with xbox1 IR and my xbox1 with IR. Hmmm...
tbird2340
2009-02-26, 19:18
this is a little OT for the thread, but is there anyway to have a remote be able to turn the HTPC on without having to physically get up and do it?
I love the fact that with my 360 I can turn it on from the couch with my harmony one. I am guessing that my only option is sleep mode?
Yes, you can.. I use a One For All URC-8910 with the MCE IR Receiver and EventGhost.. I can assign the power button on my remote to bring the HTPC out of standby..
I'm not sure why anyone would want to get another remote when you can use the combination I have and basically use one remote for everything (TV, HTPC, Receiver, Etc)..
this is a little OT for the thread, but is there anyway to have a remote be able to turn the HTPC on without having to physically get up and do it?
I love the fact that with my 360 I can turn it on from the couch with my harmony one. I am guessing that my only option is sleep mode?
You can use an XIR, the same thing that you use for an xbox.
Just get the XIR Pro kit (V2 Beta) (http://www.xir.us/order.aspx?f=beta).
It will work just fine from the 5VSB rail of your PC (Purple wire on ATX connector).
No soldering required.
White wire -> 5VSB (purple in ATX connector)
Black wire -> 3.3V (Orange in ATX connector)
Red wire -> ground wire from CPU pwr-on header
blue/green wire -> active part of pwr-on header
If you don't want to lose your power button, just crimp the Red and blue/green wire inline with the wires from your current power button using "scotch lock" inline tap connectors, or IDC butt connectors (green ones here: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103506, RadioShack no. 64-3081). They keep them in the drawers at RadioShack stores.
http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2266046w345.jpg
Program your remote to send the power-on command that an RCA DVD player uses, and you're off to the races, all for about $20.
I set my computer to "hibernate" when I press the power button. The XIR wakes it from hibernation too.
-Wes