Confirming Transmission
When sending an IR code to a Global Caché Infrared cable the unit will respond with a completeir,... response. If sending the IR code via iTest (https://www.globalcache.com/downloads/) this can be seen in the ASCII response field. If an error response is received instead, then there is likely something wrong with the IR code or IR code format being used. A list of Error Codes and their meanings is available as a chart within iTest.
In addition to the completeir response, transmission can also be visibly confirmed on the unit. For the Global Connect, iTach, and GC-100 a green LED above the 3.5mm jack will flash during IR transmission. For the Flex, a green LED near the Flex Link Port (3.5mm jack) will blink during the IR transmission. Also, if standard, visible IR emitters are used the emitter should also blink red during the IR transmission.
Troubleshooting Reception
If an IR code is being transmitted, but the AV device is not reacting, one possibility is that the IR signal is not being received by the AV device's IR receiver. Infrared emitters are short range IR transmitters. As a result, they must be physically placed directly on top of the IR receiver for the receiver to receive a strong enough signal to respond.
If using an IR blaster cable, it is also important to note that while IR blasters send strong signals, they are directional. While the signal may reflect off surfaces in the environment, to be received when transmitting from long distances, or when troubleshooting the blaster should be pointed directly at the AV device’s receiver.
IR code Issues
Getting good IR codes is often the most difficult portion of any IR control project. Fortunately, Control Tower (https://www.globalcache.com/controltower), Global Caché’s free IR database in the cloud, makes this a simple process for the majority of common AV equipment.
If the AV device needed is not present in Control Tower it is often beneficial to try any similar codesets by the same manufacturer, as often manufacturers re-use IR codes between device models. If those codes fail, or no similar devices are available then the IR codes will either need to be learned using iLearn or obtained from a 3rd party source (in which case they are often in Pronto Hex format, which can be converted to GC format using iConvert – https://www.globalcache.com/downloads).
IR code repeats
One of the simplest changes that can affect whether an IR code works is the repeat value. The repeat value defines how many times the IR code is transmitted. The repeat value can be set as a learning parameter in iLearn, or can be edited directly by changing the following <repeat> value in this example
IR code:
sendir,<module>:<connector>,1,38000,<repeat>,...
The most common manufacturer that requires repeats is Sony. For Sony and other manufacturers that require repeats in the IR code the suggested value is 3.
RF Remotes
AV devices commonly utilize IR remotes for control. However, there are some devices that utilize RF remotes which are not controllable or learnable via IR. Because IR uses line of sight communication, a simple way to determine if a remote utilizes IR or RF is to perform a line-of-sight test. To do this, point the remote at the device and send a command that will create a noticeable response (such as power on/off). The device should react accordingly. Now, cover the front of the remote com-
pletely using your hand and repeat the test. If the command still completes successfully then the remote likely utilizes RF and is not an IR remote. If the command does not react to the command, then the device uses IR.
Note: A small handful of devices that utilize RF remotes also have IR functionality as well. To determine if an RF device has IR capabilities refer to the product manual or contact the product manufacturer.
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