Premise GC-IRE error?

[etc6849]

I was wondering if seeing the "received corrupt transmission" error is normal or not? I've tried using the GC-IRE on a com port as well as on the GC-100-12 and I always eventually get this error. Also, IR communications don't always work and the receiver's blue light comes on solid sometimes?!? Could my GC-IRE be defective? I've tried too RG1 receivers and both eventually have a solid light and become unresponsive sometimes.

See attached pic for details.

 

[chucklyons]

I haven't been too pleased w/ the GC-100 series other than for IR. I've had success with the relays, but the COM ports are so-so and the inputs haven't been solid either. For product of that cost, I would expect a bit more solid performance....

I haven't seen the error you describe....yet.

 

[etc6849]

Chuck, I've been very pleased with the GC-100-12. I use the ir outputs and the two com ports with 100% accuracy so far (I'm serious, 100% accuracy). However, initially I had to adjust the number of times an ir code is emitted in premise. Could your issue be network latency? I'm stumped here, but I would call global cache and ask for Jerry. He is very nice and has sent me out two RG1's to test my set up, including an RG1 that is coming on 6/4 that is supposed to be less sensitive. He also said if that doesn't fix my problem global cache will gladly take everything back!

I'm wondering do you use the gc-rg1 receiver that plugs into the gc-ire or do you use a xantec emitter plugged into the gc-ire? Is the gc-cxg necessary if all I want to do is plug in a speakercraft or xantec ir receiver?

I haven't been too pleased w/ the GC-100 series other than for IR. I've had success with the relays, but the COM ports are so-so and the inputs haven't been solid either. For product of that cost, I would expect a bit more solid performance....

I haven't seen the error you describe....yet.

 

[chucklyons]

etc6849 -

Thanks for the inputs...especially the Jerry contact. I have a GC-100-12 that works as mentionsed and a GC-100-6 that must be nuked or something...I have yet to find it using Angry Scanner (or whatever its called)....

The one place it is solid is the IR. I use the gc-ire plugged into the GC-100, with the Xantech emitters into that. I have an incredibly long run (over CAT-5) of one of the outputs to the Plasma. GC-100 is dead on, everytime.

My set-up has the output of one of the IRPorts going into the Xantech. Premise is then set to the same Xmtr for each device in the cabinet that is controlled by the Xantech IR Receiver at the plasma. (I have a receiver and a 'blinkie' on the plasma)

hope this helps and thanks for the tip...

 

[etc6849]

Thanks Chuck Yes, this helps a lot and I followed your lead. I'm still getting the error, but I'm also still using the GC-RG1 receiver.

However, the reliability has improved dramatically after I did a few simple things. I would say it's 98% reliable now. Unless you point the remote in weird spots or don't depress the button all the way it works perfectly even 30 ft away! The xantec receiver is incredible compared to the GC RG1 (but costs a lot more). I can bounce ir signals off just about anything now and also get a good read!

1. I went and bought a xantech plasma ir receiver model 490-90 today. It came with a little connecting block (thank goodness) and was on clearance for $100. I have an LCD tv, but the plasma model was all the local place carried. It works great unless I stand and point it directly at the LCD. I can go off the side upto a 45 degree angle like the picture here shows:

2. I used a spare IR emitter, plugged into the output of the little connector block and glued this emitter to the front of the RG1.
This does the same thing as the gc-cxg1 in theory as it seperates the grounds to avoid any noise from ground loops.
I also wrapped alot of electrical tape around the RG1 and emitter combo so no sunlight etc could get through.

3. I bought a 12v power supply from radioshack (any should work above 20mA).

4. I hope Global Cache will be kind enough to exchange the RG1 for a CXG1 to cut down on cables.

PS: the support number at Global Cache is: 541-899-4800.

Here's what I'm doing with the GC-IRE:

On most any receiver remote you have a play, pause, stop etc buttons that work. I have written scripts in premise to force the play command to whichever device is connected to the selected input on the receiver when I press this play button on the receivers remote. In this way, the play button and etc can work with whatever device premise is hooked too as long as it is connected to the receiver and set up correctly in premise.

I think your setup sounds neat as it saves outputs on the GC-100-12 to use for other tasks such as power sensing. More versatile for sure!

 

[etc6849]

Chuck, if I understand your setup, I think you are using a special cable as in the attached picture to interface the GC-IRE to your Xantec block?

I have made my own cable and guess what? No error and 100% reliability! I'm going to send all the RG1's back to global cache. It seems the gc-ire is much more responsive without the GC-RG1 attached to it! This does tie grounds together that could potentially be on seperate circuits, but it doesn't matter as the devices are all on the same outlet in my house and I'm sure the GC-IRE has filtering capacitors inside?

In case another new person reads this, you cannot use a normal 1/8" male/male stereo headphone cord and need to follow the picture for rewiring such a cable first Be sure to cut the leads off you are not going to use and heat shrink them to avoid contact with the ground. I also used solder for mine. Ensure that the GC-IRE end should be clearly marked in case you forget in the future... I used clear heat shrink with a peice of paper underneath to mark the direction to the GC-IRE (very important step!!!).

PS: don't attempt this if you don't know how to check continuity (ie near 0 resistance) with a volt ohm meter. Wire colors vary too much; you must check that GC-IRE ground is tied to the Xantech ground and that the GC-IRE signal is tied to the Xantech signal. No other connections should be made and again heat shrink unused wires so they can't contact anything.

 

[fcwilt]

I've found the GC-RG1 to be totally useless. I switched to Xantech using the GC-CXG and things work just fine.

 

[etc6849]

Frederick,

I tried to PM you, but I guess it didn't go through? I just finished talking to global cache and mentioned another person was having issues with an RG1 also. They would very much like you to call in at 541-899-4800 as they can issue a refund and want to research this issue further if you'll let them. The tech support at Global Cache is very top notch. They are going to give me a refund on the RG1 (I didn't even ask for a refund!), of course I have to send it in first, but they pay shipping so it's really a win-win as they want to make sure there is not some issue with a particular lot of RG1 receivers. I'm the only RMA in the last month or so. I'm betting it's just me who has issue, but who knows.

Cheers,

Ellery

 

[fcwilt]

Frederick,

I tried to PM you, but I guess it didn't go through?

I've have had a very busy day and just now am getting around to checking my emails. I got yours. Thank you.

 

[etc6849]

That is interesting because the message didn't show up as sent in my profile? I'm guessing there is some option I forgot to click then... doh!

Frederick,

I tried to PM you, but I guess it didn't go through?

I've have had a very busy day and just now am getting around to checking my emails. I got yours. Thank you.

 

[etc6849]

I thought I'd give you guys an update. The xantech idea of Chuck and Frederick fixed my problem. I ended up returning the plasma Xantech 490 and ordered the lcd version:
http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=44564...navid=155441519

The newer version Xantech 490 receivers include an adjustment screw to adjust the center frequency from 38khz to 56khz. With the plasma version I could not point it directly at the lcd without interference. The LCD version seems to have no problems at all even if I point it directly at the lcd!