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    Advice on equipment

    Looking at possibly taking advantage of this week's sale on homeseer and trying to get some advice on which way to go for controlling home AV equipment. Looking at the global cache or harmony hub, I know both can integrate with homeseer but also need to have some level of local access via remote etc. I have zero experience with global cache but I saw they are on sale and thought I would ask.

    Unfortunately at this time I don't really know what I don;t know about either system as I haven't tried them.

    Here is what we have to automate.
    location 1: VizioTV (IR), XBOX One (IR), Sonos Soundbar (IR)
    Location 2: LG Smart TV (IR), media pc (keyboard no need to automate)
    Location 3: Samsung TV (IR), Samsung Blu-ray (IR), Amazon Fire TV (IR Addon)

    Would like to do stuff like turn off when leaving or on in the morning etc. I know with these devices not having serial connections to tell the system what state they are on could leave to on/off issues and I am ok. Was leaning towards harmony hub as I have used their controllers for years but as the start of the post says maybe global cache is the way to go.

    Thanks

    #2
    The Harmony Hub plugin hasn't worked for some of us for a couple months now. The dev has some home issues tying up his time. I am making some progress on fixing the Linux version myself but I don't think it is known when it will be working better.

    The Harmony Hub in general is a squirrelly device. I have two of them. They lose connection and things like that too frequently for my tastes. I have no experience with Global Cache.

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by mikaluch View Post
      The Harmony Hub plugin hasn't worked for some of us for a couple months now. The dev has some home issues tying up his time. I am making some progress on fixing the Linux version myself but I don't think it is known when it will be working better.

      The Harmony Hub in general is a squirrelly device. I have two of them. They lose connection and things like that too frequently for my tastes. I have no experience with Global Cache.
      Thanks for the input, always a help

      Comment


        #4
        I've gotten into global cache using Global Cache over the last few months after years of trying to get USB-UIRT and other solutions to work and it's pretty awesome. I am also using the Ultragcir plugin rather than the HS one.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by rmiles7721 View Post
          I've gotten into global cache using Global Cache over the last few months after years of trying to get USB-UIRT and other solutions to work and it's pretty awesome. I am also using the Ultragcir plugin rather than the HS one.
          I know this might be a silly question but what parts does a person actually need to set-up global cache? I looked at the devices they have and they pretty much run the gambit so a little confusing from a new user perspective...

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by norcalhkr View Post
            I know this might be a silly question but what parts does a person actually need to set-up global cache? I looked at the devices they have and they pretty much run the gambit so a little confusing from a new user perspective...
            Do you have Ethernet at all 3 locations? If so, look at the GC-100 line or the IP2IR. If WiFi, then the WF2IR. You can often pick up used GC-100's on eBay for a good price and Global Cache will upgrade and check them for a flat fee. You'll need the individual stick-on emitters or the blaster if there's a spot you can mount it where the signal will reach all of your devices. You can download IR codes from the Global Cache site, or if the ones you need are not available, you'll need a learner, which can hook up to the GC-100. Not sure how it hooks up to the IP2IR/WF2IR.

            Cheers
            Al
            HS 4.2.8.0: 2134 Devices 1252 Events
            Z-Wave 3.0.10.0: 133 Nodes on one Z-Net

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by sparkman View Post
              Do you have Ethernet at all 3 locations? If so, look at the GC-100 line or the IP2IR. If WiFi, then the WF2IR. You can often pick up used GC-100's on eBay for a good price and Global Cache will upgrade and check them for a flat fee. You'll need the individual stick-on emitters or the blaster if there's a spot you can mount it where the signal will reach all of your devices. You can download IR codes from the Global Cache site, or if the ones you need are not available, you'll need a learner, which can hook up to the GC-100. Not sure how it hooks up to the IP2IR/WF2IR.

              Cheers
              Al
              Thanks, I do have ethernet to all locations so I think we are good to go from that stand point. I will check out the recommended links, I think it might be the way to go.

              Question, with the global cache, if someone uses the standard remote or turns the tv on by hand what happens? does it totally wreck the system? I am sure it partially depends on the commands available via IR for the device and if it uses a power toggle vs power on vs power of commands.

              Thanks for the advice, it all helps

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by norcalhkr View Post
                Thanks, I do have ethernet to all locations so I think we are good to go from that stand point. I will check out the recommended links, I think it might be the way to go.

                Question, with the global cache, if someone uses the standard remote or turns the tv on by hand what happens? does it totally wreck the system? I am sure it partially depends on the commands available via IR for the device and if it uses a power toggle vs power on vs power of commands.

                Thanks for the advice, it all helps
                You're welcome. If you are tracking equipment states using virtual devices in HS with commands issued through the GC plugin, then those would get out of sync with power and input toggle commands. Some of the GC devices support a receiver as well, so that's one way to detect the use of those. However, if you always issue discrete power and input commands from HS, then it may not matter as the events that issue those commands will ensure it gets back to a known state.

