Pacelink or RF2Link

[Behold]

Anyone got one? if so how are you using it and how is it set? Are you sending tivo commands to it or sky remote commands?

thanks

[andydesheffield]

I have one
As a device its infinitely more reliable than a blaster
I'm using Winlirc to control it using Sky commands to a Sony Digibox and a serial port.
The external channel changer program from GBPVR runs a bit of java code that I found somewhere which sends the channel change sequence over a TCP/IP socket
It mostly works, although the Winlirc timings are a bit tight for my pundit-r (Pentium 2.4GHz)
In the days before I was a convert and used Myth Tv I have to admit that it worked better (using LIRC as a core Linux driver), so the timings file is fine
I run Winlirc as a service - this helps. With a powerful PC I think it would be really reliable, but as it is, I send the channel change sequence 3 times to make sure (no good for zapping!)
Let me know if you need any config settings or wiring diagrams!
This link explains a lot of what I followed
http://www.byteme.org.uk/howtos/lirc-sky...howto.html

[Behold]

few things......

1. What do you use as a Remote? I take it anything should be good.

2. the wiring of the serial port? pics would be nice if you have them

Thanks most appriciated.

[andydesheffield]

HI Behold,
First of all let me say again that I never really got this to be 100% reliable. Winlirc doesn't run in kernel mode under Windows, and this makes the timings a bit dodgy for the remote commands. The Digibox seems to be very sensitive to remote code timings. With a fast processor it may be more reliable - I don't know. You need a serial port of course..
I also wouldn't attempt this unless you're fairly handy with a soldering iron.
GBPVR can interface to a number of remote channel changers and I'm sure some of these would be more reliable for a Digibox (although more expensive).
All this is nothing to do with the Pace device but the fact that I'm using Winlirc

Anyway - if you want to go ahead
I installed everything inside the cover of a standard DB9 serial port
You need:- (All available from Maplin in the uk)
DB9 female RS232 plug
Plastic cover for above
4 signal diodes (eg IN4148)
insulating sleeve for diode leads

Wire it as shown (blaster.jpg) after cutting the jack plug of the Pacelink
Use the Java file and the instructions at the end of this post to call Winlirc from GBPVR
(It also gives a link to how to install Winlirc as a service)
http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=3048
set Winlirc to use TXD and not DTR - it is faster
You will need to install Java on your HTPC

Use the Winlirc (Lircd) configuration file from
http://www.byteme.org.uk/howtos/lirc-sky...howto.html
.. and you should be up and running

Incidently for a remote I use the Hauppauge 45 button that came with my PVR350