I see that RTI has video signal and power sensors (about $45, not cheap). I only know of Niles, otherwise.

How easy are these to use? Can one not "program" the remote to check them, or do you have to "address" each sensor device, check it's state, before the "On" macro line works?

[life otta be simpler . . .]

They work great if you set them up correctly. The video SPS-1 is very easy to set up,if your device sends out a video signal when it is turned on and no signal if off. If not, you have to use the VPS-1 with some 3rd party sensor (www.smartlinc.com) that works great. When you do your macros you have to adjust the properties for each macro line but this goes pretty quickly. The reason for this, I think, is that the remote has to know which port of the IRF to check for the condition (off or on) you have set for it.

I have set my system up with:
3 SPS-1's - Sat., DVD, VCR.
2 VPS-1's - Canadian Sat. that sends a video signal out even if the power is off to the device (I do not know why) So I used a light sensor from Smartlinc that detects the lights on the front of the unit.

And for my Toshiba RPTV used with a RF detector from Smartlinc that senses the on, off status of the TV.

I did not start off this big, but the more I got into the remote, I realized that I might as well use it to the fullest. I am not sorry.

I initially thought that I would have to use many of the various combo of VPS and SPS to check on/off status of my equipment (about 11 altogether). But having been able to copy On/Off discrete codes from the various libraries, I did not need any VPS/SPS device at all. This saved me plenty of $$. Before you buy any of the VPS/SPS device, try to find discrete codes first. This may save you some $$.

I have browsed through the web site of Smartlinc. I found that the sensors are very useful. However, how can you connect these sensors with the IRF6 because it seems that they work with the control devices from Smartlinc.

Best Regards,

Heinz

Smartlinc probes are normally used with a Break Out Box, "BOB"
"Quad BOB”, Digital, Model #1155 (power supply included)
“Single BOB”, Digital, Model #1154 (power supply included)

you will also need the VPS-1 from RTI to connect into the IRF.

Sorry for this silly question, but I want to know how can I connect the sensors > BOB > VPS > IRF6?

In particular, is there any interface to connect the BOB with VPS? Also if I use the light sensor, do I still need the VPS or Video sensor?

Heinz

You need a sensor (light RF or power sensor), BOB and a VPS if you are using a light or power sensor and the IRF.

It goes like this. Light sensor:-

The light sensor goes on the stereo device you want to control. The sensor can see the little lights that go on when the unit is on. This sensor than has to be plugged into a "BOB" that send a 5 DC volt current that the VPS-1 detects. If it sees no light it does not send a signal(unit is off) if it sees light (unit is on) it sends a signal through the BOB which is hooked up to the VPS-1 through 2 wires that are just spliced together. That tells the IRF if the unit is off or on and your macros work according to your conditions.

It is a 4 piece procedure which might sound complicated but it works seemlessly.

Good Luck.