Google Global Cache is for the elite. Generating a list of IR commands
One of the characteristics of Google is providing quality services, free and profitable.
Google Global Cache (GGC)- one of the solutions for optimizing huge volumes of your traffic based on the CDN platform, and even for the benefit of users (read providers).
But what is it anyway?
The explosion of broadband access and rich multimedia content is constantly increasing demand from Internet service providers (ISPs). GGC allows Google to provide content, primarily video, from its own network (the provider). This eases the load on the network and reduces the cost of transit links, thereby saving providers money while at the same time increasing the level of user service.The GGC project is at the beta stage, so the agreement with the provider is a trade secret, and it is prohibited to use references to this service for your own purposes.
System overview
Without GGC, every user request from the provider's network to YouTube video, Google Apps, etc. creates a transit of this video instance over the network, from Google to the user.With GGC, only the first copy of the video transits the entire network. If another user requests the same video, Google serves it from the GGC node.
Features of GGC
- reduction of traffic through networks: The percentage of requests through cache varies depending on user usage patterns, but typical performance is close to 75%,- fast response, transparent to users: Google transparently serves users requests from the cache within the network,
- ease of installation: Installation requires a rack (cabinet), a laptop, a copy of the Google CD, and an Internet connection. Once the servers have been configured and accessible from the network, Google will do the rest of the work and monitor remotely.
- reliability: The node has multiple levels of redundancy. If the GGC node is unavailable for any reason, user requests will be sent transparently to Google.
How GGC works
When a user requests pieces of content—for example, videos, web pages, or images—Google's systems determine if that resource can be provided from a GGC node within the network, and if the user has permission to access the GGC node.If a GGC node already has a cached version of the requested content in its local cache, it will serve the content directly to the end consumer, improving the user experience and saving money on Internet transit.
If the content is not stored on the GGC node, the node downloads it from Google, serves it to the user, and stores it for future requests.
Request diagram
1. The user requests a video or other content hosted on Google via a link. The computer generates a DNS query for the host address.
2. Queries the provider's DNS Google DNS to the IP address of the host with the content.
3. Google's DNS knows that you have GGC, so the responses contain the GGC IP addresses of the ISP node.
This is known because the ISP advertised the IP DNS addresses resolver to the GGC node (via BGP) and Google updated the information in its DNS.
4. The provider's DNS replies with the IP address of the GGC node to the user.
5. The user's computer sends a request to the IP address which is routed to the GGC node.
6. The peer confirms that the user has access to that peer (this is done by matching the user's IP address to a list of IP blocks advertised through the BGP peer.) If the address is not on the list, the user is redirected to a cache on the Google network.
7. If the content is not contained on the GGC node, the node requests the content from Google and caches it.
8. After the GGC node contains the content, it serves it to the user. The content is contained on the node so that the next request can be made without asking Google.
Provided hardware from Google
Google provides necessary equipment, the provider must provide accommodation on its own premises, power supply and Internet connection.GGC runs on rack mountable servers, 3-8 in each cluster.
Server characteristics
2 RU Rack-mountable chassis
74cm L x 44cm W x 8.64cm H
Weight: 28 KG
Power supply: 2x 110/220 VAC.
4 x 1000Base-T copper Gigabit Ethernet
IP addressing: dedicated subnet (one broadcast domain).
Possible configurations:
3 servers - 6RU 1200W
4 servers - 8RU 1600W
6 servers - 12RU 2400W
8 servers - 16RU 3200W
Administration
The site is used ggcadmin.google.com for node configuration and delivery information. The initial user gets access to the portal from the GGC group.After accepting the beta agreement, the user can invite additional users.
Other details
- Google retains ownership of the hardware and software that makes up the site. Google will be responsible for Maintenance, support and transportation costs associated with server equipment,- According to Google, user privacy is of paramount importance.
Personally Identifiable Information or private user content is not stored on the GGC site,
- Google retains the right to require assurances from providers of non-disclosure of use of the service, since the project is in beta.
Why for the elite you ask?
The fact is that Google itself usually offers such services only to those providers who are present at the largest traffic exchange points and if the traffic to resource-intensive Google services (youtube, maps) constitutes a significant percentage of the traffic (>70%).
