Hi all!!
For those interested, my
PDA-ir CompactFlash IR Extender arrived today. For those who don't know, this card works with
PDAwin's TV Remote Controller software to extend IR range to 50+ feet.
When I got the package, I immediately had to test it. Very simple device. All I did was plug it in to the Axim's CF slot, opened the PDAwin software, went to "Options" > "Output" > "External IR CF transmitter".
I've been using the software for awhile now with an external IR extender (that thing was bulky and slow), so everything else was already configured to test the PDA-ir card. Just aimed at the TV from about 5 feet, and still worked fine for all functions. Backed up to about 10 feet, and still worked great. Backed up to 15 feet and STILL worked great. This is as far as I could back up in my bedroom, but I have a feeling that this card will hit the 50+ feet it is rated at. I'm going to SOMETIME create a new CCF for my home theater in my den and will at that point be able to test from a further distance. I tested all devices in my bedroom, and even the satellite receiver (which has been VERY picky with that external IR extender and with the Axim's stock IR) worked perfectly from the furthest distance.
I recommend the PDA-ir extender to ANYONE that is looking for a good remote control solution. Both PDAwin and Electric Dog Ventures (makers of PDA-ir) have been in business for a while now, but the PDA-ir was not originally compatible with the Axim. So at first, we were stuck with using the stock Axim IR (~5 feet) or using a bulky external extender (which is slow and unreliable). Now that EDV has released this Axim-compatible PDA-ir card, our wishes have been answered. I'll try and post some pics if I can get my camera to stop crapping out on me. It's just a little cheap dig cam that someone gave me for Christmas, and doesn't work most of the time. But hopefully I can get a few pics out of it later.
--deftech