PTP-PC for EADL (single/step switch scanning capabilities are built in!)
(click pic for larger image)
For
many years I've wanted to find a very simple, and affordable ECU (now
called
EADL) pacakge for PC's. I wanted an all-in-one product would
enable
control of all IR (infrared) devices (stereo, cable, DVD, etc.) AND
X-10
adapted appliances (read on). but I couldn't find such a
critter!
Last year someone asked me about EADL's for my Auggie and Super Auggie AAC devices, like the Mercury and Dynavox capabilities. I felt I could do it if I just found the right hardware.
And I did! I found a very small USB-to-IR adapter that can be Velcro'd to my devices and operated, with some modifications that we did, on my PTP-PC AAC software that comes on my Auggies. It worked great! The Auggies didn't even need to be pointed at the devices!
USB-to-IR Blaster (w/6 ft cable; also available with 8" cable for Auggies)
(click pic for larger image)
Then I thought, why not make this generally available to those even without an Auggie. And poof, the "EADL Package" was born!
1) Install the USB-to-IR driver software.
2) Plug in the USB-to-IR adapter.
3) Point it in the general direction of the IR devices.
4) Load the PTP-PC for EADL software (below, or Auggie owners, you already have it on your Auggie!)
5) Train it for your existing desired remotes/commands (I've made this really simple and it actually *works*!).
6) Away you go!
Last year someone asked me about EADL's for my Auggie and Super Auggie AAC devices, like the Mercury and Dynavox capabilities. I felt I could do it if I just found the right hardware.
And I did! I found a very small USB-to-IR adapter that can be Velcro'd to my devices and operated, with some modifications that we did, on my PTP-PC AAC software that comes on my Auggies. It worked great! The Auggies didn't even need to be pointed at the devices!
USB-to-IR Blaster (w/6 ft cable; also available with 8" cable for Auggies)
(click pic for larger image)
Then I thought, why not make this generally available to those even without an Auggie. And poof, the "EADL Package" was born!
1) Install the USB-to-IR driver software.
2) Plug in the USB-to-IR adapter.
3) Point it in the general direction of the IR devices.
4) Load the PTP-PC for EADL software (below, or Auggie owners, you already have it on your Auggie!)
5) Train it for your existing desired remotes/commands (I've made this really simple and it actually *works*!).
6) Away you go!
But
without great software, the above hardware wouldn't do that much.
Here are the relevent screen shots of setup in PTP-PC for EADL for the
EADL Package.
Click on pics to see their text!
Click on pics to see their text!
Now,
never being satisfied, I also wanted users to be able to control actual
appliances, such as lights, fans, etc., I needed X10 control. X10
is
a tried-and-tested adapter system for almost everything electrically
operated
in the home, even some things that you would never think could be
operated
electrically (check out SmartHome).
With the addition of the IR-to-X10 Adapter, PTP-PC for EADL sends IR
signals,
through the USB-to-IR adapter, TO the IR-to-X10 Adapter. That
adapter,
which plugs into your wall socket, sends ultrasonic signals through
your
house AC wiring, to X10 adapters that have your desired
appliance/light/etc.
plugged into them. There are even in-wall X10 adapters. The
system
is seamless and works beautifully, for very little money! I've
seen
a similar system for $6000!
You can get X10 adapters (they call them "Plug 'n Power") right from Radio Shack for about $13 (also at SmartHome above).
IR-to-X10 Adapter (5" x 4" x 1") RadioShack's Plug 'n Power Appliance Module ($13)