Letters to providers. They said that Google Global Cache servers, which increase the speed of access to Google resources, are not certified. The regulator noted that the presence of this equipment in the provider’s network will entail a fine of up to 300 thousand rubles.
In our material today we will look at what the refusal of GGC threatens for Internet providers and clients.
Consequences of the GGC ban
The number of Google caching servers at a large federal operator is quite large. If you refuse them, the load on Google servers and the provider’s highways will increase. Shutting down GGC servers will affect the quality of the services provided. Google services.However, the main “blow” will be taken by video hosting. According to the analytical website Statista, Russia ranks third in the world in terms of the number of active YouTube users per month. Without Google Global Cache, videos on YouTube will load slower, and the loading time of the site itself will increase.
Users may also be unable to view videos in high resolution due to bandwidth limitations (many providers consider YouTube traffic to be local).
The director of the non-profit organization Internet Defense Society, Mikhail Klimarev, says that the refusal of GGC will also be felt by Internet providers. According to MGTS, streaming services (YouTube, Google Video etc.) consume 30% of the bandwidth. If servers are abandoned, operators will be forced to expand data transmission channels by at least this 30%.
If a video stream is transmitted over the network, 90% of which is YouTube, then with GGC the operator pays only for part of the traffic to Google services. The rest of the traffic is processed in the provider's data center and does not leave internal network. If the provider has branches throughout the country, GGC allows you to save on highways, because traffic will not leave the boundaries of one city.
With the departure of GGC, this traffic will become paid. All this will lead to higher prices for Internet tariffs. Or even giving up unlimited tariffs. You can read about other forecasts.
What should providers do?
According to representatives of telecommunications companies, the GGS server is not a means of communication, and therefore should not be certified. And you cannot prohibit using the system. Roskomnadzor, however, rejects such a definition.You can also find in Runet opinion that Roskomnadzor requires certification of equipment to prevent a repetition of the situation with Japan. On August 25, Google employees made a protocol error dynamic routing, as a result of which clients of large Japanese providers were unable to access the Internet for several hours. For another part of the population, connection speeds have dropped significantly.
Another option is that the regulator’s actions aimed at banning GGC are a form of pressure on the IT giant. Roskomnadzor is waiting for a response from the company and there is a possibility that the “opponents” will be able to reach an agreement.
If this does not happen, Internet providers will have to find a way out of the situation. One option, as noted above, is to increase the cost of tariffs or refuse unlimited internet, but in this case operators risk losing customers. Increasing the channel width may also be disadvantageous.
Another option is to look for ways to reduce costs. Solve Google Global Cache ban problem without financial losses This is not possible, but these losses can be minimized. Classifying and prioritizing traffic to save bandwidth can reduce costs while maintaining high quality of service (QoS).
This functionality is implemented by deep traffic analysis systems - DPI. Today, such solutions are offered on the market by both foreign and domestic suppliers, including the company VAS Experts. The number of installations of our SKAT system in Russia has exceeded 500, with 166 licenses issued in 2017. By the way, in 2015 there were only 60 of them.
The DPI system makes it possible to change the priority of passing packets depending on the protocol (DSCP/TOS in the header of IP packets, priority in the header of VLAN and QinQ packets, traffic class in the header of MPLS packets). Routers and shapers use this information to provide required quality service. DPI systems also monitor the network at layers 2–7 of the OSI model and protect it from overloads.
As the video quality increases (720p, 1080p, 4K), the load on the operator’s channel increases. For example, in March 2015 in Australia traffic Netflix service accounted for 25% of the total traffic of the iiNet provider. Active control traffic and flexible setting of priorities ensure decent operation of video services, slightly cutting off the traffic of other applications at critical moments.
Another option would be to install your own cache server. Our SKAT DPI solution has this opportunity.
In previous materials, we looked at automation systems, which included a controller, sensors and actuators. In this sense, they could be considered closed and not connected to other household electronic devices. However, there are situations when there is a need to integrate some additional external equipment into the system. As an example, we can recall audio-video equipment, climate control devices, industrial equipment and others.
