iremote ts Frequently asked questions

iremote TS and IntelliFile 3 Frequently Asked Questions iremote ts Frequently asked questions 1. Does the iremote TS support multiple home theaters? Currently, the iremote TS supports one home theater system. There will be a firmware update shortly that will allow the iremote TS to support up to three home theaters using Niles HT-MSUs with the IntelliControl ICS Modular MultiZone system. Please refer to the IntelliControl ICS website for updates as to when and how to implement the multiple home theater system design. 2. Why doesn t the iremote TS base have a RF ZigBee base in it? The iremote TS base, unlike the original iremote, does not have a RF ZigBee base built into it. This change was made because the iremote TS base is usually placed where it is convenient for the customer to recharge the handset, not necessarily where a RF base should be placed. Also, when the iremote TS is used with a HT-MSU, but without a GXR2, a RF base is not necessary. The iremote TS is a ZigBee end-point and only needs to communicate with a master RF base; the HT- MSU has a master RF base built into it. 3. Why don t the iremote TS cursor keys function for IntelliControl ICS sources on the House side? The iremote TS was designed to operate the MultiZone system in exactly the same way as the Contact keypad. The main control area for the Contact keypad and the iremote TS is the same touchscreen. Like the Contact, when the iremote TS is controlling Niles sources, the metadata and menu navigation takes place in the touchscreen area. However, the cursor keys will operate an external source that is connected and configured to an IM-AUDIO Card. 4. When will I see metadata from sources on an iremote TS? Metadata appears in the iremote TS touchscreen when the controlled source is a metadata compatible source connected to the GXR2. Metadata compatible sources are: IM-iPod, AM/ FM/HD Radio, XM, Sirius, DMS4 Music Server, and compatible sources connected to either IM-Server or RS-232G. The metadata will show up when selected on the HOUSE side or on the THEATER side, if configured as a shared source. 1

5. When should I add an RFG (Radio Frequency Gateway)? An RFG is always the best choice for the master RF base, and can be added to an existing RF network when there are dead spots in the RF coverage. The RF network should be designed like an umbrella to cover all of the areas where the iremote TS or iremote is likely to be used. Please refer to the IntelliControl ICS System Design Guide for more information on how to properly set up a ZigBee RF network. 6. How do I eliminate dead spots of my client s iremote /iremote TS RF network? Two factors cause dead spots in an RF network: interference and obstructions. Interference can be caused by other RF devices using the same RF channel, such as the client s Wi-Fi network. Obstructions can be metal objects (e.g. appliances, mirrors, metal equipment racks, etc.) or the metal used in the house s construction. These obstructions can cause shadows or dead spots in the RF reception. Designing an RF network that has multiple paths back to the master RF base eliminates these dead spots. ZigBee repeater RF bases are used to create multiple paths and stretch the bubble to cover the areas that the master RF base by itself cannot reach. Please refer to the IntelliControl ICS System Design Guide for more information on how to properly set up a ZigBee RF network. 7. How do I maximize the range of my client s iremote/iremote TS? The iremote TS and iremote have a 75 to 100 (23-30 meters) range from the master RF base in ideal, open-air conditions. Of course, homes do not exhibit ideal, open-air conditions; therefore the range will be 75 (23 meters) or less. If the client needs to operate the iremote TS at a greater distance, ZigBee repeater RF bases, such as the Niles RFG Radio Frequency Gateway, (FG01407) are needed. The iremote TS and the iremote have a signal strength meter accessed from their Installer Menu that gauges the reception quality of the RF network. The general rule of thumb is to stand near the master RF base, do a soft reset to the iremote TS or iremote, put the remote into signal strength mode, and slowly walk away from the master RF base. When the signal strength displays less than 20, start looking for a place to position a repeater RF base with its power supply. Please refer to the IntelliControl ICS System Design Guide for more information on how to properly set up a ZigBee RF network. 2

