IR2PC IR-2-serial User manual

User Manual
for IR-2-serial
(Windows)

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Foreword .................................................................................................................................... 3
Connecting ................................................................................................................................. 3
Girder ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Install Girder .......................................................................................................................... 4
Configure IR-2-serial into Girder ......................................................................................... 4
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................... 5
Girder in the learning mode ................................................................................................... 6
Single commands ............................................................................................................... 7
Multigroup commands ....................................................................................................... 8
Plugins.................................................................................................................................... 9
Import................................................................................................................................. 9
Export................................................................................................................................. 9
Miriam...................................................................................................................................... 10
Install Miriam....................................................................................................................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 10
Miriam in the learning mode................................................................................................ 10
Single function ................................................................................................................. 10
Multi function .................................................................................................................. 11
Profiles in Miriam............................................................................................................ 12
Plugins.................................................................................................................................. 13
Import............................................................................................................................... 13
Export............................................................................................................................... 13

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Foreword
IR-2-serial works with the serial interface of your PC. It is connected to the COM-port.
Using a standard remote control like the one that came with your video recorder, TV, HiFi etc
you can control many of your PC's functions. You can emulate any mouse or keyboard
operations including Ctrl and Shift key presses, start and close applications or send emails at
the touch of a button on your remote control. Examples for applications are:
• Multimedia Presentations (eg. Powerpoint).
• Remote Control of TV or radio cards.
• Read and scroll through large documents.
• Simple operation of multimedia programs like MP3 Players, video Players or DVD
players.
• and much more....
The module has its own microcontroller, which is responsible for the decoding of the IR-
signals thus no CPU load develops.
Connecting
The IR-2-serial needs only to be plugged into the COM-port. There is no driver necessary.
Please remember the COM-port where the serial receiver is connected. It is necessary for the
Software settings.

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Girder
The Girder - software is needed, to convert the button presses on your remote control into
keystrokes in your programs. Thereby Girder has provided defined characteristics (i.e.
Notepad call up).
Install Girder
The .zip-file can be opened with Winzip or WinRAR. Unzip the file in a new file. (In the case
that this directory does not exist it will be created automatically). You have Girder.EXE then.
Click on it; it follows the familiar installation mask of Windows then.
The module itself is not needed for the installation in the USB-Port stick.
Configure IR-2-serial into Girder
This step is needed for the correct code transfer. Girder needs to know from where the
infrared codes come.
• start Girder
• Choose the submenu "file /Settings/"ground"" and click on <This profile
automatically load>
• For the path - statement you go on <Look for>
• In Girder - list you see several files. Choose one *.Gir - File
• Click on "hardware - Plugins" and look to the right on top in the list <UIR /IRman>
• If you selected <UIR/IRman> and apply this setting; changes the Button "Settings".

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• Check the COM-port number and select the correct one if necessary.
• Select "Universal Infrared Remote" (if it is not selected).
• enable "Skip UIR init check"
• apply these settings and close this menu.
• If you want, click <Equipment automatically tune in>.
• Click now on <Apply>
You can open the device with <F9>. You will see a message “Girder enabled” and a green
point in the bottom right corner in the Window of Girder. Now you can work with this
configuration.
Troubleshooting
If the receiver works but you have different codes output:
Select <UIR/IRman> in the setting and open "Settings" to edit the COM-port-settings. Now
push the sliding control (for speed) more to the left or right. Now the codes should be
received more stably.

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Girder in the learning mode
Girder has a lot of features and windows which need a few descriptions. You can load, edit
and save your personal profiles. You can lock you specified profile if you need.
You can open Toplevelgroups and Groups which are implemented in them. You can choose
every name – but note that you need clear names if you want to control more than one
program via remote. Every command will be saved in the Groups.
Girder offers two different kinds of command: First is: The simple command which has
always one deposited code. The second way: To control more complex programs is the
Multigroup-function - one deposited code starts a lot of commands automatically.
In the folder “Test 1” is one event and an event string deposited. If you press on the right
button on your remote Word will be started automatically.
In the folder “Test 2” are 5 events and only one event string deposited. If you press on the
right button on your remote, Word will be started with an active macro, the printer will print
the document and the generated document will be saved automatically.
Start Girder (if not started) and press <F9> for starting the infrared receiver module. Add a
Toplevelgroup and a command.

