Seeking a physical remote control Topic is solved

[Number8]

Hello
I'm using Domoticz to control many different devices types, among them all equipment of my home theater. When it come to control A/V devices, it's kind of more confortable to use a physical device. Morever, Domoticz widgets are not well suited for such an activity. I know quite a bit about those remote control devices, but I always failed to find the one that would best suit Domoticz environment. What is needed exactly:
- Ok we said it , physical buttons that would trigger remotly a http custom event to Domoticz in order to process the command
- Rechargable
- No IR support, the idea is not to talk to devices directly but to Domoticz. I developped my own drivers (equipement are either directly connected to Ethernet or iTach module is used to interface Ethernet to IR commands).
- I think it shoud use Bluetooth protocol because it is energy efficient and quick to connect when device wakes up
- Backlight

Anybody having an idea on this subject matter?
Thank you

-

[user4563]

I haven't done it, but maybe the Logitech Harmony Hub?

https://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Harmony_Hub

[kiddigital]

Maybe something like this?

https://remodo.net/remodo-x/

[Number8]

I haven't done it, but maybe the Logitech Harmony Hub?
https://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Harmony_Hub

Thanks. Logitech as decided to drop this business. Even if it could suit the needs I'm afraid it is a deal breaker;)

[Number8]

Maybe something like this?

https://remodo.net/remodo-x/

Thanks it sounds very appealing. I read the documentation and browsed www. I could'nt see a place where to link a button with a http hookup. No forum available apparently that would allow to ask questions.

[EdwinK]

Maybe something like this?

https://remodo.net/remodo-x/

This sounds neat

[Number8]

Maybe something like this?

https://remodo.net/remodo-x/

Thanks it sounds very appealing. I read the documentation and browsed www. I could'nt see a place where to link a button with a http hookup. No forum available apparently that would allow to ask questions.

I just suscribed for one, not a big deal, I'll see how it goes.

[kiddigital]

Maybe something like this?

https://remodo.net/remodo-x/

Thanks it sounds very appealing. I read the documentation and browsed www. I could'nt see a place where to link a button with a http hookup. No forum available apparently that would allow to ask questions.

You should be able to connect the remote via bluetooth to a Pi for example and receive the button presses as events there. From there you should be able to execute/script follow-up actions (in Python for example).

I actually have one of these but didn’t found the time yet to play with it.

Reason to buy it was indeed Logitech deciding that Harmony (which I own several of) wasn’t something for the future.

[Number8]

Thanks kiddigital. Yes I think I will end up with a solution. I'll let the community know when it becomes functionnal

[HansieNL]

FYI https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/s ... fabaton-x1

[Number8]

FYI https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/s ... fabaton-x1

Interesting as well! Thanks

[studiocascade]

Although this is an old topic, i wanted to post a reply in case people are still looking for a nice physical remote control for lots of devices.
Someone here already suggested the Kickstarter of Sofabaton X1.

I was curious about that, also because my Logitech Harmony became defective and they're ending their production and support.
I recently ordered and received the Sofabaton X1 today.
Just for people that are interested, i'll post here my first thoughts on this device.

The box contains:

• The remote control (of course)
• A hub
• USB power supply
• 2 USB-C cables
• 2 infrared extenders (for when some devices are in a cabinet)
• Quick start manual

Setup was quite easy:
You need to install an app on your smartphone and create an account. You need to allow the app to find your location and need to enable bluetooth.
The hub will then be found by the app.

Then you start to add devices via the app.
There's a database with brands and types for a lot of TV's, Set Top boxes etc.
Be aware that lots of devices aren't yet in their database. You can also manually learn the functions.
That's something you should be aware of. Lots of keys will have to be learned manually.

Pros

• Solid hardware
• They have a good support team that responds fast
• Easy to use
• Backlit buttons
• Possibility to create macro's
• Actively maintained firmware updates

Cons

• Setup takes some time
• The app sometimes doesn't find the hub
• Display text isn't very smooth
• Top buttons (power and previous screen) aren't backlit
• The four color buttons are hard to differentiate in the dark

If you have any questions about this product, feel free to ask me

[Number8]

As a matter of fact, I integrated Space mouse https://community.home-assistant.io/t/s ... ols/643626 to Home assistant to control 7.1 volumes. It would not be hard to achieve the same goal with Domoticz.