XTR12 Remote control options

[Ricardo]

Once I install the tuner I would like to be able to control it remotely, from another room; Is this possible? What would be needed and how can it be done? I was browsing the manual and saw this:

"About the RS-232C Connection:
The RS-232C Connection is provided to allow the XM Reference Tuner to be controlled by
compatible 3rd party control systems. Polk Audio recommends that this connection only be
used by experienced professional system installers. DO NOT connect the RS-232C Connection
to a computer. This connection IS NOT compatible with personal computers."

Has anyone used this to remotely control the unit? How?

Thanks!!

[Ricardo]

I found this on the product page in PolkAudio..

"If you have a whole house distributed audio system like those made by AMX, Crestron, NetStreams or Elan, the XRt12's RS-232 I/O connector allows you to plug it right into the system for XM radio throughout the house. You'll be able to control the XRt12 from any station on the system and display channel, artist and song data on any control screen in the network. "

I browsed on the Crestron and AMX web pages and what I saw seems like very sophisticated (read expensive) home automation systems....this is not what I'm looking for.

What I am looking for is for a simple/cheap way to change channels, without the need of :
a) Walk all the way to where the unit is
b) Open holes in a few walls so that I can point the IR remote to the right spot.
c) Re-decorate the house with a lot of mirrors, strategically placed...

This, plus a volume control would give me what I want...

[madmax]

An easier way would be to pick up one of the infrared repeaters. RS sells them. It is a set of two modules. One picks up the IR signal in the room you are in and transmits it to the room with the receiver in it. It then sends out the same ir signal to your receiver.
madmax

[unc2701]

You can control it w/ a computer, serial connection and terminal program, but you'd need to know the pinout on the connector (they seem to imply it's non standard) and the language to signal the tuner. You could then set up a webpage on your computer w/ java, vb, asp, etc to issue the command you want and query the tuner for song names, etc. Bottom line- it'd be a pain.

[madmax]

Of course if you wanted to control it by a computer you would be about as well off by just connecting directly to the XM site and using the PC XM version. After all, its free with a subscription.
madmax

[Ricardo]

An easier way would be to pick up one of the infrared repeaters. RS sells them. It is a set of two modules. One picks up the IR signal in the room you are in and transmits it to the room with the receiver in it. It then sends out the same ir signal to your receiver.
madmax

This sounds like what I would like to have; I'll take a look at it.

By the way, here's what I got from Elan; sounds expensive...

"ELAN can control the Polk Audio XM receiver through the RS232 port by
using our VIA-SC4 system controller and VIA touch panels. Pretty
straight forward. We actually have a serial driver for that unit already
programmed.

Also, since this XM tuner has a composite video output, you can also
view that on the VIA panel.

I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me with any additional
questions."

[Ricardo]

Did you mean this??

http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...t%5Fid=49-1122

This is great; I don't even need to install a volume control....this and my Harmony and I can do all I want....

Anyone has tried one of these? Any other options (as cheap as this one) out there???

Wow....things start falling together.....

[Ricardo]

Hmmmm...it keeps getting better....with this one you are not limited to be where the ugly pyramid is set......

http://www.smarthome.com/8043.html#cart