Hi there,

anybody out there worked w/ the GC-100 yet ( [Link: globalcache.com] )?? Looks like a cheap yet sufficient way to add rs-232 and extended IR functionality to the pronto... We just ordered one and will start playing w/ it asap.

Any thoughts or experiences?!?

thanks

poojoe (of controLED, Berlin)

That one has crossed my mind as well. Will monitor this thread closely.

Good luck.

I was looking at this earlier today on the UK RTI distributors site - looks interesting...

I am using a GC100 to control all of my IR outside of the theater. It is integrated into the thing I call the Pronto PAL Which I am slowly bringing up to a product level. It includes a management system for IR based upon the availability of IR patterns in Pronto Hex format, does not include learning merely because I didn't need it. The initial modules for the Pronto Pro/PAL will probably be the picture frame system which I am just finisishing up, the GC100 for IR, The DVD Librarian and a Homeseer interface.

The aim is to have the Pronto only talk to the Pal which will talk to everything else.

The GC 100 is a very solid professional unit that just plugs into your tcpip network

I have a GC-100 connected to Homeseer, any progress with Pronto and CG would be very interesting.

Poojoe,

Why not just license ProntoPAL from Barry?

Lyndel, if you get a chance could you give me a call. For some reason I don't have your number but I believe you have mine.

Barry, it will be tomorrow night but I'll give you a jingle.

I didn't know about Barry's PAL... I would love to get a chance to use it... Can you send me a paypal invoice, Barry?? Can I send R-232 commands through your PAL??

What would the pronto wolrd be without the MsGees and Gordons????

thanks

poojoe (of controLED, Berlin)

The Pronto PAL is not ready for release, but getting close. The PAL is a PC application that has been (Is being) tested under Windows XP. Nothing in it should cause to be XP specific, that is, it should run under Vista also. I just do not use Vista. It consists of a main program and Plug-ins in the form of dll's wiritten to a small program specification using an SDK which has a sample and specs for the API.

The main program handles the TCPIP communications to the Pronto and has a full TCPIP traffic monitor for debugging. It does not care if the Pronto is a 9400 or a 9600. It just sends text.images via TCPIP.

The following modules are in work and have companion Pronto Pro programs (Activities):

PictureFrame: Makes the Pronto 9600 a simple digital picture frame. Provides basic management for the slide shows on the server. This is in final test and will probably be sent to some Beta testers later this week. There will be an auxiliary program for more extensive slide show management.

DVD Librarian: Provides management of a DVD library for the Pronto PRO. Shows all of the DVD's in your library on the PRO (9600) and allows you to select cover art and info about any DVD. Provides the "hooks" to allow another program to get information about which DVD to play using DVD changers. Requires DVD Profiler 3.x which actually manages your DVD Library. The PAL acts as an interface between the DVD Profiler and the Pronto PRO.

IR Out: Operates in conjunction with the Global Cache units. Provides for simple management of IR strings in Pronto Hex format, but no learning capability at this time. The Pro merely sends over simple commands (e.g "Port 4", "Sony TV", "Power On") and the IR command is issued.

HomeSeer: Works with a companion Homeseer plugin that allows the Pronto to send Homeseer commands, control all of the devices under Homeseer control, request status of devices (e.g. lighting on/off, brightness) run scripts or functions and display the results. Any device controlled by homeseer can be managed.

XRMtuner: This module will control the Polk XRT12 XR radio tuner through the Global Cache RS232 interface or any RS232 port on the PC. It will be a two way module providing control and display.

Was this ever finished? I'd be interested in a copy.

Yes the Pronto Pal functions with the GC100. I ony use it with IR at this time, but using it with RS232 would be trivial (Heck, It might even be in there already). The issue is that with RS232 The PAL needs a "Plugin" designed to communicate with the component as RS232, as many are finding out, is often not as trivial as sending IR especially if you want feedback.

Visit my web site www.the-gordons.net where there is more info

I havent written it but i have been working with and using a script which uses an RS232 TCP/IP interface box which is even cheaper than the GC-100 (but doesn't have IR), But it will support multiple prontos simultanouesly i believe... Had it running at an exhibition and it was Rock solid even after the web scripts died and stopped working.....IT ran perfectly and its the fastest script i have seen.....(no PC required and half the price of an RFX9600)