Darn. Got my hopes up. I was getting only some of my added buttons to work, but the pre-existing buttons weren't working, so i did a binary input on s0775 (which is the codeset i normally use) and output it as s0999. The s0999 upgrade file doesn't work - that is, the buttons don't actually control by dishpvr 721. Sadly i was able to add pip buttons and hd/sd and they actually worked, so it is SO CLOSE to doing what i need it to do...
Oh, well.
How to Add New Remote Control Codes to Your Slingbox
Categories: SlingPlayer Devices / Other Hardware
![[article image]](/imagelib/contentitem/10580/10580-w150h150.jpg)
If you have a device that your Slingbox doesn't control, or for which the virtual remote is missing a few important buttons, there is a way to take care of this situation yourself using JP1 tools.
What is JP1?
JP1 is a process whereby people 2using OFA (One For All) remote controls can add new codes to their remotes from their PC. The remote control processor inside the Slingbox is made by the same company that makes OFA remotes, so the upgrades are similar. We have upgraded the JP1 tools so that you can now use them to create and modify upgrades for the Slingbox.JU or PL?
First off, you should know whether you have a JU or PL Slingbox. You can figure this out either by looking at your serial number of by checking which version of the IR Blaster you have:- Serial numbers starting with 505 are JU boxes
- Serial numbers starting with 507 or higher are PL boxes
- Serial numbers starting with 506 could be either, so check the blaster version
- View > Slingbox Directory
- Edit Properties
- Select the Information tab
- Scroll down to find the IR Blaster version
- 2.0 = JU
- 2.1 = PL
The Steps to Use a JP1 Upgrade
- First, you should probably join the JP1 group at Hifi-Remote.com.
- Download the RM program (current version is 1.38) from the Tools folder.
- Download the RDF zip file, and either unzip all of the contents or just unzip the two Slingbox RDFs.
- Read this document that describes how to use RM.
- Locate an upgrade file for your device from the JP1 file section.
- Download the file and open it using RM.
- Change the remote to the Slingbox - PL version (or to the JU version of you have the older Slingbox model).
- Re-arrange the buttons in the Buttons tab as you see fit.
- Go back to the setup tab and check what the Device Type and Setup Code are (you can change them if you like).
- Select "Advanced" menu option, then select "Export Binary Upgrade". This will give you a windows pop-up screen where you can select where you want to save the binary file, you should navigate to the SBAV folder in your Sling Player directory and save it there.
- Open the SABV.cfg file, which can be found in your Sling Player directory, using Notepad or another text editor.
- Save a backup copy of it !!!
- Find the appropiate section (eg, [SATELLITE.Codes] )
- Add an entry like this: Your Device=S1011
Final Notes
If the Slingbox already has a code that works your device, but you just want to tweak it a little, you can use the RM program to import the binary file that you are using. You can then re-arrange the buttons or add new functions to the list, but you would need to know what codes to add, which would require seperate research.I should also point out that when you look at the Buttons tab in RM, the button names displayed are the default button names for the UEI chip. The Sling folks have the ability to override these default names with their own names in the SBAV.cfg file, and these override names are not reflected in RM.
Read more in: SlingPlayer Devices / Other Hardware
About the Author
October 26, 2005 10:44 PM
October 28, 2005 12:03 PM
Thanks - that is awesome - I've been able to get my Sky+ PVR working in the UK. It initially appeared that it didn't work, but that turned out to be due to some rather crazy key-mapping. A few iterations sorted that out, and now I have a nice logical set of controls.
Many thanks for the tip...
Iain
Member
- member since: 09/22/2005
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October 28, 2005 1:27 PM
Cliff,
You should be able to use the JP1 process to format the upgrade exactly how you want it. If you are having problems getting your upgrade to work, you should start a new thread describing your issues either here in the Remote Contol forum or better yet, over in the JP1 forums:
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/
October 30, 2005 12:24 AM
Robman,
Here's the deal. I start out and confirm that my IR Blaster version is 2. and that I am using S0775. This all works fine and dandy - all the remote buttons do what they are supposed to.
So then, just to test the procedure, I do the following:
1) launch rm. make sure i have the "Slingbox with UEI JU Chip" Remote: selected. Device type Sat.
