2014-02-07, 16:50
Didn't come across a guide like this for this particular set up / equipment. So I thought I'd have a go at preserving my experience. No guarantees this will work for you, but did for me!
The goal here was to create a simple remote for my wife that included :
- Ability to control TV IR (for volume, tv on/off)
- Easy, TV remote like controls for XBMC
- A Keyboard
- A mouse
Keep in mind, this is a Win8 PC build, so your mileage may very.
Here's what you'll need :
- 1 Rii mini i13 4 in 1 Wireless Multmedia Air Fly Mouse Keyboard
Currently $47 on Amazon
- Ortek Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition
Currently $19 on Amazon
Total Cost = $66
Why both?
You'll need both to utilize both sides of the Rii i13. The “remote” side of the Rii i13 only supports IR, which renders it useless for dealing with XBMC. Adding the Ortek remote allows you to use the keys on the IR side to control XBMC.
Why not a cheaper MCE remote?
I've used a cheaper model and the USB dongle wasn't recognized. True I could have maybe fudged with the drivers and gotten it going, but I want this guide to be plug and play.
Procedure :
1. Hook Rii i13 up to PC via USB dongle. Test out moving the mouse and using keyboard. Automatically installed without issue in Win 8
2. Connect Ortek USB IR receiver to PC. (note : I am currently using USB over Cat5 for this, works fine). Load up XBMC and verify that you can control using the play button, directional keys, etc. Automatically installed without issue in Win 8.
3. Program Remote
a. On the Rii, Hold “TV” or “VCR” or whatever mode you want to program the remote for. The blue light on the front of the i13 will light blue and after held for a sufficient length of time, will get slightly brighter.
b. Press the button on the i13 you'd like to program, LED flashes.
c. Point the remote you're programing at the i13 head to head. Press the button you'd like to program on the original remote.
d. I13 will blink to confirm learning code.
e. Continue learning buttons in the same fashion until all necessary commands are learned.
f. Wait for Rii to time out before using.
I'd programmed the Power button and the volume/mute buttons to replace my TV remotes buttons.
And I determined which buttons on the Ortek to map to the i13 D pad / media controls / etc.
All in All, was an incredibly easy set up (about 15 minutes) and now I have 1 remote to control the TV, XBMC with a full function keyboard and mouse.
Cool!
Let me know if you have any tips or tricks for a setup like this!.
The goal here was to create a simple remote for my wife that included :
- Ability to control TV IR (for volume, tv on/off)
- Easy, TV remote like controls for XBMC
- A Keyboard
- A mouse
Keep in mind, this is a Win8 PC build, so your mileage may very.
Here's what you'll need :
- 1 Rii mini i13 4 in 1 Wireless Multmedia Air Fly Mouse Keyboard
Currently $47 on Amazon
- Ortek Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition
Currently $19 on Amazon
Total Cost = $66
Why both?
You'll need both to utilize both sides of the Rii i13. The “remote” side of the Rii i13 only supports IR, which renders it useless for dealing with XBMC. Adding the Ortek remote allows you to use the keys on the IR side to control XBMC.
Why not a cheaper MCE remote?
I've used a cheaper model and the USB dongle wasn't recognized. True I could have maybe fudged with the drivers and gotten it going, but I want this guide to be plug and play.
Procedure :
1. Hook Rii i13 up to PC via USB dongle. Test out moving the mouse and using keyboard. Automatically installed without issue in Win 8
2. Connect Ortek USB IR receiver to PC. (note : I am currently using USB over Cat5 for this, works fine). Load up XBMC and verify that you can control using the play button, directional keys, etc. Automatically installed without issue in Win 8.
3. Program Remote
a. On the Rii, Hold “TV” or “VCR” or whatever mode you want to program the remote for. The blue light on the front of the i13 will light blue and after held for a sufficient length of time, will get slightly brighter.
b. Press the button on the i13 you'd like to program, LED flashes.
c. Point the remote you're programing at the i13 head to head. Press the button you'd like to program on the original remote.
d. I13 will blink to confirm learning code.
e. Continue learning buttons in the same fashion until all necessary commands are learned.
f. Wait for Rii to time out before using.
I'd programmed the Power button and the volume/mute buttons to replace my TV remotes buttons.
And I determined which buttons on the Ortek to map to the i13 D pad / media controls / etc.
All in All, was an incredibly easy set up (about 15 minutes) and now I have 1 remote to control the TV, XBMC with a full function keyboard and mouse.
Cool!
Let me know if you have any tips or tricks for a setup like this!.