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March 13, 2007
Linux, LIRC, X10 and the MR26A
Recently I've been playing with LIRC so I could control the MPD jukebox with a remote control.
I've had this old X10 MP3 Anywhere remote control for-eva but never used it with Linux.
Frankly, at the time LIRC didn't support it. I did however have an old HP IR control that was supported.
I dug out the serial IR sensor, but could not find the remote. dam...
Then I remembered the MR26A (serial RF receiver) and the X10 MP3 anywhere remote.
A lil research showed that it's supported in the later revs of lIRC.
This is a big plus as I have X10 modules around the apartment and having them accessible on the remote while also using it to control the jukebox would be a real boon!
So low and behold, I compile and install (Partially) the lircd and it pretty much works out of the box.
The only downside is the remote sensing from lircd is only for the multimedia buttons.
Although the receiver is capable of capturing the X10 appliance/sensors signals, the lirc daemon does not decode them.
After some research I've found the place where it is all decoded.
Although I still have work to do, I'm making good progress to have the driver decode all of the X10 signals.
There are many (house codes A-P and device numbers 1-16).
Why bother?
Well this brings me down to a new use I require for the office.
Over the past two weeks they moved me to a location where there is a lot of traffic behind me.
The new cubicle is much more open and people walk up behind me scoping my monitor (Shoulder surfing).
Normally not an issue until I overheard someone comment to someone else.
"Everythime I walk by he is on the internet." hahahahaha.
Wouldn't normally matter to me except I overheard the response.
Just keep walking by his desk and see what he's doing?
Hmmm.. were they talking about me?
Funny thing about that. My Boss knows and condones it.
In fact My review this week stated how I search out the latest technology and open source to bring within the group, which improves how we do things.
(I do this as I'm always trying to improve my C system programming skills).
This gave rise to a new need.
A warning system. Who the hell is walking up behind me?
Granted I have all sorts of rear view panoramic mirrors at my desk, but I need an earlier alert system.
Hence. X10 to the rescue.
With X10's photo electric sensor along with the remote lamp modules I can put a proximity alert system in place to light my lava lamps when someone approaches. OK, primitive but fun.
Frankly, I don't need the MR26A sensor and lirc, but I figured with IREXECD functionality from LIRCD, I could run a program that spits out a vocal alert with PROXIMITY ALERT, APPROACH FROM REAR LEFT...
hhahahaha.
Sure will freak out my co-workers.
The Age of Weebo-Trek is upon us.
http://www.lirc.org
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ak11a.htm
Posted by Me on March 13, 2007 04:00 PM