In most cases, these devices use two options for external control - using an infrared remote control or a serial port (RS-232). In some situations, emulating button presses (closing contacts) may also be useful. Given the variety of modern environments and protocols in automation systems, adapting to each of them can be difficult. Fortunately, there is universal solution- work using IP protocol. It is he who acts today as a connecting link in decisions of all scales and cost categories. Thus, adapters that act as “converters” of the network protocol into the above interface options are in wide demand.
In this material we will look at the solutions of the American company Global Cache (Global Caché), which are often used in automation systems of various levels. The company was founded more than ten years ago and is widely known among designers and installers. It is interesting to note that the devices bear the inscription “Made in U.S.A.”, which is rare today and warms the soul a little.
Today in the manufacturer’s catalog you can find a dozen and a half models, differing in the set of interfaces, network controller and power supply. The software of the devices is practically the same, so the information from this material can be easily generalized to other models. For testing, we selected three devices of the iTach family and one representative of the GC-100 line.
Devices
All models are supplied in plain cardboard boxes, which is quite typical for this class of devices. The kit includes a power supply (12 V 0.5 A, cable length - about one and a half meters), a leaflet with a description and, for certain modifications, IR transmitters (cable length - 210 cm) and other accessories.
The iTach family, at first glance, has a confusing naming system, but in fact it is very simple to understand. First comes the connection type to computer network- wire (IP) or wireless controller (WF), then “2”, meaning “to” in this case, followed by the type of output interfaces (IR - infrared, SL - serial, CC - contact closure (relay)). Optional models with wired connection The network can support PoE power, which is indicated by the additional suffix “-P”. Thus, in this material we tested the IP2CC, WF2SL and WF2IR models.
This range of supported interfaces allows you to close most of the issues regarding remote control of equipment: emulation of button closures, issuing IR commands and control via a serial port, including receiving status from the device.
All representatives of the series are made in identical compact cases with dimensions of 84x61x31 mm excluding cables and antennas. The main part of the body is black-painted aluminum, the ends are covered with hard rubber covers. There is a metal insert under the lids to shield the filling.
All connections and controls are assembled on one side. The devices can be powered from a constant voltage source with parameters of 5-16 V, the maximum consumption is 300 mA. This feature, in particular, allows you to use power from USB port, for which a special cable may be included.
The rear panel is divided into two blocks. On the left is network port or small rotary fixed wifi antenna, power supply input, indicator and reset hole. On the IR model, it also contains an IR receiver for the training mode. Without restoring the default value, it will be difficult to reconnect wireless models to another network.
Note that if you, like many trained users, prefer not to insert metal objects into electronic devices without a good reason, you will have to change your mind in this case. The fact is that in the reset hole there is not a traditional mechanical button, but a pair of contacts that need to be closed, for example, with a paper clip. However, for the IR model, you should do this with extreme caution so as not to damage the IR receiver.
The right block, the background color of which is selected depending on the type of supported interfaces, contains three contact pairs with indicators (for CC models), a nine-pin serial port with an indicator (SL models) or three 3.5 mm minijack connectors and indicators for connecting IR- transmitters (IR models).
Let's take a closer look at the possibilities different modifications. The CC series has three built-in relays that can switch loads up to 24 V 5 A. Mains power cannot be controlled directly in this way, but for control various systems They can be used to control boilers, gates, pumps and other equipment. This allows you to add a little intelligence to the usual “not smart” system.
SL models allow you to transmit and receive data via a standard RS-232 serial port. The system supports speeds from 1200 to 115200 baud and the usual set of port parameters, including hardware control flow. There is only one port, so for several clients you will need to purchase the required number of adapters.
If it is necessary to send commands via the IR channel, IR modifications are used. Using this option is the most in a universal way interface with audio-video equipment and allows you to almost completely eliminate compatibility issues and use any equipment in installations. Models in this series have three independent outputs. They are usually connected to IR transmitters mounted directly on the receiver window, and the third allows you to work with an “IR blaster” that can transmit a signal to several receivers simultaneously, which corresponds to the traditional use of IR remote controls. However, in the latter case, for obvious reasons, it is difficult to guarantee signal delivery. In addition, proprietary sensors can be connected to these connectors for remote control state, which is used in special scenarios. Also this model can be used to control (dim) LED strips. Note that the adapter has a built-in command receiver to implement learning capabilities.
