Infrared Signals Into HC2

[kwatt 0]

Hi folks,

Not sure if this is in the correct forum and if it is please move it.

I've ordered an HS2 as it looks a pretty good controller but I'm moving from an X10 based system that centred around a Homevision controller.

One thing that I use a fair bit is IR commands into HV that trigger events with modules and, there's a heap of them. So much so that moving away from some form of IR control would be ludicrously difficult to do.

Now, kicking about I've got rather a lot of X10, IR stuff and whatnot built up over the years one of which is a Global IR Tach thingybob that takes IR and makes it into some sort of HTTP. I can't recall why I have it but, I do.

The question is, is there a way that I can get that to make HC2 do "things" when it gets an IR signal?

Or, is there another/easier way?

Thanks for any help.

K.

[K.Bergmann 2]

Hi,

Sure you can use IR devices controled by HC2. You can use globalcache WF2IR or IP2IR

If you want integration details you can check it there: (sorry for google translate):

Check it

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And

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[davedotnet 0]

@KWatt

Krystian's reply was describing capability whereby you can use the HC2 to control the IR device. This is outbound from the HC2 using what's called a "Virtual Device". A "Virtual Device" can build a TCP/IP packet, and hence an HTTP packet that can be sent to the external physical device, eg, your IR device. However, a limitation is, that it cannot process any returned packets.

I thought your original question was; how do you control the HC2 from an external device? If that's the case, you need to utilise the HTTP API into the HC2. You can look at the (Polish) documentation

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. It is possible, if your IR device permits, to issue a HTTP request to the HC2 to run a Scene.

Hope that helps.

[kwatt 0]

I was looking more for a "plug and play" solution rather than building an app or getting into coding. My coding skills leave a lot to be desired.

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I was looking at two routes essentially.

Getting the IR back into the HC2 and executing actions based on received IR signals which is the current method that I use.

Or, getting control from another device (iPad/iPhone etc.) to "blast" the IR to devices that are IR controlled.

Either is a solution but the option to be able to use either greatly expands what you can do in terms of automation and executing macros during certain activities or indeed to allow you to easily control the home.

A couple of examples so that you can understand what I'm trying to do and get my head around doing.

Currently when I go away on holiday or whatever I set the home to "Away" mode. This alters the timing of lighting macros, omits certain lights from being operational, randomises the lighting to a degree and so on. This reduces the energy requirements and makes the house look as if there is someone there when there actually isn't and all done by the simple use of a flag in the controller.

All I need to do is press a button on the remote and it's done.

When I return, press the "Home" button and the house all returns to normal operations, all the PIRs go active, lights and so on.

It's a lot of programming up front but saves so, so much effort later.

Another is that I have a dedicated AV room that is filled with HiFi and AV equipment that is all controlled by IR as, quite simply, there is absolutely no other alternative to that method of control nor is it possible to use anything other than IR. So I *HAVE* to use IR to control all that kit.

Years ago I ditched the 8 or 9 remotes needed and got a Pronto which I still use and to be honest, I'd never move away from the one universal IR remote to control it all now as it allows for macros in IR to switch inputs etc.

Pressing to watch a movie for example dims the lights, switches off lights in other rooms that are no longer required for that activity, changes all the AV inputs, fires up the TV and so on with one button press.

Juggling between an i device and a remote doesn't sound like a whole heap of fun or remotely (ha) convenient, the idea is to make this easier, not harder.

I say that as, say I want the lighting to come up when I pause a movie, I have to pause the movie then on the i device tell the lights what to do. Two remotes replace one and the experience is massively degraded.

In essence what I'm trying to get to in this is one device that controls it all that can be easily integrated and programmed in the HC2.

K.

[davedotnet 0]

I don't think a HC2 is the best system for you. I think you probably need something a bit more mature and capable, such as Homeseer. The HC2 is very much focused around Fibaro devices (in terms of complete support), and very much an outward facing control, rather than any external devices determining its behaviour. If you want to go beyond just controlling lights or relays you're going to have to invest some serious effort. Others may disagree.

[kwatt 0]

Homeseer isn't that great in all honesty, in my opinion. Programming it is a painful process I find.

Asides which, actually integrating the different parts required can also be equally if not more painful.

The best I've used thus far (by a country mile) is Homevision which is sadly now no more and offers little and no official support for Z Wave. Outstanding for X10 though as well as other bits and bobs.

The HC2 looks as if it is or could be capable of so, so much more.

K.

[davedotnet 0]

I've had both, depends if you want functionality or presentation/UI. Seems one can't have both in the same box. Presentation/UI on Homeseer is dreadful, but it's fully extensible (have written plugins for all sorts on it), and very capable with numerous 'interfaces' available. Presentation/UI is reasonable on HC2, but sensible extensibility is almost non-existant and support for anything non-fibaro hit and miss. I'm hoping it gets better, but 9 months in I'm wondering.

[byackee 0]

I've had both, depends if you want functionality or presentation/UI. Seems one can't have both in the same box. Presentation/UI on Homeseer is dreadful, but it's fully extensible (have written plugins for all sorts on it), and very capable with numerous 'interfaces' available. Presentation/UI is reasonable on HC2, but sensible extensibility is almost non-existant and support for anything non-fibaro hit and miss. I'm hoping it gets better, but 9 months in I'm wondering.

still 9 months to wait and it will be ok

bye

[davedotnet 0]

still 9 months to wait and it will be ok

I wonder if the 9 months was a freudian slip on my part to imply some form of similarity between pregnancy and controller capabilities and releases.

[K.Bergmann 2]

kwatt,

Excuse me I did not understand you

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Such functionality will be difficult to obtain in actual Home Center 2 system. There are few difficulties concerns controlling Home Center 2 from IR solutions. For sure we will be open for such functionalities but I can not give you exact timeline. Right now we are working hard to make our controller the fastest and to add new functionalities until the end of the year. Controlling Home Center 2 from IR is a matter of the future projects.