I see on RTI's Web site that there are video sync and voltage sensors available as accessories. What do they do? I don't see any indication in the software that it's possible to program the remote to conditionally send codes based on feedback from a sensor, which seems like it'd be the obvious use (e.g., your TV only has a toggle code for Power, so only send it as part of the "system on" macro if the TV is currently turned off).

Maybe the sensors are IR or RF receivers/senders themselves, and can be programmed to conditionally control the equipment they're hooked up to?

I think that the video sync and voltage sensors only work in connection with the IRF-6 System Interface Module. These items could be used to sense the on/off status of a component such as a VCR. Since most VCR have the same on/off IR command, it is easy for a macro function that is meant to turn the system and a VCR ON to actually turn the VCR OFF. The sensors could monitor this status and only allow the IFR-6 to issue the ON command if the VCR was actually off.

The voltage sensors and video sync must be used with the IRF-6. When connected to a IR zone the unit will send or not send a command depending on the status of the equipment on or off.

In the software, when you assign a IR command to a specific zone in the IRF-6, you can select if the command will be sent based on the power status of the equipment.

Both Sam and John are correct,

The Voltage and Video Sync Power Modules work with the IRF-6 and allowing conditional statements to be attached to a command. There are three statements: send command Always, send the command only when the device is On, and send the command only when the device is Off.

With the use of these Power Modules and the conditional statements, you get greater reliability, flexibility and can create macros that are more complex.

That's a great feature to have in a remote at this price level -- but how much does the IRF-6 & sensors cost?

Hello,

It will be interesting to see how the sensors work with this remote. We are using sensors with another type of system, and find them still not as reliable as just using discrete codes.

The (light sensors) have worked the best for us on this particular system. They seem to be very stable.

Good Luck,

I called RTI and they told me that the IRF-6 will sell for $299.95 and each sensor will sell for $49.00. If you purchased a complete system, T2, IRF-6 and six sensors the total cost would be $1,242.95. This actually a resaonable price compared AMX. Crestron or the Lexicon 700t w/RF module.

Daniel is that a rhetorical question or is it that you are not sure of the prices written on your wed site? But men does the price add up fast 650$ for remote 50$ per sensor 300$ for IRF-6.
Are there different types of video sensors (composite, s-video)? from the picture on their web site it seems to only have an RCA type plug.

I have prices on my web site? Geez, I do, don't I? Haven't looked at that page in so long... :-P

the video sensor is a rca type only.

Actually that makes sense. Just about every device has a composite out, and you wouldn't want to waste what could be the only s-video out on a detector. You could probably use some cable converter if you only had s-video, since you want some signsl but don't care about quality.

I was wondering how you would normally use the voltage detector without hacking out equipment?

DJ

The voltage sensor could be used many ways; many high-end components have a voltage trigger output. You could use a voltage sensor with a third party light or current sensors. You could use the voltage sensor on any component that had a controllable relay.
With a little imagination, you could use a voltage sensor on just about any type of equipment.

DJ,

That is a very good question. There are five different type of sensors out there right now.

1) Low voltage sensing.
2) High voltage sensing.
3) Light sensing.
4) Video sensing.
5) RF sensing

The low voltage sensor could be used to sense a fan being turned on. Or a power supply that is being switched from a switched outlet just to name a few. ( These may need to be hard wired by a professional.)

The high voltage sensor is made to be plugged into a switched outlet…. i.e. like a receiver. ( This is a very easy one to install. )

The light sensor is to be used with any component that has a status led that goes off when the unit is off and comes on when the unit is turned on. ( These sensors have a pad that sticks over the led. )

The video sensor uses the composite video signal. However, if you are using S-Video to your TV, it can still be used. You just have to be creative with the install. ( These sensors are very easy to set up as well. )

The RF sensor is the hardest one to get placed correctly. This can be used to sense the status of a TV by measuring the RF noise generated by the TV’s tube. ( This almost always means taking a TV apart to install it. Professional’s only. )

I am not sure what sensors RTI is going to offer. The five sensors mentioned above are for another type of system we install. I think that they are getting them from the same place. Just a guess.

I am sure that if using some of these other sensors , that RTI would prefer you have a professional install them. When we use the light sensors, we take the components apart to install them. Also, while we are in the unit, we do the same with the IR emitter. This way you do not have to worry about the light sensor falling off and gives a more professional looking appearance.

Good Luck,

So I guess the answer to the question "how you would normally use the voltage detector without hacking out equipment" would, you can't :-). Actually I'm quite happy hacking hardware, except for that small thing called "warranty", which is the driver of my question. Even if done by a "professional". it seems you might end up voiding your equipment's warranty, my main concern here. Something like a Hughes DSS you could use the video sensor, but other things like a power amplifier or subwoofer usually have no external access to a voltage source.

DJ

With a pre-amp you could plug a 9-12v power supply into the switched outlet that just about every pre-amp has and use that to trigger the voltage sensor.

Why would you want to know the status of your sub, if it’s plugged into an outlet it’s always on? If it’s triggered, you could put the sensor on the device that is doing the triggering of the sub.