Adapters are used as "black boxes", so be aware of any details internal device it is not necessary for the user. If this question is important, then we will inform you that the controllers are based on the Microchip platform and use chips such as PIC24FJ256, ENC424J (in wired versions) and MRF24WB0MB (in wireless models).
If the iTach line is a compact device for solving small tasks, then the representatives of the GC-100 family, which was introduced five years ago and is the previous generation of controllers, are more versatile.
It includes two main models that combine several interface options in one case: GC-100-6 has support for one serial port and three IR ports, and GC-100-12, in addition to doubling these indicators, is additionally equipped with three relay outputs. The GC-100-18 modification differs from the “twelfth” only in the design of the case, which supports installation in a standard rack. This family is convenient to use in large installation projects with a dedicated space for processing media content.
Models of the GC-100 series differ in support only wired connection, powered from source direct current 9-18 V 300 mA, oversized all-metal housing, no dedicated reset button and platform based on the Microchip PIC18F8720 controller. All other characteristics are similar to the iTach series.
Connection and setup
The devices require minimal special presets and can be integrated into the system in just a few minutes. It is not very clear why the manufacturer chose fixed setting default network address instead of using DHCP. So if your network is not 192.168.0.*, you will have to change network address PC to access the adapter. To check the current device address you can use special utility iHelp. It also provides detailed information about the model. In particular, this way you can find out the firmware version and, if necessary, update it by downloading the file from the support section of the manufacturer’s website. It is worth noting that this is rarely required, since the question software The manufacturer is very responsible. Unfortunately, this utility does not allow you to change network settings device and to do this you will have to access its web interface.
In case of connection wireless device, you'll have to spend a little more time. Since adapters only have one Network Controller, then to integrate into the network you will first need to connect to the network created by the device, go to the built-in web interface and use it to configure the adapter to work with the router. The recent problem here is that regular means Windows 8.1 does not allow the adapter to connect to a peer-to-peer network. So you will need to use a computer with another operating system or original manufacturers' utilities network adapters. Next, you need to specify the parameters via the web interface wireless point access (name and security), as well as change the IP address or enable its receipt via DHCP. Note that there is no network search mode here, nor WPS support.
Note that the wired controller meets the standard Fast Ethernet and can connect at speeds of 10 or 100 Mbps, and wireless supports 802.11b in the 2.4 GHz band. Despite the obsolescence of this version, it is quite compatible with modern access points, including those with WPA/WPA2-PSK support. The only problem here may be that due to the nature of the built-in microcontroller, the actual connection speed is 1 or 2 Mbps, which can affect the stability of operation in a heavily loaded wireless network. In this case, it is recommended to either use the wired version of the adapter or create a dedicated wireless network only for these devices.
The adapters web interface only provides basic settings devices. Please note that access to it can be protected with a password. For the CC series, it only has network settings. In models for the serial port, its parameters are selected here - speed, parity, flow control and others. In case of problems, the displayed statistics of data reception and transmission errors can help.
For IR devices, the type of connections for each connector is configured via the web interface. Please note that some parameters can be changed in the future. special teams without using the web interface.
Use in automation systems
Standard TCP/IP is used to directly manage adapters and devices connected to them. Thanks to this and taking into account the simple test control protocol, the models in question can be easily integrated into most modern automation systems. The company provides Full description API in electronic documentation available for free download on the website. Interestingly, in addition to control commands and obtaining status, information packages are provided that describe, in particular, the device configuration.
Let's first see which commands support different models. To send them, you need to create a TCP connection to the adapter’s IP address and port 4998. It is impossible to change the latter number, but this is not significant in this case. The use of TCP allows for control of command delivery, which is important for an automation system. Please note that the system does not provide any access rights control. Devices can receive and execute commands from any source, including via the Internet. If this violates the security of the system, it is recommended to create a separate IP network for them and use other communication security technologies.