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Single commands
Now select what Girder should do if the key of the remote control is pressed. If you want a
feature on your screen, then take a look in the drop down menu of “Window”. If you want to
request a feature of Windows (e.g. Windows shutdown, Monitor power on or off), you will
find the commands in “O.S.” – sector. If you want special behaviour of Girder, select
“Girder” – you will find all defined features there for an easy remote control. If you want to
imitate mouse or keyboard then go to sector “Mouse” or “Keyboard”.
If you have edited your favourite feature, then you have to add the remote control key which
should start this. Click on the key-icon in the list and then on the button “Learn Event” in the
right area. It will be added an “Event String”-icon to the command list.
Press now the preferred key on your remote control. It should be a new code in the black area.
If you want test your commands, press <F5> - the command will be executed (or not if there
are any faults).
If you want more commands implemented onto your computer, then repeat the steps again.

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If you are finish with Girder configuration, you have to save it – otherwise it will be lost and
it is not available at a restart of Girder. The saved file will be shown with the well known
remote-icon on your desktop.
Multigroup commands
Now select what Girder should to do if the key of the remote control is pressed. You can
combine all remote features with themselves so you have an expiration plan which goes if
only one key of your remote is pressed.
Open a new group (if requested) and add a “Multigroup” into it. Then generate and edit the
requested commands. Very important: To ensure for a correct schedule, please add between
every step a small pause (option “wait” in the drop down menu of “Window” and set the
timer “X-timeout” to 500 (ms).)
If you are finished with editing, please select the “Multigroup” and press on the button “Learn
Event” in the right area. An “Event String”-icon will be added to the command list. Press a
button on your remote control and the received code will be shown in the black area. You do
not need an event string for every command.
If you want test your commands, press <F5> - the command will be executed (or not if there
are any faults).

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If you want more commands implemented onto your computer, then repeat the steps above.
If you have finished the Girder configuration you have to save it – otherwise it will be lost
and it is not available at a restart of Girder. The saved file will be shown with the well known
remote-icon on your desktop.
Plugins
Plugins are complete files for controlling different programs. They can be downloaded and
installed via the “Import Group”.
Import
Please download your Plugin-file and extract it into a folder. Then go to “File ->Import
Group” and go to the folder where the plugin stays. You need a *.GML-file – it has almost a
remote – icon as girder itself. The click on “open” and the plugin is added to Girder. Now
new entries are available in the command list.
Your PC has to learn only the key presses of your remote – so you have to generate only an
“Event String” for every command and to save the edited file.
Export
You can also create a plugin. You need only to use the “File ->Export Group” – function.
You will be asked where Girder should save the generated *.GML-file.

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Miriam
The Miriam - software is needed to convert the entries on your remote control in your
programs. This software is appropriate for users who want a simple and easy-to-use tool to
add and edit commands easily.
Install Miriam
Install “miriam_irman.exe” in your preferred folder and start Miriam. Maybe Miriam answers
“Error while opening COM-port. Please check your settings”. Confirm the error message and
go on the question mark in your task menu and open “Receiver Setup”. Please edit and
confirm this setting. If the COM-port is correct, please confirm it again (otherwise it will be
buggy after restarts). The question mark changes to a remote control which blinks red if a key
is pressed.
Troubleshooting
If the receiver works, but you have different codes output:
Please open “setup” and insert a different value in the “Signalrepeatingspeed”. Now the codes
should be received more stably.
Miriam in the learning mode
Miriam offers two kinds of commands. First is named “Single Function” and used for one
command per key press. The second is named ”Multi Function” and can be used to execute a
list of commands by pressing one key.
Single function
If you click on the remote in your task bar the Miriam offers a lot of features. If you press
“Learn a new key”, Miriam opens a window – click on “Next”. You have to give a name for
the key and confirm it by clicking on “Next”. Please select “Single function” in the next
window and you will be forwarded to the command list.