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.
That's great to hear. I also ordered one, so, hopefully, it will be here in the next day or so.
Hey deftech, have you made any custom CCFs yet, or any custom devices? If so, how tough is it? Most of my equipment isn't listed on the devices site so I'm gonna have to do them myself.
deftech-
Thanks a lot for the quick review. I have been waiting to order one, but it sounds like it is worth every penny.
I guess I should start making my own .ccf now...
For those interested - check out RemoteCentral
They have all sorts of great premade .ccf files and bitmaps to get you started on making your own.
Originally posted by papajackow Hey deftech, have you made any custom CCFs yet, or any custom devices? If so, how tough is it? Most of my equipment isn't listed on the devices site so I'm gonna have to do them myself.
Yes, I've made one for my Panasonic TV, RCA DirecTV receiver, and Sharp VCR. All of these are in my bedroom, which is the only place I've been using the remote before receiving the PDA-ir card. I've got finals coming up in a little over a week, so I'm pretty busy for a bit. Afterwards though, I plan on creating a CCF for my home theater equipment (another Panasonic TV, Onkyo receiver, Sony 400CD jukebox, and JVC progressive-scan DVD player). For a basic CCF, it's not that difficult....basically just the following:
1) Open ProntoEdit
2) Create a New CCF File (Color Pronto TSU6000)
3) Design the Layout you want and add all buttons
4) Save the file and transfer to your Axim
5) Open PDAwin
6) Load the CCF File
7) Use PDAwin's "Learn" feature to learn the codes from your current remote to the Axim
8) Have fun using!!
However, I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I spend days or even weeks creating my CCF files. I am happy with my setup now. The Axim (~$250 after rebates), PDA-ir ($25), and PDAwin ($15) comes out to less than $300. This is much cheaper than the color Pronto TSU6000 (which retails around $1,000) and functions as much more than just a remote. Have fun with your new remote!
:)
For anyone that just wants something to play with, or even to use some of the layout....here is the CCF that I made to use for my bedroom equipment. I'll post the home theater one in 2-3 weeks once I have a chance to make it. Here is a screenshot of my current CCF, and a link to the file at the bottom:
Well, I did use a lot of images from CCFs off of RemoteCentral website. But I also put in some time and made a few icons myself (like the little "Surfer Guy" logo at bottom left). Also, this is not the most simple of designs.
I said it is very simple to make a BASIC ccf. But like I said, I set high standards, and want to make it exactly like I envision. The CCFs that I normally make take a lot of time, and I am usually still not happy with them. This one for instance has a few things that are driving me crazy....but to any sane person, it's just fine.
:)
I'm still waiting for my PDA-IR CF to arrive. I'm pretty pumped about making a custom CCF file to handle everything. I have 5 seperate remotes and they take up way to much room on the table. Besides it will look so cool having my Chrome Axim holder with the glowing blue logo sitting on the end table! I got a great deal tonight on the Axim with 15% off plus another $40 off. Like you said earlier, a much better deal than those Pronto Remotes plus it's cheaper!
My questions are~
can you have multiple screens/menus for one remote control? I downloaded some sample files and I think you can... at least I saw some up/down arrows but I couldn't get them to function on my Axim?? I want to keep the button size large enough to use fingers but still have enough buttons to control all the functions of the remote. Does that make sense?
Can you setup custom Power-On menus? Sometimes I just want to turn on the TV and Satellite, other times I want to turn on the TV, SAt, VCR, and Stereo. Is this possible?
I just d/l a few test CCF files to play around with. I'm getting ready to d/l the pronto manual. If the answers are in there I'll find them... I just thought you might know off hand since you are already creating custom CCF files. Some of my equipment isn't listed so I'll have to do some "learn remote" setups!
Yes, you can have multiple screens per device. What I do is to create the screens like this (as an example):
TV_1
TV_2
TV_3
etc.
If you use arrow icons, simply have the "Next" arrow on TV_1 link to TV_2. The "Previous" arrow on TV_2 link back to TV_1, the "Next" arrow on TV_2 link to TV_3....and so on.
As for the Power-On menus.....you can create them as well as any other menu that you might think of. The possibilities are almost endless. If you look around on RemoteCentral, you'll also find "Discrete codes" for some devices. Discrete codes are a TRUE power-on command, a TRUE power-off command, etc. Normally, your Power button toggles between On-Off....this could mess up a macro if the TV is already On, and the macro tries to toggle....the TV would then turn off. However, if you used a discrete code for Power On...the remote just sends the Power On command instead of toggling.....so the TV remains on no matter what state it is currently in. Discrete codes don't exist for every device, but it is great if your device has some!!
The discrete codes are a little more of an "advanced" feature I guess. So you might want to start out with just simple toggle-type Power commands when first building your CCF....just to get the hang of things.
My IR Extender just came in today and I can't wait to get home from work to try it out.
Deftech, do you use anything to protect the card when it's not in your Axim? I'm afraid of possibly breaking of the IR transmitter. It seems kinda fragile sticking out the way it does.
Originally posted by papajackow My IR Extender just came in today and I can't wait to get home from work to try it out.
Deftech, do you use anything to protect the card when it's not in your Axim? I'm afraid of possibly breaking of the IR transmitter. It seems kinda fragile sticking out the way it does.
It's pretty sturdy actually. But I do SLIGHTLY protect the actual card (just the connector from dust really). I have one of those plastic cases that snaps around a regular compactflash card. I just used an exacto knife to cut a round hole in the side of it so that the IR emitter can stick out. It just sticks out a couple millimeters from this case, so I don't think it will be a problem.
Originally posted by brockly25 hit the top of that card you might kick off the little ir light on top ??? is that ture?
Well, I don't really plan on "kicking" the top of the card!!! But, it is on there pretty sturdy....doesn't wiggle around at all. Also, when the card is inserted in the Axim, the IR emitter only protrudes a couple millimeters past the top of the Axim. Of course if you abuse it, it might get hurt, but since it is so close to your Axim....the Axim would probably get hurt along with it.
:)
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