A2Pro wrote:
> Hi, y'all!
> 
>     I just realized the changeover to HDTV is going to greatly reduce
> the usefulness of my VCR.  So I'm looking for a computer controlled
> remote to change the channel on the converter box in sync with the
> programming of my VCR.  I was wondering if anyone has done any work on
> using an Apple II to control an infrared LED.
> 
>     No, I can't afford a new TV or a digital recorder...

As suggested, the game port provides everything you need.

You will need M/L code to generate the waveforms on an
annunciator to control an IR LED (you'll need a transistor
amplifier if the LED isn't fairly close to the IR receiver).

The trick will be determining the codes to send.  For that
you may want to connect an IR receiver to a pushbutton input
and write code to "learn" or otherwise analyze the IR codes
your box and VCR use.

A more direct (but intrusive) way would be to connect the
LED driver of each remote control to a pushbutton input to
determine the needed codes.

Virtually all IR remote controls operate at 38kHz or 40kHz,
with pulse-width modulation on the carrier.  Different
manufacturers use different codes, but there are only a
few popular ones.  Google will help.

-michael

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