I have an Escient cd jukebox controller that I'm trying to get working with the T2 via RF. This works fine when using IR only; however, when switching to RF I have the following problem...

Background...
The IRF-6 seems to "go to sleep" when not in use, then "wake up" when it gets a signal. When it wakes up, the lights on the bottom of the IRF-6 "turn on" as does the power light. When a signal is received, the lights flash brightly for a moment... then return to their "normal" low light. Obviously, the low light seems to be the operating default of the IRF-6 and the brighter light flashes are the RF signals being received and transmitted as IR codes.

Problem...
The operating or "normal" low light of the IRF-6 is being "broadcast" through the IR emitters to the equipment constantly. I have checked even with the T2 itself and found a constant stream of IR being sent through the emitter. This goes away when the unit returns to "sleep mode". This is a problem for a computer-based unit, because it uses CPU time to process the IR codes it receives. Because the unit is getting a contant flow of IR, it does not appear to respond to good commands when sent (or seldomly does) as it seems to be busy processing this redundant IR stream. Specifically, this is a problem for the Escient product I am trying to control.

What I have tried...
I've tried sending to a specific port
I've tried the video sensor
... the unit I have doesn't have a voltage trigger
I've tried different IR emitters
I've tried the IR level adjustments on the IRF-6
I've tried different positioning of the IR sensor
I've tried different IR code configurations...
I've verified the IR codes work correctly when sent from T2 in IR mode
I've verified the coes are being received by the IRF-6...

Ideas?
... Mitch and gang at RTI seem to be gone until Monday, I'm probably doing something wrong... but can't figure out what.

Best and thanks for any ideas, Cliff

Cliff, It seems that you have an RF noise problem. I have set up two separate systems using Escient controllers, one with the Tunebase 100 and one with the Tunebase Pro Mk II. While the Escient models use different IR codes sets, (next step, 232) both systems are using IRF-6 receivers and seem to work fine. I am only routing the Escient signal to one of the ports on the IRF-6s and had to tweak the output level to get consistant results. Aside from that, I only get output from the port LEDs when the appropriate signal is issued. I have not seen the low light output you describe from the LEDs when no commands are issued. Is it when the back light is on or all the time the T2 is in use?

I have run into this problem using other video switching devices: they work fine in IR mode but will not work in RF. However, I still did not see the constant noise to which you are referring. Have yet to find a solution for those specific products.

Maybe use a different RF system code?

Rob

I'll try different RF system codes. And I only wish the Escient Tunebase 100 had RS232... but as for the constant IR emitter output... yes it is odd and I now verified on some Proceed equipment I also have (which indicates when IR is being received). When the IRF6 "wakes up" (when a command is received) I start getting constant IR output from the IR emitters. It definately peaks up when a command is issued and received from the remote... but...

Anyway, Mitch should be back tomorrow... hopefully I'll get in touch with him and he'll give me some ideas.

Cliff

Cliff, Maybe treat it like a ground loop problem and try to find the source of the noise. Get a test emitter (one that emits visible light) and check output with nothing connected or powered up. If it still shows a problem upon "wake up", try another IRF6. If not, power things up and/or connect one at a time until you find the source. Usually not a lot of fun but sometimes necessary.

I just saw Mitch at CEDIA, they were showing a couple of RF solutions/enhancements to be released shortly. Looks like someone is listening to us!

Rob

Saaaay Rob....what are those RF enhancements all about?

Ah...never mind. Had to ask Mitch some questions on the IRF-6, and he filled me in. 1) high-gain antenna. 2) remote antenna unit (for multiple zone use).

Rob, Seems like you were on the right track. Seems I have some kind of interference between the Proceed AVP and the Escient... removing the cabling seems to show that when the Proceed AVP was connected to a Sony Tivo (s-vhs)... the Escient-Proceed video connection created some type of interference which the IRF-6 was picking up. I'll post the eventual problem/solution. I'm going to rip it all apart and try to figure out.

Thanks for all your help, Cliff

Cliff,
Two questions:

1) Are you using the S Video straight out of the Escient or coming out of the VGA output and downconverting the signal to S Video?

2) Is your system (TiVo, et al) connected to a CATV feed in any way? Since you mentioned the potential involvment to TiVo, They (CATV) almost always seem to be the culprit in grounding problems.

Good Luck

Rob

Rob,
Just starting to look at this again. Sorry it took so long to reply...
(1) S-Video straight out - no conversions.
(2) Yes, a Cable-box, VHS and Tivo are connected after running through a Niles power cleanser. I have no audible feedback problems. And have the 2 seperate circuts. Actually, as it turns out the IRF-6 is plugged into a 3rd circut which has no audible equipment on it.
Thanks again, Cliff

Cliff,

S Video issue: In spite of the fact that the Niles iPower does not provide RF ground loop isolation, I do not think that is the source. With Escient connected to the Proceed via video, other than the RF noise, do you have any visual interference?

Third circuit issue: Unless you are using direct IR input jacks on the back of the Proceed, the IRF-6 would be optically connected and not electrically connected to the other devices.

Try physically moving the components around. I have seen some bizzare problems cleared by just rearranging pesky pieces. With all these digital products out, some aren't shielded as well as they should. Those "1"s and "0"s flying aound produce a soup of RF interference.

Rob