iTach-IR setup problems, inconsistent operation

[CNelson03]

I setup the iTach-IR Node Server in eisy but it is not working reliably -- sometimes the commands work, but other times not, even when I set the 'repeat' higher.  In looking at the node server, I see the Module Type is "UNKNOWN" instead of "3IR" as noted in a previous post.

When trying to run the commands, I get an error of "-2"

One other thing I noticed is the node that I created had a value of "Sherwood Receiver" in the key field, but shows up in the Admin Console as "rwood receiver"

I tried deleting and then re-installing the iTach-IR node server in Polygot but it didn't fix the problem.  Something I am missing?  How do I get the Module Type to be 3IR?

[Javi]

Hi @CNelson03,

I reviewed the code and the time out is set to 3 seconds which may too low and possibly causing the issue.  However I could only replicate "Unknown Module" if the url parameter was incorrect.

Can you please verify the url is correct?  You should be able to see the iTach's webpage at the same address.

[CNelson03]

Javi:

Thanks, I found two problems:

1. Pinging the iTach showed inconsistent returns, sometimes all packets would return, other times only 25% or 75% would come back.  I swapped out the Ethernet cable and this seemed to help.  This probably caused the initial inconsistent operation -- sometimes the packets would make it through, but other times not.
2. When I re-installed the node server, I forgot to change the third digit in the IP from ".0" to ".1  (oops!) and subsequently the unit wouldn't work at all.  Changing the URL, restarting the node server and Admin Console did change the Module Type to "3 IR" and it seems to be working consistently now (or at least as consistently as IR typically is)

So problem solved there.  Any ideas on the "rwood receiver" name in Admin Console?  Not a major deal but curious why it did that.  

Another related question: this node server is for the iTach IP2IR box and I also have Global Cache IP2SL-232 and GC-100 units in my system.  Does this Node Server work with them?  Do you need to use hex codes or do Global Cache or network commands also work?  I'm migrating over from ISY-994i/iRule and want to re-use as much as possible.  I've done some calls in Network Resources but those seem a bit more inconsistent (some work, some not) on eisy.

[Javi]

29 minutes ago, CNelson03 said:

Javi:

Thanks, I found two problems:

1. Pinging the iTach showed inconsistent returns, sometimes all packets would return, other times only 25% or 75% would come back.  I swapped out the Ethernet cable and this seemed to help.  This probably caused the initial inconsistent operation -- sometimes the packets would make it through, but other times not.
2. When I re-installed the node server, I forgot to change the third digit in the IP from ".0" to ".1  (oops!) and subsequently the unit wouldn't work at all.  Changing the URL, restarting the node server and Admin Console did change the Module Type to "3 IR" and it seems to be working consistently now (or at least as consistently as IR typically is)

Great!

29 minutes ago, CNelson03 said:

So problem solved there.  Any ideas on the "rwood receiver" name in Admin Console?  Not a major deal but curious why it did that.  

There is a character limit for nodes so the NS removes some chars.

29 minutes ago, CNelson03 said:

Another related question: this node server is for the iTach IP2IR box and I also have Global Cache IP2SL-232 and GC-100 units in my system.  Does this Node Server work with them?  Do you need to use hex codes or do Global Cache or network commands also work?  I'm migrating over from ISY-994i/iRule and want to re-use as much as possible.  I've done some calls in Network Resources but those seem a bit more inconsistent (some work, some not) on eisy.

I have a IP2SL-232 but have not had time to try anything.  Currently just using Network Resources > IP2SL-232 > Somfy RTS controller.

The NS was designed with the GC-100 in mind however I was waiting until someone asked as I don't own the hardware.   I believe the NS just needs to expose the the Module Address to users.  This should allow control of any of the IR Modules.  I try to get something to test when I get some free time.

[CNelson03]

I will try playing around with the GC-100 as well, I mostly use them for their RS232 ports as well so the IR may not be an issue (primarly use the new iTach for the IR control but do have a couple IR devices on a GC100).  I think one issue may be that they use different ports for the different connections (e.g., 4999, 5000, etc).   So instead (or in addition?) to specifying the connector, you must specify the port (e.g., RS232 Connector 1 = 4999, 2= 5000) and I think each grouping (IR, RS232, On/off triggers) is another module.  I had done a few commands in Network Resources prior, here's a sample of a Power Off:

For some reason, some of these existing calls work on eisy, but some don't (did work on 994).  More investigation needed (unless I'm just missing a setup step or something.)

Overall, I'm just getting started in the migration and can no longer get into iRule to see all the codes I setup  so it's going to be a project to convert and have been trying the UD Mobile interface. Now that I have the ITach IR Node Server commands setup, is a Program the easiest way to call them from a UD Mobile button in Favorites?   Or can the node be called from the "Devices and Scenes" like in the Admin Console?  I don't see the node server in the list of Devices and Scenes when I use the "Command" type but I did setup a Program with the "Then" being 'ON' and the Else being 'OFF' and that worked.  Just don't want to create a lot of programs if there's an easier way.

[Javi]

9 minutes ago, CNelson03 said:

Now that I have the ITach IR Node Server commands setup, is a Program the easiest way to call them from a UD Mobile button in Favorites?   Or can the node be called from the "Devices and Scenes" like in the Admin Console?  I don't see the node server in the list of Devices and Scenes when I use the "Command" type but I did setup a Program with the "Then" being 'ON' and the Else being 'OFF' and that worked.  Just don't want to create a lot of programs if there's an easier way.

You can issue direct commands, If the nodes are missing from UDM please synchronize first.  The app does not synchronize unless the app adds/removes the node.   Programs are also an option but not required.

Favorite Command With iTach NS

Favorite command which also shows the status of a TV

[CNelson03]

Thanks.  I was able to find the Synchronization in UD Mobile (Settings > Systems > My Home > Synchronization) and then the iTach IR nodes were visible.  Much easier to call than creating a separate program (although I can envision times where this might be better, so good to have the option).   

Per other extending iTach IR to support other GC products (GC-100, IP2SL), I created another forum post for further discussion.