Command parameters include internal port addressing parameters, in particular the module number and port number. When using models of the iTach series, the module number is always equal to one, since they have only one, but for the GC-100 it can take other values. This is practically the only difference in working with devices of different series.
With the device for controlling the relay, everything is quite simple. The “setstate” command allows you to turn the required relay on or off, and the “getstate” command allows you to get a response about its current state. Note that the state is also issued in response to a command to change it. To test this model, we connected it to an RGBW dimmer for Fibaro LED strips as external control buttons. This is, of course, an artificial option, but no other suitable devices I couldn't find it at hand.
The model for transmitting commands to the RS-232 interface works a little differently. In addition to port 4998 for setting up and checking the status, it uses a second port (for the only port in the iTach series - 4999, there are other values in the GC-100) to organize a channel for transmitting and receiving data with this interface. To test this scenario, we used a Sharp TV, which just had a serial port. The connection was made with a standard three-wire cable. Refer to the TV manual for the required port settings. You can also find a list there available commands. In particular, the device is turned on and off, input switching, channel selection, volume control, video and sound modes and some other functions.
Perhaps it is the implementation of the transmission of infrared commands that produces greatest impression. The devices are extremely versatile thanks to flexible configuration of all packet parameters, including modulation frequencies, number and duration of pulses, as well as repeat modes, unlike other models that usually can only remember and play limited number packages. To send, the "sendir" command is used with all the specified parameters, so the actual string can be very long. Once the transfer is complete, the adapter sends a report. If necessary, the transfer can be stopped with a special command.
To obtain the data required for transmitting a package, there are several ways - using a ready-made code base, which is used in some automation systems, converting codes from the HEX format in the original iConvert utility, or training through the built-in IR receiver (or external in the case of the GC-100 series) with using the iLearn program.
True, when working in Windows 8.1, the utility proved to be not very stable. In any case, it is better to use ready codes, since they are usually more accurate. Note that the manufacturer provides access to its code base on . Some additional difficulties here may be due to the fact that indexing in this database is not according to specific models equipment, but by series of remote controls. For example, for LG TVs there are seven sets to choose from, from which you will have to choose the one you need. The IR control scenario was tested with a set of TV, receiver and media player.
Additionally, IR series products can use their ports to work with external sensors (contact closure, voltage presence or low-frequency video signal). Their status can be read over the network or regular sending can be set up broadcast messages status via UDP protocol.
Another output mode, supported only in iTach models, is LED strip control. In this case, PWM is used to adjust the brightness (dimming). It is possible to use one hundred levels, select the rate of change and control the state. Additionally, a special dedicated (occupies all three ports) mode for connecting LED strip and one or two buttons to control it.
The iTest utility is useful for an initial check of the adapters' functionality. It allows you to send commands to adapters and display a response message. We used it to make sure correct setting all devices used in the test. It is especially useful for testing IR control commands, since it is not always possible to read the remote control code correctly the first time and before programming commands and scripts you need to be sure that everything works as expected. Well, what happened next was a matter of technology.
For the first integration scenario into the automation system, we used a well-known domestic product. It allows you to create user interfaces system controls running on smartphones, tablets and computers. A unique feature of the solution is flexibility in appearance design - you can not only select controls, but also change their design, use own images, photographs and fonts. In addition, the system provides interaction with solutions based on AMX, Crestron, KNX and other interfaces. We will tell you more about the product in a separate article.
The interface is created for the required control panel option in the iRidium GUI Editor program. At first glance, it looks most like graphics editor. IN additional windows and menu, the user has access to lists of ready-made images and controls, a catalog of interfaces and devices, programming actions and other features.
As an example, we created an interface with two switches for three IP2CC channels and several buttons for controlling equipment via IR and serial port. Note that feedback can also be used here, which can be useful, for example, for monitoring the state of relay outputs and changing the appearance of buttons. Please note that specific IR commands are available in the built-in database and simply drag and drop to use them. And of course, you can assign not just one command to one interface button, but a whole script, for example, to turn on home theater for viewing video from a media player.
In addition, a training function is available directly from the editor interface. There is no such command base for the serial port controller and you will have to enter the required codes yourself from the equipment documentation. Note that on the iRidium developer website you can find detailed manuals and examples of using this combination.
