Announcing... The Field-Programmable DMX Controlled Infrared Learning Remote

[click to enlarge]

You asked and we delivered!

Just over a year ago, we posted the original DMX-IR Blaster. If you've ever wanted to control a DVD player or video projector from your light board, this is the system for you.

Since our client needed the system in a hurry, we didn't have time to make the device field programmable. Analyzing and storing the IR data format, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, is a decidedly non-trivial process.

Instead, we asked the client for their actual remote control and the commands (play, pause, etc) they wanted to have programmed.

We captured the IR signal from their remote, decoded the data and then hard-coded those commands into our firmware and sent it out the door.

Moving DMX channel fader '1' would power up their DVD player. Moving channel fader '2' would press 'play,' and so forth.

It worked perfectly, but as you can imagine, the system is difficult to reconfigure and didn't scale well to other clients.

* * *

Recently, another client approached us about modifying the original Blaster system to be field-programmable. We accepted the challenge by designing and shipping a field programmable, DMX triggered infrared learning remote system.

Their version can store up to 10 IR commands and has IR diodes attached to a short (3') and long (50') set of pigtails. It requires 10 DMX channels to operate correctly.

If you click here, you can see the instruction manual[pdf] for their DMX Learning Remote system.

And now, we're offering the same system to you!

Here's the catch: while our firmware is stable and works very well, we haven't decided on all the features we'll offer in the general release. Things like hard-wired vs. quick-connect plugs on the IR pigtails, the number of IR codes stored in memory and whether MIDI control signals could also trigger the IR output.

And while we can move very quickly with these designs, we're looking for some feedback from you, the folks who will actually be using the gear in this tiny little niche market.

So before we package everything up in a nice neat chassis, we need your input!

Will you take 30 seconds to answer a few questions below? We'll keep you informed as, over the next week or so, we move from one-off prototype system to a full production model.

Thanks again. If you have any other questions, please call John Chapman at (801) 949-8294. Office hourrs are 10:00-5:00 Mountain Time.

 

 

 

Which features would be valuable to you? Check all that apply.

IR transmitter built in to the main chassis


IR transmitters which attach to the chassis with vendor supplied (3-50') jumper cables.


IR transmitters which attach to the chassis using user-supplied CAT-5 network cable.


Ability to store more than 16 IR codes
Ability to store more than 64 IR codes
Ability to store more than 256 IR codes
System control based on DMX input
System control based on MIDI input
System control based on MIDI and/or DMX input
When do you need this equipment? Imediately
Within a month
Within 3 months
Sometime this year
Would you be interested in a device which could accept DMX and output user-configurable serial strings via RS-232? For example, video switching equipment and some video projectors can be completely configured using a serial link. Yes
Maybe
No
If serial data output is important to you, would you prefer it In addition to IR output
A separate system - IR isn't important to me
If everything you've chosen above were available immediately for $195, would you consider the price fair? Absolutely
Maybe
No
If everything you've chosen above were available immediately for $295, would you consider the price fair? Absolutely
Maybe
No
If everything you've chosen above were available immediately for $395, would you consider the price fair? Absolutely
Maybe
No
If everything you've chosen above were available immediately for $495, would you consider the price fair? Absolutely
Maybe
No
What features have we overlooked? What else is important to you? Your suggestions will have strong impact on future product development.
Name:
Email Address: