How do I use the Global Cache iTach with the Volume plugin?

Administrator
2013-05-30 15:34

As I've mention many times throught the Volume plugin app, descriptions in the markets and here in the FAQs, most people won't be able to control their TV or AVR with an app due to technical limitations of their TV or AVR.  Specifically, most TVs and AVRs cannot be controlled over a NETWORK, unless it happens to be farily new.  Even then, they do not all have this ability.

Enter the Global Cache iTach!

This device plugs into your home network (a WiFi version is also available for just a little more money) and allows apps like mine to send commands to it which are then turned into actual IR signals.  If you are familiar with an "IR blaster", that is essentially what it does.  The nice thing about this option is that ANY device that accepts IR signals can be controlled using this device.  The only downsides are 1)  It costs anywhere from $100-$125 and 2) Initially setting the device up can be a bit technical.

While I can try to help you get it installed (although this is very difficult to do without being there), there are instructions on the Global Cache website.  What I can (and will do) though is help you get my app set up with the correct commands to control your television.  This is probably the most difficult part, as it requires either learning the codes from your remote or finding them online.

For more information on these neat little devices, please see the Global Cache website.


Controlling your TV or AVR with the Volume Plugin using the iTach:

After getting the device installed on your network, it would first be a good idea to set it up with a static IP address (or use DHCP reservation in your router).  This will prevent the address from changing, which could cause the app to stop controlling the device.

Once the Global Cache iTach control method is chosen in the Volume plugin, you can enter the device's IP address and port along with the Module ID (typically 1), Connector (1-3 but typically 3) and Repeat rate (typically 1).

The app contains some presets for certain TV brands and using a preset is by far the easiest way to get going.  To choose a preset while your Global Cache iTach profile is selected in the plugin, press [Edit/View Cmds] then [Set Defaults] and look for your TV or AVR in the list.  If there is not already a preset for your brand or the included preset(s) don't work then you can still likely control your device but it will just take a bit more patience first.

If presets don't work for you, then there are a few other ways to find out the correct IR codes to enter into the Volume plugin.  The easiest, DIY solution is to simply use the iTach's IR learning function.  You can also convert existing HEX codes, or I can even provide the codes to you.

On the Global Cache Downloads page, you will find links to several Windows programs that will help you configure the device as well as learn or convert IR codes.

iHelp is used to configure the device.  iLearn is used to learn IR codes from your existing remote.  That program will give you the commands that can be directly copied into my app in order to control the device.  iConvert can be used to convert HEX codes (such as Pronto) to Global Cache IR codes.  This is handy if you find HEX codes on the web and want to convert them.  HEX codes for many devices can be found at Remote Central.

The actual commands are entered into a separate screen in the app.  Depending on whether you got the commands from iLearn or iConvert, they may look different.  Below is an example for Power Toggle:

sendir,<mod-addr>:<conn-addr>,1,40192,<repeatcount>,1,96,24,48,24,24,24,48,24,24,24,48,24,24,24,24,24,48,24,24,24,24,24,24,24,24,4019

In this case, we have some variables in the command (<mod-addr>, <conn-addr> and <repeatcount>).  These variables will be replaced with the values you enter into the other screen with the IP address and port.

Alternatively, you do not need to use the variables.  If you learn the IR with iLearn, your output may look more like this:

sendir,1:3,1,40192,3,1,96,24,48,24,24,24,48,24,24,24,48,24,24,24,24,24,48,24,24,24,24,24,24,24,24,4019

This command will work as well.  The only difference is that whatever numbers you have entered into the other screen will be ignored (Module ID, Connector and Repeat rate).  Typically they would be the same as what is already entered into the command anyway.

 

More information and details on how to set these devices up can be found at Global Cache's website and elsewhere on the web.  Hopefully this FAQ will help get you started.

If you own one of these devices and are having trouble figuring out the proper commands, please send me an email.  Be sure to include the IP address of the device as well as module and connector number.

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