We implemented the second scenario with the Fibaro Home Center Lite controller. Thanks to the support virtual devices working over an IP network, we were able to create custom elements controls (buttons) and bind specific commands to them to be sent to Global Cache adapters. With the exception of selecting the required IR codes and the subtleties of formatting sent commands, we did not encounter any difficulties in this scenario. Please note that this automation system does not provide for receiving feedback from virtual devices and monitoring their status.
As we can see, the choice of the IP protocol turned out to be the right decision, allowing the use of adapters with various controllers and, importantly, ensuring ease of configuration.
Conclusion
Modern automation systems, despite their long history and often a very wide selection of models, are not always able to fully work with third party devices, equipped with such popular interfaces as RS-232 and IR. The specialized adapters from Global Cache discussed in this material can effectively solve these problems thanks to support for a standard network interface, simple management protocols and flexible configuration.
If you need to control a small number of devices, you can use compact products of the iTach series, and when placing equipment in racks, the GC-100 series is useful. Among other positive characteristics, we note high quality manufacturing, the ability to power a wide range of voltages, stable firmware, high-quality support, popularity among installers and software developers in this area.
A practical study showed that the adapters are easy to connect, configure and integrate into the automation system. There may be some difficulties with the selection of IR codes for controlling equipment, but the manufacturer’s ready-made database and a learning mode from an existing remote control can help here. Selecting a standard network environment allows you to use devices with almost any modern systems automation, including with controllers in projects own development. From point of view practical use It is worth considering the lack of any protection in the network control protocol, but in this case this is caused by the installation of controllers with relatively low performance. Perhaps in the next generations of products the manufacturer will pay attention to this issue.
It's worth mentioning that in this review we didn't talk about latest model adapter - iTach Flex. Even smaller than the iTach family, this device supports RS-232 or IR (one or three transmitters), a built-in training receiver, and web browser control.
At the end of the publication, it is worth saying a few words about the cost of products. Pricing for equipment used in automation systems designed for installation by professional installers, of course, can hardly be called attractive to end users. But this is a feature of this market segment, where we are usually talking about the cost of the entire project, taking into account development, installation, configuration and training. So here is the local retail price list for the reviewed Global Cache equipment from a domestic distributor just for reference.
| Product | Price |
| iTach IP2CC/IP2SL/IP2IR | $225 |
| iTach IP2CC-P/IP2SL-P/IP2IR-P | $290 |
| iTach WF2CC/WF2SL/WF2IR | $275 |
| GC-100-06 | $315 |
| GC-100-12 | $592 |
Material from iRidium Mobile Wiki
Types of Global Cache modules with IR support
 |
iTach WiFi to IR (Infrared Control, WF2IR)
|
 |
iTach TCP/IP to IR (Infrared Control, IP2IR)
|
 |
GC-100-06, GC-100-12, GC-100-18, GC-100-18R
|
Setting up Global Cache in iRidium
Select the Global Cache driver in the DEVICE BASE list of the iRidium GUI Editor and drag it to the PROJECT DEVICE PANEL window:
Connection parameters to Global Cache:
- Host- IP address of the converter (local, external or domain name)
- Port- main connection port with GC (4998). Used to send IR commands, configure and obtain Global Cache status
- Module Type- Global Cache converter type: GC-100-06, GC-100-12(18,18R), iTach IP2IR (WF2IR), iTach IP2SL (WF2SL), iTach IP2CC (WF2CC). Defines the number and type of converter outputs.
- Control Mode- device operating mode
- Standart Unit - control of equipment via IR using connected IR emitters
- Single LED / Dual LED - allows you to configure LED lighting control via 3.5mm iTach connectors configured as lighting controller control contacts (see iTach API)
- Send Mode- mode of connection to the converter
- Always Connected - constant connection (normal mode)
- Connect when Sending - connection only at the moment the command is sent. Suitable for GC-100-06(12,18,18R), to which several control panels must be connected
- Confirm IR- send the next IR command only after confirming the sending of the previous one. Allows you to avoid overlapping IR commands.
