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WF2IR: New iTach comments

Brian Roberts

June 19, 2010 03:58

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I got my iTach WF2IR model today.  I had problems connecting to my network with security (I use WEP 128bit), but with security off, things went without a hitch.  And it works whether I use DHCP or a Static IP - just no security.

Once I got connected to my network, I could see the device listed in my router's client list, and I could browse to the iTach's internal website.  But, no matter what I tried, iHelp (3.5) would not list the device.

Undaunted, I downloaded iLearn (2.1) and was able to learn a couple of commands from a few different remotes.  I had an IR Blaster connected to port 3 and successfully sent the commands to the TV, Tuner and DVD player

I have to comment that the learning process is unbelievably difficult.  The software isn't bad, but the process of getting the iTach to "see" the remote in order to receive an IR command is very frustrating.  Finding the exact distance and angle between the iTach and the remote is almost an effort in futility.  I assume this is because the opening next to the power connector is so damned small - you have to get an exact sight line from the remote to the iTach, which is very difficult since we're dealing with an invisible beam!  I'm tempted to try and enlarge that hole!  Any suggestions for making this easier would be much appreciated.

I would LOVE to see the  iHelp and iLearn programs running on the Mac.  If an effort is underway, I'd be more than happy to lend a hand if I can.  If not, perhaps I can contact someone for an employment opportunity! :-)

Thanks for reading - suggestions and comments about anything I've written here are welcome. 

-- Brian

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8 comments

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  Josh Sherman July 06, 2010 17:13

  In regards to your iHelp problem, I recommend making sure that the program is allowed properly through your firewall. If the program is being stopped at some point, the unit will not show up on the iHelp window. We agree that the IR learner is somewhat difficult to access, and are working on ways to make the learning process more user friendly. At this time we do not have any mac utilities, but I would be more than glad to work with you to understand what the programs are doing, and why they do what they do. let me know if you have any other questions or comments.

  ~Josh

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  Brian Roberts July 06, 2010 17:34

  iHelp started working, but I'm not sure what I did.  Anyway, I have made much progress since my initial foray into setting things up.

  I've written a few simple Java programs to access the iTach and send it commands.   I also did some programming to get the Lerner data and use that.  I have been using a programmable remote for a long time now and have the Hex codes for almost all the features of all of my devices.  Rather than use the learner to reacquire all that information, I deciphered what the iTach needs and am in the process of converting all the hex codes from my various devices to iTach commands.  I can successfully turn my TV on and off (using the port3 IR Blaster).  I can also change the inputs on my JVC JX-S777 switcher and change the configuration of my tuner (Denon) using the IR "nubs" on ports 1 and 2.

  I am still having problems using anything other than an open network however.  If I try any kind of security (WEP, WPA, etc.), the iTach just won't connect to the network.

  Sign me "unprotected in Hillsboro :-)"

  -- Brian

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  Josh Sherman July 06, 2010 18:03

  We do have a utility on our website made to convert hex commands to GC format, which is located at the link below. Are these java programs standalone applications meant to be a pc based remote? If so, could you send us the application itself, or even the source code? A simple standalone pc based remote application is something we do not have, and could be useful. Also, did you ever get into either of the mac utilities?

  On the security note, have you upgraded to the most current firmware revision? This will handle security problems in almost all cases. There is a known bug in the implementation of 128bit shared key WEP, but that is the only known implementation issue at this time.

  http://www.globalcache.com/files/software/GC-CCF.zip

  http://www.globalcache.com/support/itachfirmwareupdates/

  ~Josh

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  Brian Roberts July 06, 2010 18:47

  My motivation behind all this is my concern for my current programmable remote (a Phillips Pronto).  It's getting pretty long in the tooth and I'm not too enamored of the replacements (from any manufacturer) that are currently available.  So I thought I'd take matters into my own hands and code my own. 

  The current apps I've created are Java apps (actually, Eclipse plug-ins written in Java), so they should work on either the PC or the Mac (I developed/tested them on the Mac).  I'll probably release the apps into open source once I get them past the current prototype state.

  I'll check out the new firmware release notes (although I believe I have the latest - need to verify)

  Thanks for the info,

  -- Brian

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  Brian Roberts July 08, 2010 23:42

  I updated to the latest firmware (700-1001-12) and can now set my network back to secured and the iTach seems happy.  This also fixed a number of issues I was having with the command set (mostly in the area of carriage returns not being present in command return values).  Life is good, now!  Thanks!

  -- Brian

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  Brian Roberts July 08, 2010 23:45

  The hex-to-GCC converter program is a Windows program <sigh>, which is not desirable in my work environment.  I'll stick with my Java-based converter for now.

  - Brian

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  Josh Sherman July 09, 2010 15:52

  I am glad to hear that you are up and running and functioning properly with network security enabled. Let me know if you need anything or run into any problems.

  ~Josh

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  Robert Fischer August 18, 2011 14:54

  Please note that a Mac software is available since 2010. Please google for iRed2 or visit my website at www.tinbert.com/iRed2

  Apps for iPhone/iPad are also available since last year.