                If you do find things getting out of sync and causing issues, there are detectors available to detect the state. As an example, you could connect a voltage detector to a USB port on a TV (assuming the USB port is only on when the power is on). There are other types of sensors available. If you think you may go that way, then consider the larger GC-100 units as that gives you more options for connecting sensors along with the emitters/blasters. The emitters can all be connected to the same port (but can be independent as well) using IR distribution methods as long as you're not trying to control two identical devices in the same location. I use Russound and Xantech IR distribution systems so all IR signals are sent from a single port on the GC units, leaving the other ports available for other purposes.

                Cheers
                Al
                Last edited by sparkman; May 26, 2016, 11:35 AM.
                HS 4.2.8.0: 2134 Devices 1252 Events
                Z-Wave 3.0.10.0: 133 Nodes on one Z-Net

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by sparkman View Post
                  You're welcome. If you are tracking equipment states using virtual devices in HS with commands issued through the GC plugin, then those would get out of sync with power and input toggle commands.
                  Thanks again, I think I have a lot more research to do before I jump in to this one. I was also thinking about getting one of the Aeon power bars to monitor the power consumption of the devices and if it is over x amount trigger a virtual device to signal the device is on and the the IR could turn is off if the house is switched to away etc. Not sure of that logic would work or if it would be better to go through the global cache unit itself but it seems like that would help with keeping things straight.

                  the other big thing is how effective it would really be for using the devices especially when other less techie people come over. I am planning on using a small android tablet in the family room for control purposes but not sure if that would help or hurt overall...

                  Thanks again for the additional insight

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I have been using Global Cache iTach Flex IP Controllers for my IR control now for a few years along with HSTouch in various flavors. The learning process (codes) is slow but that's really only once and a lot of cut and paste from the GC code site. I use virtual devices for status but I also just send the discrete codes for on and off whether the device shows either, so no matter if HSTouch calls for the firetv or something else I still send the TV on command in each event even though it might already be on. I can say that I haven't touched a remote in years for on/off, source, or volume control. We primarily use Firetv now and my wife really likes the little wifi remote that comes with them, although it to can be controlled by IR so I have that available also. You would need a unit at each location either wifi or wired and then either a blaster to "blast" all components or my preference a Tri-port with 3 single emitters and the plugin of course, I use the UltraGCIR3 plugin and have not had any issues with it.
                    If you have any other questions about it just ask, and the HSTouch part is really easy so don't be afraid of it.
                    John

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by lj502 View Post
                      I have been using Global Cache iTach Flex IP Controllers for my IR control now for a few years along with HSTouch in various flavors. The learning process (codes) is slow but that's really only once and a lot of cut and paste from the GC code site. I use virtual devices for status but I also just send the discrete codes for on and off whether the device shows either, so no matter if HSTouch calls for the firetv or something else I still send the TV on command in each event even though it might already be on. I can say that I haven't touched a remote in years for on/off, source, or volume control. We primarily use Firetv now and my wife really likes the little wifi remote that comes with them, although it to can be controlled by IR so I have that available also. You would need a unit at each location either wifi or wired and then either a blaster to "blast" all components or my preference a Tri-port with 3 single emitters and the plugin of course, I use the UltraGCIR3 plugin and have not had any issues with it.
                      If you have any other questions about it just ask, and the HSTouch part is really easy so don't be afraid of it.
                      John
                      thanks, I like the size itach flex, it looks like it has one mini jack plug, is that enough for 2-4 ir devices in one location? I saw the reference to a tri-port, what is that?

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by lj502 View Post
                        I have been using Global Cache iTach Flex
                        Also for the flex units is there any kind of head unit or is it the HS server essentially and you just have to hook the unit up at your TV spot and connect the IR emitters and off to the races? Again I know, silly question but this really is the first time I have really considered these

                        Thanks

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by norcalhkr View Post
                          I saw the reference to a tri-port, what is that?
                          It takes one port from the Flex and turns it into three:

                          http://store.homeseer.com/store/Glob...ble-P1481.aspx

                          Cheers
                          Al
                          HS 4.2.8.0: 2134 Devices 1252 Events
                          Z-Wave 3.0.10.0: 133 Nodes on one Z-Net

                          Comment


                            #14
                            The Flex doesn't store any codes in it. The head end is really HS. You can get IR codes from Global Cache's website and cut and paste them in. Or use their iLearn program to learn codes which you then cut and paste in the plugin.

                            The HS branded plugin has had serious issues. Another thread is active right now discussing this. It looks like the best option now is to purchase Ultra's IR plugin. It's an additional 3rd party cost, but will save you a headache. It can also input entire code sets from Global Cache via a text file.

                            Originally posted by norcalhkr View Post
                            Also for the flex units is there any kind of head unit or is it the HS server essentially and you just have to hook the unit up at your TV spot and connect the IR emitters and off to the races? Again I know, silly question but this really is the first time I have really considered these

                            Thanks
                            -Tim

                            HSPro - 3.XXX - Dell mini W7 x32
                            Way2 Call
                            Elk M1 Gold
                            UPB HAI switches
                            HAI RC2000 Thermostat

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by email68 View Post
                              The HS branded plugin has had serious issues.
                              True. However, that plug-in has been heavily reworked and should be released as a beta very soon. The new version integrates nicely with Global Cache's online database of IR codes. Here's are a couple screen shots:
                              Attached Files
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