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Thread ID: 27063	2002-11-12 19:51:00	Remote Control for a PC	Craig Bellhouse (493)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
98120	2002-11-13 03:17:00	I think it's a good idea and have been considering building my own using Girder and a IRa brand IR port. If the price is right I think there is a market for such a product. Is there a picture avaiable on the web so I can see the finishing of the product? More information regarding the software used etc would be good also.	BIFF (1)
98121	2002-11-13 03:36:00	Pretty good effort for four months, Craig. It's still in the category of a solution looking for a problem, though, isn't it? ;-)	Graham L (2)
98122	2002-11-13 03:51:00	I've just had the misfortune to go shopping - daughter wanted me to pick something up for her so I wandered round the shops whilst there. Went into one new shop and was absolutely stunned at the complete and utter junk that was for sale. An air of elegance and pretty packaging - and nothing worth buying. Suggestions: - approach people like jukebox manufacturers and see if they are interested in a remote. I know that one computer operated jukebox found in many pubs has a remote - turns the computer on and off and adjusts the volume. Bar staff can operate it from a distance and disable these controls on the jukebox itself to prevent the customers tampering. - look into making a plug and play unit with really easy instructions. Add attractive packaging and market it around October next year. "The Christmas toy for the geek who has everything". Aim it for the multimedia market - those who use the computer as a stereo, TV or whatever. A computer remote would beat 90% of the stuff on offer in the shops at the moment.	Heather P (163)
98123	2002-11-13 04:49:00	>> When it combines these functions, you will make a fortune! But not half as much money as one of these (www.funnypop.com) will make. ;-)	Susan B (19)
98124	2002-11-13 05:02:00	> > > When it combines these functions, you will make a > fortune! > > But not half as much money as one of > the > e (www.funnypop.com) will make. ;-) Don't blame me for this (www.funnyjoke.net), you started it :D	nz_liam (845)
98125	2002-11-13 06:53:00	what about adding some of these www.redneckhumor.com	johnboy (217)
98126	2002-11-13 07:33:00	Your idea is good. I remember using serial ports to monitor various sensors in the home using a 386SX16 with 2 Megs ram, 20 Mb Hard drive and MSDos 5.0 It wasn't used that much though. I did it because I could. Use your ability and don't be dicouraged.	Elephant (599)
98127	2002-11-14 06:49:00	Sorry about the long delay in replying to this post, but my PC has been in pieces while I have been testing and presenting the project to my lecturers. Biff: I use girder also for the control of the windows functions, all it needs is the 'Generic Serial Support' plugin from the girder website. At this stage, I have photos, but I am working on a full webpage to present the device and it's capabilities, so this could be a few weeks (I still have a few exams to complete, so they must come first). Here are some specifications Remote range: 8-10m depending on lighting and angle Battery life: medium use, approximately 6-8 months, depending on type of battery The remote can have up to 40 buttons, depending on the layout of the buttons At the moment it is still very much a prototype, and the pictures I will have online will by no means be the definate outcome of the product, and configuration of the PC software will be largely up to th user, as I cannot predict the individual setup. If I was to make and sell some of these, I really would need at least 10 to make to cut the component cost down a little, and more would be better. On the issue of pricing, I really would need some guaranteed interest in the prodect before I can work out a suitable price that keeps all parties happy. I would also need to invest in some customised casings, as I have modified existing products (an old PC CD player for the receiver, and an old TV remote case), neither of which are suitable for anything more than a prototype. Heather: Thanks for the suggestions about the plug and play interface, but without knowing more about the intended PC setup, this would be very difficult and I would likely have to hire someone to do this for me, as I have little knowledge about windows programming. Also a good idea about marketing it around christmas next year, as the toy for the geek... Something else I should note too - I am looking at providing a universal / learning remote with the package, as it really is not economical to make my own, if I can buy one for less than $40 that would work well, so this may cut the cost, and make it a more useful device, ie control all your things with one remote... What I would like to know, is there anyone who would be interested in purchasing one, bearing in mind that it could be a few months away as yet?? Cheers, Craig.	Craig Bellhouse (493)
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