UUUUUUUniversal remote(s)

[ap0the0sis]

I read something on how people are using palm pilots as universal remotes with special software. I would like to get one of these to complile my 5 remotes into one. I've read that the buttons are all programable and you can set it up any which way you want. However Im not sure as to what brand of palm pilot to get or model that will offer the most features for my needs.

I have to control projector, DVD, receiver, dish & computer (my PC has a remote - Media)

Does anyone here know anything about this? Have you done it before?

Thanks,
Ap0

 

[PaulyG]

Big problem is limited range of IR diodes in palms. See http://www.pacificneotek.com/ They make a product that seems to fit what you want. Also see http://www.smr-archive.com/forum_1/messages/1615.shtml

 

[king30]

Just get an mx-500

http://www.remotecentral.com/

 

[DRC]

Palm pilot M105

Hi Ap0,

I bought a palm M105 for remote control because :-
[1] Its cheap (now discontinued but available second hand)
[2] It has a better IR range than others (from an online survey rather than personal experiance)


This seems to work OK in my small(ish) room but the palm has to be fairly accurately pointed toward the device to be controlled. Range is dependant on device but ~ 5 meters seems usable.

Some IR controlled devices present more problems than others - for example my preamp (phillips IR codes) uses toggling and the software I use (OMNI-REMOTE - free trial available) needs 2 buttons (ie mute-on / mute-off). Forget about programming macros (switch the TV to channel 6 and record channel 4 etc) there are to many 'modes' or 'states' in most appliances to screw things up.

Mine is programmed for :
TV / VHS video / DVD / cable / digital terestrial / Preamp / CD transport / DAC (and still looking for more) ...

Dave

 

[sparkmaker]

This item looks interesting for using any programable remote with your computer.Kinda opposite of what your looking for.Might be useful in a HTPC setting in the livingroom.http://www.home-electro.com/ira2.htm

 

[ap0the0sis]

thanks for all the replys. i was looking through ebay for a good cheap pda and they range from $80.00 and up. I dont think i want to spend this kind of money for a "remote" right now. Anyways, i think i'd like a color pda for this setup and they are way over priced. Maybe in some time i'll find a god deal and be able to put this together,

once again thanks,

ap0

 

[SQ Kid]

i used my palm 105 as a remote. havent touched the thing in a while, but it does work. it was pretty nice, because it was 100% customizable (exactly what a DIY'er wants to hear). buttons layouts can be edited, added, etc. it is easier to program if you have the original remote to work with, that way you dont have to do trial and error for button codes and such. but it is really a great setup. at the moment, i have remotes for my: dvd, reciever, tv and vcr. next up is going to be for the htpc. so one nice remote is better than 1/2 a dozen of them. 80 isnt that much when you think about how much some of the better all-in-one remotes cost and dont include some of the features. maybe its about time i dust it off again and start it back up 🙂

 

[Dnt32]

remote

I paid (usd for my remote but it is just univeral for four items..its called a " one for all" got it circuit city.