2) Import binary upgrade. Navigate to slingbox's sbav directory and choose s0775_JU.bin
3) on the "Setup" tab, change the Setup Code: to 0900. Protocol: Dish Network.
4) export binary file as S0900_JU.bin
5) add entry under SATELLITE.Codes to the SBAV.cfg
6) on the slingbox config, go to the control code setups and pick S0900.
Doesn't work. The "power" button does nothing. In fact, none of the buttons seem to do anything.
Note that in an earlier experiment i was able to download one of the 721/921 files from the jp1 site, and add some buttons for PIP, and none of the buttons worked except for the PIP buttons. Which is why I thought it might be interesting to see if reading in and writing out a file works. But no joy.
-cliff
November 3, 2005 5:29 PM
this isn't working for me, the ir program doesn't have the add button, so i can't add the updated ir fix, need help
Member
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November 4, 2005 7:33 AM
Guys,
If you need help with this process or if you have questions, etc - please ask them in the main forum rather than over here as the experts on this subject (including myself) will probably miss your posts over here.
The URL for the main forum is this:
http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/topic/16/
Member
- member since: 11/10/2005
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November 10, 2005 7:52 PM
how did you get this working in the uk hausofmaud u have beta?
My website featuring more slingbox help is at www.butkus.co.uk
November 17, 2005 4:52 AM
@hausofmaus
you got the Sky+PVR to work? which keymap files did you use? i keep getting errors about lost functionality
December 1, 2005 2:07 PM
is there anywhere i can send the remote for my fortec lifetime ultra and have it altered to use with slingbox?
December 7, 2005 9:31 PM
I changed my slingbox to a direct tv plus dvr. The model is r15. Tech support helped me find the right code but I cannot figure out how to access recorded programs with the skin that is provided. How can I access advanced features of this box. Thanks
December 8, 2005 9:28 PM
Using s0775 for a DVR942. Only function that does not work is */format. If anyone can help please post. I posted the message below on the JP1 forums.
I have been trying to use RM to add a single function to the S0775_JU.bin file that comes with the slingplayer software. I was able to import the bin but any changes I make do not seem to affect the IR codes that get generated. Here are my details.
Dish Network DVR942
Slingbox:
Hardware version: 1.0.2
IR Blaster version: 2.1
Firmware version: 1.0.36
Device IR Code: Satellite:0775
All functions are available by default except the very important */Format function. I found a code from a Dish 921 file for another remote but when I tried to apply that code to the Mute function from the imported S0775_JU.bin I got no result. I then tried to apply it to the "0" function and it did not work either. The "0" still sent a 0 to the 942 so I concluded that I was not changing the the bin file when I exported. If any one has any suggestions or existing bin files that can control the 942 fully please advise.
Also, I thought I had a PL version but my software is using a JU BIN???? Is this messed up? Is 2.1 PL?
thanks,
Brian
December 8, 2005 10:00 PM
I think this information could only be useful to someone who understands programming.
December 11, 2005 3:57 PM
Hi Hausofmaus,
Do you know if the IR codes for SKY+ are the same as the basic SKY. IE have you ever tried your SKY+ remote with a basic receiver?
Do you need a PAL - NTSC converter to feed the Sling?
Graham
December 14, 2005 10:35 AM
Hi: Does anyone have the right BINARY file which correctly maps remote buttons for the Sky+ box? I have tried to remap the buttons using RM, but can't seem to get the TV Guide or the UP/DOWN button to work. Thanks!
December 18, 2005 8:56 PM
Im having a problem with the last step. When I try to edit and add my new code to the SABV.cfg file and try to save it, it will not allow the save. Therefore no changes are made and I cant get this to work. Any idea how to get it to save? I have tried using notepad and right click the file in the directory and have tried open as well as edit. I get a message saying I cannot save in that directory...
December 30, 2005 12:15 PM
I've followed all your steps, however when I click on the "Advanced" tab in RM, the "Export Binary Upgrade" is greyed out and can't proceed at this point. What am I doing wrong? I am upgrading a Sony DVD/VCR combo Code o864 in Slingbox. I found the Upgrade and opened it in RM ok. Anxious to proceed.
Ron
Found my problem, my bad.... however still dont have it working. Will continue to fiddle FWIW.
