Harmony Remotes

[Shrute66]

I understand I will need a consumer IR (CIR) receiver for my Vista media center PC to control it with my Harmony One. Couple of questions about that:

1) My Intel DG45ID motherboard has CIR transmit and receive headers. I can't for the life of me find a front-panel (3.5 in.) CIR receiver that I might use with the onboard header. Anybody know of such a thing?

2) Nor can I find a USB-based CIR receiver. They must be out there. Yes?

3) What would the "transmit" part of this CIR capability on the motherboard be for?

Thanks!

[bevhoward]

suggest dropping the onboard opiton (which is likely limited to irda) and get a an EHome usb dongle... more on this at http://bevhoward.com/Misc/IR/HarmonyAdvFaq.html#Media

EHome dongles are kinda hard to find, but they are out there.

>> What would the "transmit" part of this CIR capability on the motherboard be for? <<

so the computer can issue commands to other media equipment such as a projector 

Beverly Howard

Message Edited by bevhoward on 05-04-2009 11:34 PM

[Shrute66]

Thanks Bev. The onboard option is definitely not IrDA.This is from the Intel product guide for the motherboard:

Consumer IR receiver and emitter (via internal headers):

Supports receiving, learning, and emitting capabilities, controls up to two additional CE devices with your PC, and eliminates the need for a USB CIR dongle.

A front panel receiver utilizing this would be nice & clean. A USB dongle would be OK too, I suppose. Anybody have a link to the EHome dongle?

Would another solution be to purchase a cheap MCE remote and use the accompanying dongle?

[bevhoward]

Beginning to appreciate the fact that I bought three MCR usb dongles when they were still widely available

Found this...http://www.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=CE-000022-S1

Here's another... specs indicate it ships with the receiver http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Adesso/Keyboards/868721

While a built in receiver would be "clean" keep in mind that a dongle gives more options for putting the transceiver in the best location for everyday use.

>> MCE remote and use the accompanying dongle? <<

Would ask the above if they sell the dongle separately... with the harmony you should not need the remote although it's always nice to have the remote both as a backup and to confirm and/or add missing commands to your setup.

Beverly Howard

Message Edited by bevhoward on 05-05-2009 03:38 PM

[fx45guy]

Looking for one too.  Finally found one:  http://www.cwtek.com.tw/product-en.php?layer=2&master=71

No idea where to buy it from yet.

[fx45guy]

If you want to get fancy, you could also install an iMon LCD/IR module.  They are MC compatible and plug into an internal USB header.

http://www.xpmediacentre.com.au/techreviews/?p=182

[BhaveshDoshi]

Hey .. I too have a DG45ID & need the Front Panel CIR. Have you found any to buy online? I'm from India, please do help me if you've found one.

Bhavesh Doshi

[Mod Note: removed email address]

[pdvigil]

I have one of these still in the box from many years ago.  Found out my mobo did not have pin out for install.   Sounds like USB is the current solution.   I can't speak to if it is compatible with MCE, etc.

http://irdrive.com/