IR603N MCE (?) IR USB Receiver

[figsys]

I am trying to use an IR603N Receiver with RCA RCRP05BR remote to control my HTPC. The IR603N came with a Diamond RC118N Remote (http://www.ebay.com/itm/121273498525?ss ... 1497.l2649) and works fine (if you can live with the small buttons). However, I need a universal remote. Alas, I tried the DVD 1972 and other MCE codes on the RCA but they do not seem to work. The red light on the IR603N that typically flickers with the RC118N does not appear with the RCA. The RC118N is labeled as an RC6 IR remote.

Is the IR603N not a true MCE receiver? Any help here would be appreciated. Also, is there a utility somewhere that can dump IR data from the receiver and tell me if it's MCE compatible?

Thanks!

[mdavej]

If 1972 doesn't work, it's not MCE. Your remote can learn, so just do that.

[mdavej]

I can't edit my post, but I wanted to add that, although it's a long shot, CBL 1272 might work as it's MCE but for Xbox. There are a half dozen more MCE codes in the RCA, but none will work with a PC or Xbox. In my experience, many of those no-name ebay remotes are not RC6 by any stretch of the imagination. It's best to stick with proven models. In fact, I don't see any mention of MCE or RC6 in that listing. There are tons of cheap remotes that work with media center that don't use either of those protocols.

The cheapest, easiest way to analyze the signal would be to get a JP1 cable an load the learns into Remote Master, which will tell you all the protocol details. Such a cable is $8 shipped on ebay, more than you probably paid for that remote dongle.

[CyberSimian]

although it's a long shot, CBL 1272 might work as it's MCE but for Xbox.

On the several One-for-All remotes in my possession, I have always used 1272 for WMC, and I don't have an Xbox!

In fact, I don't see any mention of MCE or RC6 in that listing.

The listing below does claim that it is RC6:

http://www.evertek.com/viewpart.asp?aut ... &cpc=RECOM

-- from CyberSimian in the UK

[figsys]

The RC118N remote does a giant RC6 label on the back - which does not mean much in today's world...

Does Rc6 imply MCE and vice versa?

Thanks for the replies!

[mdavej]

MCE is a flavor of RC6 with very specific settings in the RC6 protocol. But no matter what any labels or listings say, you've got a cheap knock off that isn't using MCE. Otherwise the codes you tried already would work.

So to use it with your RCA, just learn every command, or get a JP1 cable. Personally I'd send it back and claim the listing was wrong.

[Mike88]

Every so often this goes on sale, and the other day it was $13.99. It is on the narrow side but it is a real MCE remote.
http://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/p ... pk=rrc-126
I use it's IR receiver with the RCA RCRP05BR remote & it works perfectly.

My buddy has this one which also goes on sale from time to time. It's also a real MCE remote.
http://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/p ... 80-101-008

You don't have to use the remote, but for about $14 you get a proper IR receiver that also works with the RCA remote, plus the Rosewill remote is there for a backup just in case.

[CyberSimian]

My buddy has this one which also goes on sale from time to time. It's also a real MCE remote.
http://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/p ... 80-101-008

The remote that your buddy uses looks identical to the one that the original poster is having trouble with (just a different brand name). It suggests that it should be possible to get the original poster's remote to work correctly.

-- from CyberSimian in the UK

[mdavej]

My buddy has this one which also goes on sale from time to time. It's also a real MCE remote.
http://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/p ... 80-101-008

The remote that your buddy uses looks identical to the one that the original poster is having trouble with (just a different brand name). It suggests that it should be possible to get the original poster's remote to work correctly.

-- from CyberSimian in the UK

Indeed it does.

First try a full reset: Hold Setup for 2 blinks, then 981 (this will wipe out any programming you've done, so be prepared for that)
Now tap DVD, then hold Setup for 2 blinks. Press 1972 (2 blinks for success).
I don't expect this to make any difference, but you could also tap CBL, hold Setup for 2 blinks, then 1272 (2 blinks for success).

Those are the only built in codes that work with PC or Xbox using MCE.

Of course, make sure the RCA has fresh batteries.

In any case, as I said before, it isn't necessary to use a built in code. You can also learn each command from the original remote. You make get some odd results on some commands though.

[Mike88]

Wow, the 2 do look the same.

When my friend first got his remote he brought it over to show me. I tried his RHRC-11002 remote with my RRC-126 IR receiver & it worked. I don't think I tried every function, but the basics worked.

Looking at the picture of the Diamond's IR receiver it looks different than the Rosewill version. If you click on the image for the RHRC-11002 & look at the last photo where it shows what comes in the box you may notice the IR receiver looks like it has a hump shape. It's more noticeable if you look at the RRC-126 IR receiver.

Maybe the shape means something is different, I don't know. Just thought I 'd mention it.

BTW I use code 1972.

[figsys]

What is serial number on your RRC-126 IR Receiver? According to http://www.rosewill.com/products/1457/P ... ations.htm it's IR605/A - perhaps it's different than the IR603N I have.

[Mike88]

The label says Model: IR605 Series.

[mdavej]

To close the loop on this, I bought the subject IR603N remote and dongle. It works with WMC fine but is NOT MCE or RC6. It's NEC1 0.251. So any number of one-for-all codes cab be adapted to work. But a built in code that works 100% probably does not exist. So either learn from the included remote, or I can post procedures and pronto hex. For inquiring minds, here's the JP1 upgrade.
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload ... e_id=12311

Bottom line is this is definitely not MCE protocol, but all commands are there and work well.