IR Fun – Make Ocelot and Xantech play well

[JonFo]

One item that dogged me for a while was getting IR out of the Ocelot to work reliably.
I thought I was going to improve things when I installed a Xantech 791-44 10 emitter amplified connecting block.

However, getting the Ocelot to directly drive the input of the Xantech was a total bust. I first wired a mini-plug to the bare wire input blocks on the Xantech. And wile the input received LED would blink, none of the emitters was sending valid IR.
I tried re-learning the output IR, and no dice.

The reason is the Ocelot has very, very low levels of IR drive. As noted in this referenced article at Applied Digital’s site, it requires isolation and amplification to work well with a Xantech system.
http://www.appdigusers.com/forum/showfl ... #Post15338

That thread show how to ‘roll your own’ solution, however, there are commercial solutions.
If you happen to have an old Smartlink IR Link opto-isolator device, it can be wired up to work. However, it’s no longer sold.

A more current solution is the Global Cache GC-CGX - IR Converter Cable. For around $40, solves the problem as well.
See:
http://www.asihome.com/ASIshop/product_ ... ts_id=1326

http://www.smarthome.com/8124.html

[ScottBot]

Jonathan,

Glad to hear you finally got your IR problem figured out. I use the SECU16-IR coupled with the Ocelot for my IR. I think I ended up using the SECU16-IR because when I tried to use a connecting block it wouldn't work. Oh well... hopefully your information will help others in the same situation.

[Circe640]

I also use that cable to connect the GC-100 to a Xantech distribution block and have had very reliable results

[Circe640]

GC-CGX - IR Converter Cable

[dlmorgan999]

For whatever it's worth, the IR Linc is still available from Smarthome. Here is the link:

http://www.smarthome.com/8175.html

I am planning to buy one of these to directly connect my USB-UIRT to my Xantech distribution system.

[edgar]

Hi All,

I know this is an old post, but perhaps someone can help. I have the GC-100 cable going from the IR emitter on the Ocelot into the IR receiver port on my Xantech connecting block. When connected I get a steady voltage on my emitters. IR does seem to work, but it doesnt seem like this is working correctly with an opto isolated cable. Anyone have any issues with this?

Thanks!