Is the Ocelot still the best stand alone IR option?

[hgupta1]

I need to add some IR controlling to my home automation system. I want to receive and send IR commands, especially a series of them) I have been thinking about the Ocelot, but it seems to be getting a little long in the tooth. Is there a better/ faster IR controller out there? I want to stay away from computer based systems since they to have more complications (low WAF -- at least thats how my homeseer/ eventghost/ girder experience has been)

 

[Deane Johnson]

I need to add some IR controlling to my home automation system. I want to receive and send IR commands, especially a series of them) I have been thinking about the Ocelot, but it seems to be getting a little long in the tooth. Is there a better/ faster IR controller out there? I want to stay away from computer based systems since they to have more complications (low WAF -- at least thats how my homeseer/ eventghost/ girder experience has been)

Ocelot is getting a little outdated due to it's lack of Z-Wave, UPB and Insteon, but there is a successor in the works called the Firecat. When is the big question, however. It's a year or so overdue now.

You mention receiving a series of IR commands, which raises the question of what would be the reason it received a series instead of a single command? That might make me a little nervous on reliability. If it's a macro or something else requiring multiple commands, the best way would be to use a single command and let Ocelot execute the "macro" so you don't have a "missed command" issue. This is where it can really shine.

If you're talking about sending multiple IR commands to various pieces of equipment, it does that very well.

 

[Rupp]

There are several IR transmitters that work with HomeSeer. The Ocelot is still a very good solution, the IRTrans, the USB-UIRT, the Global Cache line, and the Bitwise. The Global Cache has a new wireless product that looks interesting as well.
Here's the store list at HomeSeer.com
http://store.homeseer.com/store/Infrared-C47.aspx

 

[AnthonyZ]

I would HIGHLY recommend the Bitwise BC4X and the IRL (I think that's the part number, IR receiver). Their gear is top notch, extremely flexible (allowing for IR, Serial, socket and GPIO integration) and has a great programming environment. It works very well as a standalone controller, IR triggered controller, great iPod/iPad integration and/or works well via Linux or Windows systems. Units can also be placed throughout the home and tied together with the programming, allowing for a ridiculous amount of power for a relatively light investment (that can be scaled over time). Lastly, there might just be some two way, Java based feedback programming coming soon (wink, wink)...

 

[jwilson56]

I love my Ocelot and SECU modules for IR and digital I/O. It might be older but it is very reliable.

 

[hgupta1]

I love my Ocelot and SECU modules for IR and digital I/O. It might be older but it is very reliable.

Thanks guys! The bitwise controller does look really cool. But I think I'll have to try the ocelot first since it is cheaper.