Configuration of USB IR receiver program (Girder Ver. 3.29b)
Now let’s start with the configuration of the Girder program, which enables us to control almost infinite programs. In my example I simply want to explain how to control Winamp: to start it by pushing one key, play a song of the playlist, choose the next track and so on. By the way, indulge in flights of fancy as you wish, you even could extend this Girder version with your own scripts; even an OSD is available.
Incidentally, this program could also be used for the Luxus IR receiver and Lowcost IR receiver, which are addressed via the serial port and are a bit cheaper.
Now let’s start with the introduction into the program …
First we start the program Girder from the start menu getting the following window, still in English here, can be changed into diverse languages, i.e. german 🙂
Click on “File”, then on “Settings …
Choose the folder “User Interface” and make your choice (here german) …
To save time one could click on “General” right now to choose the button “Hide on startup” for having Girder in the task tray directly after start; there is no need to see it after finishing the configuration. On top you can inactivate the Splashscreen, which eventually only takes your time. Further functions should be investigated later with patience, because there are loooooads of interesting tuning options (the help for the program is prime quality) …
Die Auswahl des richtigen Plugins …
Confirm now with “Apply” and choose the desired plugin to control Girder with. For the USB IR receiver we highlight the Igor SFH-56. If this plugin is not present, the file “IgorPlug.dll”
has not yet been copied into the plugin folder. To do that you just have to follow the relevant step of the installation guide once more. Click on “Settings” (“Einstellungen”) …
If you use the USB IR receiver, you have to select USB. With the Lowcost or the Luxus IR receiver you have to switch to the used COM port and select DCD for the Input Signal …
Ok, now the time has come to activate the plugin via “File” (Datei”) -> “Enable input devices” (“Geräte einschalten”) and start the receiver (or other devices) …
How to control the programs …
Since we certainly don’t fancy to develop each control button by ourselves, we simplify the whole thing and import the group for that from a file, which can be downloaded e.g. here for Winamp 2.x, Winamp 3.x … The file could be unpacked e.g.! into the plugin folder of Girder (described above) and imported by clicking on “file” (“Datei”) ‘ “import group” (Gruppe importieren) …
Using Girder 3.2x the file for the Winamp version 2.x is called winamp_girder32.GML The file for the Winamp version 3.x is called Winamp3.GML Simply click on the desired file and confirm with “Open” (“Oeffnen”) …
In the following example I imported the groups for both Winamp versions, because I use Winamp 2.x for some devices …
The Learning of the IR signals is really simple …
Now we have to assign desired functions to the buttons of our remote control. To do that choose the specific event left hand …
Then click on “Learn event” (Ereignis lernen”) and push the desired button of your RC. Repeat for all functions you would like to have learned …
And that’s it already! With one click on the close symbol you put the program in the tasktray next to the clock, where it can be configured an time by double clicking the symbol.
As already mentioned those functions are just a little extract of what Girder is capable of. I most probably will publish a few more instructions concerning configuration, because with proper plugins it can master e.g. the LCD displays. With a combination of Lowcost, Luxus, or USB IR receiver, a display
and a little computer you can thus build your own J-Box very easily. No matter if you build an extra case or simply connect the PC with you HiFi system or your TV.