Another IR extender question (different though)

[pgoodma]

I have seen a lot of questions (and answers) about IR extenders in several of the forums but none seem to answer my question. Most of the posts seem to be addressing the use of the Firefly, or other remotes with IR extenders.

I want to use the IR extenders with the IR signal from the IR blaster that came with the PVR 150. The IR blaster WILL change channels on the set top box if placed directly over the receiver window of the box. My computer and set top box are in the same room, but too far away from each other for the IR blaster cable for daily use.

I have the PowerMid IR extenders from X10.com and they work well to change the channels of the set top box when I use the remote that came with the box pointed at the transmitter end of the X10 IR extender relay.

However when I attach the IR emitter from the IR blaster that came with the PVR 150 directly over the receiver window of the X10 extender it evidently doesn't pick up the signal from the blaster emitter because it doesn't change channels on the set top box. I even took off the dark translucent pyramid cover and placed the emitter close to the pick up, no signal transmission!

I have read that the USB units aren't all that reliable, they are 50 bucks, and my box isn't in the compatability list. Training is another pain so I would rather use this type of set up. Any suggestions?

[grandpaken]

Your method should work. I'm doing the same thing but for a different reason. My RPTV sensor is behind the screen which is make it impossible to put a sensor on it. I use an emitter placed on an older powermid (Radio Shack version) which then transmits to the receiver on the opposite wall. My emitters are Xantech but the PVR 150 blaster looks to be about the same. Can you verify the powermid is working by placing the transmitter in a different room? If you're using the remote in the same room the signal might be bouncing off the wall rather than going through the powermid.

[pgoodma]

I did test the PowerMid and remote in separate rooms and it was working. Just can't figure out why it isn't picking up the IR blaster emitter!

[pgoodma]

I fixed it! The signal from the IR emitter wasn't strong enough so I took off the opaque cover of the X-10 PowerMid and took of the cover of the IR Blaster emitter so it was just a bare bulb. I taped the emitter over the receiver window with good old duct tape leaving enough room for the signal from the original remote to get through. Repaced the covers and both control methods work fine now!

[grandpaken]

Originally Posted by pgoodma

I fixed it! The signal from the IR emitter wasn't strong enough so I took off the opaque cover of the X-10 PowerMid and took of the cover of the IR Blaster emitter so it was just a bare bulb. I taped the emitter over the receiver window with good old duct tape leaving enough room for the signal from the original remote to get through. Repaced the covers and both control methods work fine now!

That's great! Make sure you visit the "1001 uses for duct tape" web site and tell them it's now 1002.