Re: IR universal remote progr...
Anthony J Stieber <starnet!apple!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!anthony>
From: Anthony J Stieber <starnet!apple!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!anthony>
Message-id: <9311120704.AA21565@csd4.csd.uwm.edu>
Subject: Re: IR universal remote progr...
To: zoomer-list-1993@grot.starconn.com
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1993 01:04:44 -0600 (CST)
In-reply-to: <9311112254.tn100662@aol.com> from "bryleeb@aol.com" at Nov 11, 93 08:39:00 pm
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-> From: bryleeb@aol.com
-> I have to step in round about here and congratulate whoever it is that came
-> up with the Universal Remote control idea; it is that kind of inginuity, and
-> forethought into the future that the world (and this discussion group) needs.
Um, well, universal IR remote control software has been available for
the HP-28, HP-48 calculators and HP-95LX palmtop computer for a few
years now. There are three or four of these programs each for these
machines. The "Can I use my Hewlett-Packard/Newton/Zoomer/whatever as
a TV/VCR/whatever remote control?" question comes up every few days to
weeks in the various newsgroups.
-> the present Zoomer, the concept is not acheivable. Zoomer-to-Zoomer IR
-> transmissions break off at about 2-2.5 feet. Assuming that the Zoomer is
One way IR transmissions easily go 20-30 feet. I've done it often with
an HP-95LX. Two way IR has restricted range because the IR receiver is
deliberately weak. This is done to reduce spurious IR signals from the
surrounding enviroment, both from natural IR sources, and from other IR
devices. IR from these devices isn't directed so several tranceivers
in one room would need some sort of arbitration mechanism, such as
token ring or ethernet-like CSMA/CD. An arbitration mechanism would be
expensive in both hardware and software. The simple solution is to
avoid the problem entirely and have very weak IR receivers. Weak IR
receivers also prevents students from sending each other information
during exams.
-> that this argument is null and void, if there is a software setting for IR
-> signal strength).
The IR signal is just fine, it's the receiver that's weak. A much
stronger IR signal would give better range and reliability by washing
out most of the other IR sources. This would also prevent other IR
devices from functioning by working effectively as an IR jammer. In addition
the IR transmitter would also take large amounts of power to run and would
drain batteries more quickly.
-> HP has come out with a $1.00 device that can be placed into a printer during
-> manufacturing that will receive, decode, and print IR signals (Tandy/Casio
-> planned compatiblity).
This is HP's SIR technology. It is being standardized by the Infra Red
Data Association (IRDA) and licensed by Connexus. At the moment HP
puts this IR interface in most of its calculators, all current palmtops
and subnotebooks, a couple handheld thermal printers, and some
desktops.
Infra Red Data Association (IRDA)
John LaRoche
510-943-6546
jlarochce@netcom.com
Hewlett-Packard SIR 115Kbps wireless infrared licenser
Connexus
Palo Alto, CA
510-656-2195 fax
-> Radio Shack will have a IR to Parallel Printer adapter soon that will print
-> from the Zoomer. I assume Casio will offer one though it's retailers also.
Extended Systems has had their HP JetEye IR<->parallel interface for
about a year and a half. A similar Sharp IR interface has been out for
at least a several months. Unfortunately, all of these IR technologies
are mutually incompatible. The IRDA is working on this, eventually
they may all be able to intercommunicate.
--
<-:(= Anthony Stieber anthony@csd4.csd.uwm.edu uwm!uwmcsd4!anthony