Add IR remote control using Flirc USB in SnakeOil

[Snoopy8]

For a long time, I have been wondering how to add infrared (IR) remote controls to SnakeOil. The computers we use have no IR receivers and I was not keen to solder an IR receiver and then play with low level IR codes in Linux.

Like many of you, I have a remote to control the volume and mute my system. And have to use my phone to skip to next song, skip back, pause etc.  Well, I can now do all of the above basic playback controls using only my IR remote.

It was quite a challenge to learn how to control LMS with a keyboard and how to use the Flirc USB IR receiver.  Not helped when the LMS documentation is difficult to learn from. While the Flirc USB is very capable, key information was scattered. Had to do things by trial and error, with no response from the manufacturer, despite many attempts. And of course, I had to pick a remote that Flirc struggled with and chose the hardest player LMS. 

I have now consolidated all of this in the wiki making it much easier for others to replicate what I have done.  And the approach will work for MPD and other players.
https://www.snakeoil-os.net/reference/ad...-ir-remote

[Snoopy8]

I have now been using the IR remote for a few days, but found inconsistent response in my large room.    I am sitting 4m away in a bright room and it sometimes required several presses and sometimes produced only partial keystrokes. The 10m range in the Flirc USB specs is misleading, probably for a perfect environment. What is holding it back is likely the small surface area, compared with other IR gear. Tried shorter macros, using a USB A extension cable.

Problem mostly solved by a paper cone wrapped around Flirc USB. Yes, A4 paper rolled up!   .  Have added this tip to wiki.

[agent_kith]

I have now been using the IR remote for a few days, but found inconsistent response in my large room.    I am sitting 4m away in a bright room and it sometimes required several presses and sometimes produced only partial keystrokes. The 10m range in the Flirc USB specs is misleading, probably for a perfect environment. What is holding it back is likely the small surface area, compared with other IR gear. Tried shorter macros, using a USB A extension cable.

Problem mostly solved by a paper cone wrapped around Flirc USB. Yes, A4 paper rolled up!   .  Have added this tip to wiki.

Use a radio remote (RF) if you can, so it does not require line of sight. I know it lirc has the name infra red in the name, but it does support HID RF devices. Once you get the input device setup it's a matter of tweaking the repeat value and remapping keystrokes to event, you'll be all set.

[Snoopy8]

Use a radio remote (RF) if you can, so it does not require line of sight. I know it lirc has the name infra red in the name, but it does support HID RF devices. Once you get the input device setup it's a matter of tweaking the repeat value and remapping keystrokes to event, you'll be all set.

But most Hifi gear are controlled using an IR remote, which was the motivation and driver behind this. I am probably old fashioned as well.  And it is working well enough.

The ideal is to mix both IR and BT in the same remote, with IR for the Hifi and BT to control SnakeOil music player.   Maybe my next project ?

[agent_kith]

But most Hifi gear are controlled using an IR remote, which was the motivation and driver behind this. I am probably old fashioned as well.  And it is working well enough.

The ideal is to mix both IR and BT in the same remote, with IR for the Hifi and BT to control SnakeOil music player.   Maybe my next project ?

Logitech used to make very good IR and RF/IR+bridge remotes. Their IR remote has a very wide beam which is really good to use. Unfortunately Logitech decided to can this product (along with LMS).

RF to a IR sender/blaster is probably the better way as it does not require line of sight, like this one.

Or you can DIY a solution using a Broadlink (I have the pro and it's a pretty good IR blaster, works with RF too).

[Snoopy8]

Logitech used to make very good IR and RF/IR+bridge remotes. Their IR remote has a very wide beam which is really good to use. Unfortunately Logitech decided to can this product (along with LMS).

I did my earlier test with an Arcam IR remote but I still have my Logitech Harmony 650 (& a spare!).  Agree they have a much better IR signal. And of course, the life expectancy is highly dependent on Logitech continuing to keep their website operational for changes etc.   
 

RF to a IR sender/blaster is probably the better way as it does not require line of sight, like this one.

The X1 is the old model. The new one is X1S which is reported to be much better, but while my Harmony still works, I'll hold off from getting the X1S.