I tried to take a step back and look at the logic that I use when programming a remote for a customer. There is no doubt that every one of them is the same... at least in the basic logic. Since it's my logic, then it makes sense to me, right? Thinking back on a bunch of remotes that I had to "retweak" from the guy before me, I see his logic, and it doesn't make alot of sense to me. Every now and then I get a customer that just doesn't get it... no matter how dummy proof I make it.

My point to all this is: Everyone thinks differently. So I want to start up an exchange between those of us that program these things every day. If for no other reason to get some new/fresh ideas. I'm not worried about someone stealing my ideas, heck most of you are already using my icons. As far as I can tell there aren't many competing companies/installers around here, so that shouldn't be an issue.

If your interested, send me a file (or as many as you want) that you think gives the best all around view of your "style". T2+ would be my files of choice, but I'd love to see what some of you have done with the T3 as well. I'll gladly send you some of mine for review.

Send'm to the email in my profile: Subject "RTI files"

Andy

Just sent you my T3/RP-6/T2+ files

edit: well the email came back as bad address: could you check it or send me a link?

Mark

I sent you an email... the one in my profile should work.

I always try to hand over the remote to one of the non programming installers to get their feedback first. They seem to look at thing differently than I do and I get a lot of good input from them.

Don't have much as far as the RTI line goes, only played with a couple so far. I have used this with the Pronto's and it has seemed to work. Still need to tweak a little for the client now and again, but I think for the most part that they get it.

Yeah, I do the same thing. Problem is that we are a pretty small operation (for the moment). Only two installers and me, the do it all programmer. So when I hand the remote to one of them, they've seen it a hundred times and know how it works. I'm just looking for a fresh look, to keep myself from getting stagnet.

Always looking for new ideas,
Andy

I do not use press and hold functions as I do not want commands that are hidden. Also I rearly use icons for sources. Not everyone will know what a picture of a satellite dish is but they can likey read "Satellite TV" for example.

I think the best secret is to keep it simple and consistent.

Try to sell the same package(s) of equipment and re-use as much of the programming as possible.

As one of my reps says, "Customization costs $$... but there is profit in personalization". Don't re-invent the wheel.... change the name on the remote to the client's family name and bingo.. its "something special"


One of the things that I do:

If possible, I like to create macros in the RP6, and then call them using the "System Macro" function on the remote. For example, I will create macros for:

TV on
TV off
Receiver on
Receiver off

TV DVD input
TV Sat input
Receiver DVD input
Receiver Sat input

Each macro is a mini-module, that does a small, defined job. Then I create macros (on the RP6) for the activities:

Watch TV
Watch DVD
etc

Within the activity macros, I call the mini-modules.

ie: Watch TV macro:

1) System Macro: TV on
2) System Macro: Receiver on
3) System Macro: TV Satellite input
4) System Macro: Receiver Satellite input


Now if I want to change the brand and model of the TV or receiver, I can just make changes to the mini-modules. The activity macros don't have to change.

If I am forced to use a receiver (or other component) without discrete codes or RS-232... I can use flags or voltage/signal sensing inside the mini-modules... and the activity macros stay the same!


ie. Receiver ON mini-module (Receiver using voltage sensor)

if (Port1 is ON)
{
[[do nothing]]
}
else
{
Receiver POWER
}


Another advantage of this method: You can call the activity macros from other learning remotes or keypads, using the HEX system trigger codes.... so the keypads etc can take advantage of the RP-6's RS-232 , sensing and relay options.

Mark, I got the emails. Thanks, and sorry for all the email issues.

As soon as I fire up the laptop at the office I'll fire mine off to you.

Anybody else wanna send some files?

Andy

OK, I'll play this game.

I recently did a T3 for a client and he had a HTB system from Pioneer, A HD sat and a HD mits TV, CD player was interesting to get control of the HTB as it had a LCD remote and a little remote displaythat had the IR receiver in it

But we got through it and it all works

Since Gary's in on this game I'll toss something in, should be fun to see what everyone is doing with this equipment.

I just sent a few files out to the four of you that sent them to me. My comcast account went a bit haywire, so somebody let me know that you got the email.

Haveing all kinds of email issues,
Andy

Andy, I got them and will look them over tonight, I sent you another file this morning to look at as well

Glack

Andy, I received the email this morning.

I think it would be a good idea to have some space on a small ftp server to store all the donated files and include a login and password to those that submit a file. That way we can all see eachothers work.


I am willing to throw the files on my home computer, but I don't know how much bandwidth I have alotted to my Qwest DSL account.

got it thanks

note the file I sent you is for a T3