Frequently asked questions 8. How can I speed up the Master Key automation? When the iremote TS is used with the HT-MSU, power sync status is very important. The HT-MSU will check to see if the assigned IR controlled sources/devices are powered on or off each time a Master Key is pressed by checking the power sync port. The HT-MSU will then issue the poweron command for the source if it determines that it is off. After turning on the source, the HT-MSU will wait a specified Power-On Dead Time before issuing the next IR code. Some of today s sources need this dead time after they turn on and will not respond to an IR code until this time is complete. The IntelliFile 3 configuration software makes the Power-On-Dead Time adjustable from 0-20 seconds maximum. The default time is 2 seconds. The Power-On Dead Time adjust screen is the very last screen of the Extended Programming section of the software. 9. Can I use my.lin files from IntelliFile II? Currently no, but in future software builds IntelliFile 3 will have tools for converting and editing any of the codes in the programmer s library that were used with the original IntelliControl. IntelliFile 3 has a LIBRARY MANAGER that adds to and edits IR codes used with MultiZone or home theater configurations. This LIBRARY MANAGER will have two tools used for converting the.lin files that the original IntelliControl used: a LIN FILE Import and an IR Waveform Editing tool. The LIN FILE Import tool takes.lin files from the programmer s computer, converts them, and makes sure that the learned IR codes will auto-map correctly. The IR Waveform Editing tool lets programmers edit the IR codes by chopping off any unnecesary repeats that may have been learned. 10. How can I test learned IR codes through the HT-MSU? The original IntelliControl s IntelliFile II software had a green check mark that allowed the programmer to test IR codes through the connections made to the IntelliControl Main System Unit. This was possible because the IntelliFile II grey capture station was connected to the programmer s computer, then a Niles three-pin connection joined the capture station to the IntelliControl Main System Unit. The IntelliFile 3 capture station connects to the programmer s computer via a USB cable; there is no connection from the capture station to the HT-MSU. There is only a CAT-5 cable 3

from the computer to the HT-MSU for transferring a configuration, not for testing IR codes. Both the IntelliFile II and IntelliFile 3 capture stations can test the IR codes directly from the capture station using the built-in flasher of the capture station to emit the IR code. If the programmer wants to take advantage of the flashers connected to the HT-MSU to test IR codes, use the Niles cable FG00724 with its 3.5 mm mini-jack connected to the flasher port on the rear of the capture station and the bare wire lead ends connected to the IR sensor input connector of the HT-MSU. 11. Why do modified IR files get erased when I load a new build of IF3? The IntelliFile 3 software is available for download from our website and gets installed only after any previous versions are un-installed from the programmer s computer. The program is completely self-contained; everything necessary for configuring Niles products is contained, including firmware updates, MultiZone and Theater configuration tools, an IR/RS-232 Library Manager along with an existing library of IR and RS-232 codes. When the programmer un-installs the previous versions of the software, all files that the software created will be deleted and then any IR/RS-232 code files that were a part of the software that was loaded will be erased and then re-created when the next version of the software is loaded. Niles recommends two ways of keeping any changes to the IR library. First, if any of the IR/RS-232 files are modified, they should be saved as with a change to the file name. Second, whenever the software is updated with a new version, the folder containing the IR files should be backed-up (copied and pasted) elsewhere on the computer before the IntelliFile 3 software is uninstalled from the computer. 12. How do I test RS-232 commands in the IntelliFile 3 library? Once this information is entered in the Library Manager s RS-232 creation screen, the programmer can test the control string and communications by connecting the manufacturer s device to the programmer s computer using a serial connection. Most laptop computers have a serial DB9 port; if your laptop doesn t, an aftermarket USB to Serial (DB9) port adaptor can be used. Once the physical connection has been made, the Library Manager RS-232 creation screen will display a drop-down box that allows the programmer to identify what serial communications port will be used, a connection button to establish connection to the source/device, and a test button to send the selected string code to the device/source. 4

13. Where are the library pages? The original IntelliControl had two library pages where a programmer could store IR codes used in sequences to activate the system, but the client would not have direct access to these library IR commands. Often these codes would be used to automate control over devices or sources that the programmer didn t want to assign to a function key or a Master Key. The Niles HT-MSU has 8 infrared ports and 8 RS-232 control ports that allow the programmer to assign any device they wish to control. Then, using the configuration software, the programmer can assign any or all IR/RS-232 controlled sources to an available Master Key, if they desire. All codes learned to the template will be automatically assigned to their matching function key. The configuration software also allows the programmer to change, add, or create function key sequences using the IR/RS-232 codes from any of the connected sources/devices. For example, let s say that your system configuration has an IR controllable lighting system, but the programmer doesn t want to use a Master Key just for the lighting system. The programmer wants to automate the lighting system to dim the lights when the DVD play button is pressed. The configuration software allows the programmer, in the Extended Section, to create function key, TV beginning/ending, System ON/OFF as well as a Master Key ending sequence that can use any IR or RS-232 codes whenever and however he wishes. Essentially the HT-MSU has 8 IR library pages and 8 RS-232 library pages! 14. How can I navigate the pages of the software faster? When the programmer Creates a New Home Theater or MultiZone configuration, the software guides the programmer through the configuration process. As the software steps the programmer through the screens, it asks questions about the system configuration. Based on the answers to these questions or by discovery, certain screens are created or hidden that allow for a quicker configuration process. Both the MultiZone and Home Theater section of the software can have as many as 36 screens depending on the configuration. The Home Theater configuration section also provides review screens to review the events already programmed and allow the programmer to jump back to certain sections by clicking the EDIT button below the section they wish to change. When the programmer uses Opens Existing Home Theater or MultiZone configuration, the tool bar will show a Go to Screen menu choice that allows the programmer to skip to any programmed section of the configuration, instead of clicking the PREVIOUS or NEXT buttons on each screen. 5

