Hauppauge IR Blaster problem / Sky TV (NZ)

[mattyb]

Hi All,

I've been reading this forum for a while getting GBPVR setup with a new box in my living room. Have got everything working nicely except for the Hauppauge IR Blaster changing the channel on my Sky Digital (New Zealand) set top box.

I have the 45 button Hauppauge remote with the PVR150. I have the channel changer plugin set to .exe channel changer in the GB-PVR config app, and the IR blaster flashes to indicate a code is being sent, but the Sky box does nothing. I've read on these forums that the blaster is weak and needs to be placed very close to the receiver on the STB - I have tried all sorts of positions but nothing seems to work.

Can anyone shed any light? Is there a way to confirm the blaster is sending the correct information? I have a Motorola DTH-335 Sky decoder.

Thanks in advance. Cheers!

[systemshark]

I had a similar problem when I first set up the remote support for my Sky box in the UK using a red rat, I found I needed to load the IR Blaster with the button presses from the remote.

Although the system came with support for sky boxes it didn't appear to function with my box .... hence the training.

I also discovered, I needed to send Enter/Select to confirm/end of the channel change....

[Etacovda]

it doesnt need to be placed that close, clearly something isnt programmed in right (i have two of the DTH-335's running absolutely fine). The other useful thing about these decs is, you can get a small flat bladed screw driver + pop out the smoked plastic piece + put the ir blaster inside it, then replace it + it will hold it in place much better than any tape etc will, and it looks very neat.

[mattyb]

Thanks for your replies guys.

systemshark:

Would you mind posting some simple instructions on loading the IR blaster with the correct codes? What exactly do you mean regarding your "I needed to send Enter/Select to confirm/end of the channel change" comment?

Etacovda:

Great idea re placing the blaster inside the decoder. Can you offer any light on getting the programming right? Can you remember the steps you followed during setup?

And if anyone else can help out it would be much appreciated!

Many thanks - this forum is a mine of useful information.

[Etacovda]

well i use an MCE remote, so im not sure if i can help you as i think yours doesnt use usb, plugged straight into the card, right?

[martint123]

Would you mind posting some simple instructions on loading the IR blaster with the correct codes?

If you are using the PVR150 blaster then you can't program it yourself, you are stuck with the codes that Hauppauge/Zilog include in the drivers.

I found that the IR output of the standard LED was very weak and had to be right next to the STB sensor.

You have to make sure that you can change channels with the Hauppauge supplied blaster config utility before even trying to get it working with gbpvr.

[#66]

I had mine inside, worked better and the kids couldn't unstick it from the stb. On my stb, I could'nt find a good code from Happ*&%¤ge, so I got a USB-UIRT. Well worth the money, a lot stronger. Don't tink I've missed a recording since.

[mattyb]

Ok, thanks guys. It looks like my best option is to get my hands on a USB-UIRT. Anyone know where I can get one other than ordering from their website? Any NZ sources?

Or perhaps I could buy an MCE remote with a blaster - easier to source locally to try it out...

[Etacovda]

MCE blaster works well for me, never miss recordings with IR server suite - HIP was useless though.

[#66]

Get it from the website, good service. Mine arrived after a couple of days.