Ron
January 20, 2006 6:42 PM
Hi,
I tried the very well documented reference to create a BIN file for the Slingbox (Rob Man, you're the man!).
I recently connected to my old chap's Philips DVDR3300H DVR, but have been unable to get it to program the remote on the Sling. It does not seem to be a "standard" philips codebase and attempts to learn the codes failed on my PDA due to lack-lustre support for reading codes via IR to my Treo 600. Omniremote for Palm lets you see the learned codes but locks up! I managed to get a pre-learned codebase for NoviiRemote (paid the $35 as I had tried it once months back but the trial had expired so took "the leap of faith) but only half the buttons worked and worse still, I couldn't see the actual learned codes so I could program my own BIN file for the DVR (Novii basically fails to detect the IR port on the Treo).
I gave up, flew home to Atlanta from the UK today slightly disgruntled. I can of course, still watch the sling and program the Sling from the US if I get the right codes (like is power 48 and 12 etc.?). Maybe I am being a total thickie so any help is much apprecitated.
Thanks
Rob
January 22, 2006 7:07 PM
I am using the beta and can't open the SBAV.cfg file to add my saved remote. it appears to be in a foreign language or encrypted. is this a problem only with beta?
January 24, 2006 9:21 PM
Can't say I'm impressed so far with the documentation. I don't have an sbav.cfg file anywhere on my entire drive so how can I update the codes? (Not in C:\Program Files\Sling Media\SlingPlayer\SBAV or even if I search my entire c: drive).
I can watch fine (even from remote location). But I want to add a remote code and I can't do it!
What am I doing wrong? I put my binary export file in the SBAV dir just fine. But the only cfg file I can find are two binary files sbav-pl.cfg and sbremote.cfg located in the Sbav dir
January 24, 2006 11:46 PM
Presuming this works for A/V receivers and pre-pro processors, I can envision a solution to my "Dream Slingbox" which would utilize multiple source switching capability.
Controlling a pre-pro for example would allow for a stack of A/V sources to be switched via Tape outputs or second/third Zone outputs. Imagine calling up that 400 DVD changer, Sat dish, XM/Sirius or DVR to name only a few!
January 25, 2006 9:12 PM
Ok, I upgraded to the beta 1.0.5.127 and I see why I couldn't find the cfg file. That's because when I installed for the FIRST time in my life, I used the beta.
The Beta doesn't have the sbav.cfg file. Instead, you use it's built-in ability to enter a new code in the 'other' selection in the device list of the A/V setup. So you can still use remotemaster in the same way as described above.
So the only problem is the lack of ability to control multiple remotes.
I take it most people just hook this DIRECTLY to their cable, satellite, or VCR. But the best way to hook this up is to your A/V switch and then remote-control all the devices one-at-a-time just like you do when you watch your TV/radio (in my humble opinion).
January 26, 2006 11:36 AM
Is there any list where we can find all the supported cable / sattelite providers including their supported receivers for the upcoming PAL slingbox ? Something that will indicate what countries are supported and which providers in those countries ?
This would be real useful for worldwide enthusiasts to prepare themselves prior to the PAL launch.
In case this is not the forum for this question I would appreciate you directing me to the proper one.
Thank you so much.
January 29, 2006 11:41 AM
Hi
I followed the instruction, but on step 11, I could not see the SABV.cfg inside the SlingPlayer directory, what I see is the folder SBAV, and inside folder SBAV, I see 3 files as: SBRemote.cfg, SBAV-PL.cfg and SBAV-PK.cfg. I tried to open all 3 files with Notepad but I see inside are codes, cannot read them. Just only 1 file inside SlingPlayer directory is the file ResDB.cfg, the one I can open it with Notepad and can read them.
So, would you please someone help me with that. Did I do something wrong or what. I tried to upgrade my Pansat 2500a code into it. Thank you
January 29, 2006 12:07 PM
Ok, I found the problem because I upgraded it to the Beta Version, that is why I do not see the SBAV.cfg. But I found another problem that after I added the code into the "Satellite.Codes", then when I go to Slingplayer Wizard Setup, choosing Satellite, then Pansat, inside is the code I upgrade, The "Power" Box is fading out, cannot click or anything. So, did I mix some other step or what. Please help
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