15. Why does it seem like some of the IR codes are not working? The configuration software allows the programmer to convert IR files (.lin) captured and used with the original IntelliControl for use with the iremote TS and HT-MSU. However the IntelliFile II software couldn t capture IR devices that used toggle bit IR codes. A toggle bit IR code is one where a single function actually has two different sets of data. The easiest way to determine if the original IR code is toggle bit is by pressing a function key toward the source/device (example play ) and then covering the IR window of the remote with your hand. Issue the same command into your hand, and then remove your hand from the remote and issue the command one more time towards the front of the source/device. If the device doesn t respond to the IR codes issued toward it this third time, the source/device uses a toggle bit IR code. The IntelliFile II software had a workaround that involved having two IR files for the same device. If either one of these files from your.lin file library is converted and tested, it will only work the first time the command is issued. It is suggested to re-learn these IR codes using the original source remote and the IntelliFile 3 capture station, which does support capturing these types of IR codes. HT-MSU FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 16. Why do I have to connect a CAT-5 cable from the HT-MSU to the GXR2 if I am not sharing any sources? The iremote TS can only be set to one RF channel, but has a HOUSE button for controlling the MultiZone system and a THEATER button for controlling the home theater. Effectively, the iremote TS is two remotes in one. The two sides of the remote have to communicate through one master RF base, and that base is connected to the GXR2. A CAT-5 cable shares the communication required to go back and forth between the GXR2 and the HT-MSU. 17. Can the ZigBee radio of the HT-MSU be used as a repeater RF base when connected to a GXR2? Currently no, but in future software builds the ZigBee radio built into the HT-MSU will be able to be used as a repeater RF base when used with a GXR2 Modular MultiZone Receiver. A ZigBee endpoint such as the iremote TS can be set to only one RF channel. The iremote TS will communicate 6

to both the GXR2 and the HT-MSU through a master RF base connected to the GXR2. The master RF base then sends the information to the MultiZone control system or the Home Theater control system through the CAT-5 cable. The HT-MSU can be centrally located with the MultiZone system, but is generally located in the room where the home theater gear is controlled. If the HT-MSU is located away from the MultiZone system and the master RF base, the HT-MSU radio can be configured to repeat the iremote TS information back to the master RF base. 18. Can I have more than one HT-MSU with a GXR2 system? Currently, only one HT- MSU can be connected to an IntelliControl ICS Modular MultiZone System. At the initial release, the iremote TS supports one home theater system using the HT-MSU, up to 30 audio/ video zones using the IntelliControl ICS GXR2, and a Niles VS-6 High Definition Video Switcher. When a HT-MSU is used with the GXR2, the audio for the shared sources with the MultiZone system and the home theater system must be split at the source by sending an analog signal to the GXR2 and digital signal to the home theater receiver, or by using the cascade output of each shared source input card used on the GXR2. 19. Why can t I use the zone output of a GXR2 zone instead of splitting the shared sources? You will be able to when multiple HT-MSU support becomes available in a future software build. Multiple HT-MSU support will include configuring an HT-MSU to a zone on the IntelliControl ICS GXR2. When an HT-MSU is assigned to a zone, you will be able to take the analog audio output of the GXR2 zone that the HT-MSU is assigned to, instead of having to bring the audio from each source. Please refer to the IntelliControl ICS website for updates as to when and how to implement the multiple home theater system design. 20. Can I have more than eight sources using the Niles HT-MSU and the iremote TS? Yes, the IR and RS-232 ports are independent from each other. The IR and RS-232 ports are assigned devices or sources to control, and then any of the assigned devices can be assigned to a Master Key. If a connected device/source isn t assigned to any of the 12 available Master Keys, it can still be accessed and automated using its IR or RS-232 codes in sequences, or by mapping its commands to any function key in the Extended Section of the Theater Configuration software. 7