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Movers and shifters.
Two further options, not actually revealed in the Radio Shack manual but nevertheless possible, are “Key Mover” and “Shifted Keys”. Both are actually part of the “Advanced Codes” function found on setup code 9-9-4, described earlier. Key Mover (technically “Key Copier”) copies a command button from one device to another – just select the source device and button, then the target device and button. “Shifted Keys” stores an advanced code on a second “shifted” level of the keypad. So, while the button [SWAP] might normally send the “PIP Swap” command to your television, you could configure the remote so that by pressing [P] and then [SWAP], the remote instead sends the “Video 1” command. This feature can also be added to the 10 numerical keys, although in this case the [P] key will need to be pressed twice to access the shifted command.
The final advanced functions relate only to remote programming. For instance, the preprogrammed code number assigned to a device can be “blinked back” (setup code 9-9-0), handy if you used the code search feature. Press [1] and count the blinks for the first digit, [2] for the second digit, and so on through to the fourth digit. Perhaps they could find a way for the Kameleon to simply flash back the number using the numerical keypad! With the 15-2133 it’s possible to delete individual learned codes or all codes for a device (setup code 9-7-6), erase macros on an individual basis, and reset a device button that has been changed to a different device type.
The remote’s memory is permanent, so settings won’t be lost when batteries are changed. Finally, the [RECORD] button features a double-push safety feature to prevent accidental recordings.
Driving well over the speed limit.
The latest techie craze with UEI remote controls is called “JP1”. JP1 is a 6-pin connector found on most UEI remotes, normally used for factory testing and upgrades. Through a lot of hard work, several UEI remote control owners have discovered how to connect to this interface through a personal computer and re-program the remote at a far deeper level.
In the case of the 15-2133, although it is JP1 compatible there is no JP1 connector on-board – pins first have to be soldered onto an internal circuit board (consequently voiding any warranty), something that’s simply not recommended for anyone not already into this sort of thing. Eventually it’s possible to do all sorts of things to the remote – back it up to a computer, upgrade the database, add new codes, program much more sophisticated macros, and more.
The problem is that this is still very much a “hobby grade” procedure, decidedly not supported by UEI. Perhaps, in the future, UEI will realize what a valuable asset they could cultivate here – really inexpensive computer programmable remotes!
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