My New Universal Remote...Isn't.

Factual Questions
1

I am trying to control an Epson Powerlite Projector (this one) which we recently mounted semi-permanently in a conference room. The original remote control is long gone, but I have access to another group’s Epson projector remote that works. I have succesfully transferred the codes from the functional Epson remote to my PocketPC via a learning procedure, and the Pocket PC can control the projector just fine using the IR port.

The problem arose when I purchased a new Universal Remote control, this one, to control the projector. When I teach it the codes via the Pocket PC, the remote does not seem to be able to transmit the code to the projector. I am pretty certain that I am doing the learning procedure correctly, as it has a built in eror detection warning if the universal remote does not detect a signal or is unable to learn the code. Furthermore, The universal remote works fine for learning codes for controlling various AV components that I have tried it with. I still have to try learning the codes directly from the functional Epson projector remote, though.

What I am wondering is whether the wavelength of IR output from this universal remote could be incompatible with the projector? This projector is a standard office type one, not one that was marketed toward home theater applications. Any advice or links to information on IR are appreciated.

2

I don’t really have an answer for your important questions, but I can say that this is possible, if rather unlikely. IR LEDs used in remotes operate within a fairly narrow range of near-IR from about 860 nm to around 1000 nm. Now it’s possible to have a mismatch in peak wavelength performance–that is, for instance, to have an IR transmitter operating at 890 nm and a receiver which works best at 950 nm, but this generally just means a loss of efficiency since the cutoff usually isn’t all that sharp. You might have stand a bit closer to get it to work, is all.

I have no guess as to why it’s not working at all in this case, however. My best guess is that there are different transmission protocols being used, but most universal RCs are designed to handle all the common protocols (otherwise they wouldn’t be very “universal”).

I don’t know if it’s in your budget, but I found this place selling an original Powerlite 715c remote control for $77.62. You may be able to find one for less elsewhere, with a bit of searching.

3

Thanks QED. Nice to know I’m not going crazy. Just to be clear, it does not work from any distance. I also appreciate you taking the time to look up the replacement remote. I think I may call tech support for the hell of it, might be good for a coupla laughs.