Innotech Systems SpitFIRE II - Manual (Page 4)

SpitFIRE Innotech Systems Inc. Page 4
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing your SpitFIRE™ Serial Port Infrared Remote Control.
The Innotech Systems’ SpitFIRE
tm
turns an ordinary PC into a powerful state-of-the-art
home entertainment control system!
The SpitFIRE controls all popular entertainment devices directly from a PC. The
SpitFIRE converts data words from your computer’s serial port into infrared remote
control signals.
The built-in infrared remote control database in the SpitFIRE I enables you to control
TVs, VCRs, satellites, cable boxes, and DVD players without the need to “learn” your
existing remote controls. In addition to the internal infrared remote control database, the
SpitFIRE II adds the ability for you to control additional audio and home theater devices
(or add additional buttons to existing devices) by “learning” the codes from your existing
remote controls.
The SpitFIRE includes two convenient front panel mounted infrared diodes. A mini-
phone plug located in the rear permits the use of mini stick--on IR emitters or IR blasters
for maximum flexibility.
The small (3¼" x 5¼") SpitFIRE may be situated behind or near the PC, and is
connected via a conventional serial cable to the PC. The SpitFIRE is controlled via a
standard serial interface. The host PC controls the SpitFIRE by simply sending simulated
button presses. The SpitFIRE will respond by returning status information for every
command.
The SpitFIRE includes sample Visual Basic application software. The software displays
a “virtual” remote control on screen and responds to “virtual button presses” to illustrate
the operation of the device and for you to use as the basis for your own software
applications.