USB-UIRT Forum

Can I take the output of the emiter port and wire it to my Xantech connecting block?

Would this then allow allow girder the ability to control any device on the block?

Yes, this should work. HOWEVER, be aware that different models of connecting blocks vary by design. Some are 'aplified' blocks, which actually reprocess and amplify the signal (and have their own poer supply). Others are nothing more than expensive boxes with a few resistors inside them. The latter resistor-only blocks will only be partially effective, since they are really designed for Xantech drive levels which are 12 volts.

-Jon

Thanks Jon.

Mine is an amplified box. I am going to buy a USB-UIRT and try!

Jon, Eric,

Any results of this connection?

I'm looking at the Xantech 791-44 amplified connecting block (http://www.xantech.com) to combine the IR output from both the USB-UIRT and my ChannelPlus 2100A (http://www.multiplextechnology.com/channelplus/products/irSystems/2010.html) IR/video distribution wall plate. The Xantech block has two IR inputs available: 1)stereo mini-plug, which I would connect to the wall plate, and 2) A 12V screw terminal. Would it be feasible to connect the USB-UIRT mini-plug output to this screw terminal block? Could you give me either a diagram or pinout list of the IR mini-plug on the UIRT? I would pig-tail the end that connects to the terminal block and just use the "signal" and "ground" pins (no power).

Am I on the right track?

thx

MikeH,

While it should be possible to conntect the USB-UIRT to the dist. block as you describe, I have some serious doubts about the simulataneous connection of the wallplate to the IR input mini-plug jack. I would bet that internally the two IR inputs connect directly together, and this would likely lead to problems and not work.

Thoughts?

-Jon

Jon,

I have the same reservations. However, I gotta believe that if they provide two physically seperate inputs, there MUST be some sort of isolation between them....maybe... I agree that tying two seperately powered emitter drivers together could be unhealthy.

What does the output of USB-UIRT look like? I assume it's a transistor collector with a 5k-ish pulldown resistor tied to the USB port power (is it +12V)??

No, the USB-UIRT's output is actually the collector of a PNP transistor (thru a 82 ohm resistor). The emitter of the transistor is tied to USB power, which is 5V. This configuration allows the barrel to be tied to GND. So, you'll only see a ~4.7V signal. There is no pulldown on the output, so if you indeed feed it into a high-impedance, you might want to add your own externally.

-Jon

Smarthome has an opto-isolated connector block cable for connecting the PC/IRLinc (which blows) to the Xantech and similar blocks:

http://www.smarthome.com/8175.HTML

I have one and it worked with the Smarthome IR device, when I get the UIRT I will give it a wing.

Jeremy,

I agree....the PCIRLinc BLOWS big time... Spent many hours trying to learn codes.

On the other hand, the USB-UIRT learned codes from ALL my devices, including the DISH & XBox remotes!!

The opto-isolator looks like it shoud work. Let us know how things turn out.

thx

Eric Torigian wrote:Can I take the output of the emiter port and wire it to my Xantech connecting block?

Would this then allow allow girder the ability to control any device on the block?

Eric,

Did you get this to work for you?

I recently hooked up the USB-UIRT to a connecting block using the SmartHome opto-isolator cable, and it worked "OK". I also have an IR receiver hooked up to the connecting block in parallel with this, and this caused some problems with my setup. Mainly, it seemed as if having the UIRT hooked up was adding noise or maybe attenuating the electrical signal as my remote didn't work as reliably anymore. Removing the opto-coupled UIRT would always cure the problem.

Anyone have ideas?

Well, it seems my problem with the IRLinc (smarthome cable) was fixed by simply moving the USB-UIRT device to another position in my equipment closet. It used to be right on top of my PC, and perhaps EMI was being pickeup up by the UIRT and adding noise to my IR network.

Now it seems to be working fine, even with the IR receiving plugged in to my distribution block in parallel.

Used a 2 connector phone plug from the USB-UIRT IR OUT to connected directly to the Screw Terminals on my Connecting Block and works great! The outer shieding in the wire goes to GRND and the inner wire to IR IN. Simply as that! Enjoy!

If I walk into a Radio Shack, or call an electonics store, will the know exactly what I want if I ask for a "2 connector phone plug"? If not, can someone provide me a more detailed description of what I want to ask for?

ewingr wrote:If I walk into a Radio Shack, or call an electonics store, will the know exactly what I want if I ask for a "2 connector phone plug"? If not, can someone provide me a more detailed description of what I want to ask for?

No, I'm afraid not. "Phone" plug is probably the wrong terminalogy. We use to call them "phono" plugs in the old days, but don't think they are called that anymore. The best thing to do is the bring your USB-UIRT with you to Radio shack. They will DEFINITELY have this common plug. Remember all you need is a two-connector, not the three-connector plug....

Good luck.!