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Introduction
IR-232
The Contemporary Research IR-232 IR to RS-232 Interface is an intelligent CR System Tool that translates IR
remote codes into RS-232 control commands. Able to automatically identify CR, JVC, Mitsubishi, NEC, Philips
RC5, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Tivo IR control codes, the IR-232 serves a wide variety of IR control
applications.
For the first time, integrators can easily combine off-the-shelf IR remotes with custom system applications.
The process begins by linking the remote's IR codes to native or user-defined RS-232 commands using the
included IR ToolKit software. Once a complete list of functions is created, the database can be downloaded
to the IR-232, printed, and saved for later use.
To further simplify integration, the IR-232 structures continuous IR remote commands into discrete button
push and release codes. When someone holds down the Volume Up button, the IR-232 doesn't send a stream
of RS-232 commands, just a single push, then a release code.
The IR-232 can also act as a direct control interface for special control applications. Instead of sending the
native commands, the IR-232 can be programmed to send user-defined RS-232 strings to a video projector,
plasma display or other RS-232 controlled equipment.
The IR-232 is shipped complete with DC power supply and IR ToolKit software.
Translates IR remote codes into RS-232 commands
Automatically identifies CR, JVC, Mitsubishi, NEC, Philips RC5, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony IR
Structures continuous IR commands into discrete button push and release codes
Builds database of native or custom RS-232 commands using IR ToolKit software
Communicates RS-232 data at 1,200 to 115,200 baud, software programmable
Attaches to any flat surface, swivel-mount enclosure can be aimed for best reception, painted to
match application
Receives wireless IR, wired IR emitter connections, and external IR sensors from CR, ChannelPlus,
Audioplex, and Xantech
IR ToolKit Software
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Summary of Contents for Contemporary Research IR-232
- Page 1 IR-232 IR ToolKit Software The Contemporary Research IR-232 IR to RS-232 Interface is an intelligent CR System Tool that translates IR remote codes into RS-232 control commands. Able to automatically identify CR, JVC, Mitsubishi, NEC, Philips RC5, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Tivo IR control codes, the IR-232 serves a wide variety of IR control applications.
- Page 2 Includes 100 mA DC power supply (domestic only), may be powered by control system, from 11.5 to 24 VDC Programs with included IR Toolkit Software, control database can be saved, modified, and reused Page 2...
- Page 3 How Does the IR-232 Work? Translating IR into RS-232 ]3:093A32 (Push) ]3*093A32 (Release) IR Command RS-232 String The IR-232 translates the incoming IR command into an equivalent, or Native, RS-232 command. Rather than simply repeating the RS-232 command as long as the remote sends the IR code, the IR-232 will send a single command when the button is pushed and a release code when the button is released.
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Page 4: Getting Ready
Getting Ready Create and Install COM cable Create a captive-screw to COM cable, as shown above. Connect between the IR-232 and your PC. Connect included power supply to IR-232. As an option, you can also purchase an IR-232 COM Adapter that provides a male DB9 to screw-terminal interface to use with your standard null-modem programming cables (DB-9 Female to Female, RX/TX swapped). - Page 5 IR ToolKit Properties - RS-232 There are a few basic steps to connect and set the RS-232 parameters for the IR-232. Set the IR-232 DIP switch 2 to ON (Up - fixed 9600 baud rate,8,N,1) Click the Connect button. IR ToolKit will search for the first available COM port to connect to the IR-232.
- Page 6 IR ToolKit will upload the current database in the IR-232 when it connects. When you’re done programming the IR-232, there are two ways you can return the IR-232 to the saved RS-232 parameters: Click the Disconnect button, and then turn off DIP switch 2. Turn off DIP switch 2, and then disconnect and reconnect IR-232 DC powe Tech Tip on USB-RS-232 Interfaces As most laptops don't include serial ports these days, we tested many makes and models of USB to RS-232...
- Page 7 IR ToolKit Properties - Operation Push and Release The right side of the Properties window defines the overall operation of the IR-232. Push and Release. There are five options for the strings IR-232 sends when an IR button is pushed and released: Option Definition Send Native stings...
- Page 8 None of the options will affect any custom codes stored in the IR-232 memory. While you can create many push/release combinations, there are two you’ll use most often – read the upcoming “Programming For” sections for an explanation. IR Input You can choose whether IR commands are received from the internal 38 kHz sensor or 57 kHz sensor or the external IR input connection.
- Page 9 IR ToolKit Programming Overview Building a control database is a simple, step by step process. Capture New captures each IR button press, translates the native RS-232 code, and allows you to enter a name, custom push string, and custom press string. Modify allows you to change the selected entry’s name, custom push, and custom press.
- Page 10 the IR-232 doesn’t need to store the native code. That is created automatically. Page 10...
- Page 11 IR ToolKit Programming - Capture and Modify Codes Capturing IR Codes Push the Capture New button to display the Capture window. Aim the IR remote at the IR-232 sensor. Push a button. IR ToolKit inserts the native push and release codes. Enter a Function Name.
- Page 12 Modify IR Codes You don’t have to enter the custom codes during capture – you can add them at any time using the Modify tool. Remember, you don’t have to create a custom code for every release. In the default operating mode, the IR-232 won’t send any codes if nothing’s stored in the Custom space.
- Page 13 IR ToolKit Terminal The terminal window gives you the ability to watch the RS-232 codes actually sent from the IR-232, with the ability to view strings in ASCII text with Decimal (shown above), Text only, and Hexadecimal. You can right-click the Terminal window to select, cut and paste the text. You can click the Echo Local box and enter commands directly.
- Page 14 Terminal Commands You can also send commands directly to the IR-232 through the Terminal window in Connect mode. Click Echo Local to view the commands you type. Comma Function Description >ID Identify Displays current firmware version Example: ID-IR-232 V1.2 >RB Remaining Memory Displays memory status Blocks...
- Page 15 IR ToolKit Applications - Direct Control Application You are using the IR-232 to directly control a projector, plasma or other device, translating incoming IR commands into custom control strings, and using no release strings. If you use 10 characters for each command name and custom RS-232 string, you can store up to 250 commands.
- Page 16 IR ToolKit Applications - Panel Interface Application You are using the IR-232 to integrate an IR wireless remote into a custom control system. The best approach is to use the native Pushes and the Short String Release (“!*”). The Short String Release doesn’t use any memory, and you can take advantage of the Release code in programming to ramp volume or continuously change channels when a button is pushed and held.
- Page 17 IR-232 Installation Remote Control Connection Wire appropriate RS-232 cable to the IR-232 captive screw terminal. Make sure the RS-232 parameters match the control system port or RS-232 device. Use a baud rate that can be effectively transmitted over the type and distance of wiring. Cable Distance and Baud Rate The baud rate for your RS-232 communication must decrease as cable length increases.
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- Page 19 IR ToolKit FAQ Why can't I see the output of my IR-232 in Terminal? You're still in Connect mode. IR ToolKit is linked directly with the IR-232 for IR code capture, Properties, and database setup. You need to Disconnect the IR-232 in IR ToolKit (click the Disconnect button) to exit the real-time programming mode.
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