- Script Mode- determines where to send commands
- Direct and Script - immediately send a command to the converter and duplicate it into a script (you can process the data in iRidium Script)
- Script Only - send the command only to the script (the command will not be sent to the converter when the button is pressed). Allows you to transfer components of the command for driver operation to scripts. Do not enable this mode if you are not using scripts.
To connect to Global Cache over the Internet:
1. in line Host specify the public IP address (or domain name) of your Internet router 2. Configure Port Forwarding on the router to allow remote control of the equipment. You can find out the public IP address of your router using Internet services, for example Yandex.Internet
To switch between local connection and Internet operation:
Use the example provided.
Setting up IR output Global Cache
The output of the 3.5mm Global Cache converter can operate in one of the modes:
- IR- mode for sending IR commands when an IR emitter or IR blaster is connected to the output
- Sensor Notify- sensor mode, when the output reports the status of the connected sensor.
To send an IR command from the Global Cache output, set it to mode IR
- Frequency(Hz) - frequency of sending IR commands from the selected IR output. It can be changed for a folder with IR commands or for an individual command. The sending frequency depends on the requirements of the managed equipment. You can get it when training with the IR remote control or in the process of converting IR commands to the GC format (if you did not find the configured commands in the GC database)
Driver Tokens
Driver variables are read-only and help monitor connections to the hardware:
Generating a list of IR commands
The configured Global Cache outputs need to be filled with IR commands. You can get them in the following ways:
- Add ready-made commands from the Global Cache Cloud (IR Database)
- Learn commands from the equipment’s native IR remote control using GC-IRL IR Learner
- Convert commands obtained from equipment documentation to Global Cache format
Ready-made IR commands from GC Cloud (IR Database)
The online database of IR commands is available in the iRidium GUI Editor, GC Cloud.
Click "Update"(Internet connection required) to download the list of manufacturers and teams.
Base structure:
- Brands - equipment manufacturers
- Device Types - categories of equipment from the manufacturer
- Codesets & Commands - models and corresponding IR commands
Drag the commands folder to the Global Cache IR output in your project.
The commands are pre-configured and do not need to be edited:
Commands and folders can be moved between the IR outputs of GC modules in a project by dragging and dropping.
Teaching IR commands via GC-IRL IR Learner
Creating IR commands for Global Cache using equipment documentation
The documentation for AV equipment contains IR commands for this equipment in HEX (CCF) format, so you must first convert them to Global Cache format, then add them to your IR command database.
Let's look at an example of transferring IR commands from the documentation for the TV to the IR command database for GC.
Source documentation: Panasonic Plasma TV Remote control (IR) Required software: iConvert (Global Cache)Global Cache iConvert - provides conversion of IR commands between Global Cache and HEX (CCF) formats.
Source IR command in HEX (CCF) format:
POWER ON 0000 0071 0000 0032 0080 003F 0010 0010 0010 0030 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 001 0 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0030 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 001 0 0010 0010 0010 0030 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0030 001 0 0030 0010 0030 0010 0030 0010 0030 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0010 0030 0010 0030 0010 0030 0010 0030 0010 0030 0010 001 0 0010 0030 0010 0A98Convert the command to Global Cache format using iConvert:
In the Output window we received a command in Global Cache format, but it is not ready for use yet.
The part of the command that will NOT be used is highlighted in red..
It is a blank command header, which is generated automatically in iRidium.
128,63,16,16,16,48,16,16,256,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16, 16,16,16,48,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,48,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16, 16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,48,16,48,16,48,16,48,16,48,16,16,16,16,16,16,16,48,16,48,16,48, 16,48,16,48,16,16,16,48,16,2712
This is the body of the command, it is sent to the audio-video equipment and contains the target action.
Also convert and save all IR commands from the TV. Now they can be saved to the iRidium database.
Add saved commands to your IR command database.
Creating and configuring the base and IR devices in the base is done in the same way,
Filling in IR commands in the iRidium database:
The frequency of command sending is specified in the Global Cache IR output parameters when commands are added to the project.
Save the change in the database and add the created IR device to any IR output of Global Cache in the iRidium project.
IR command settings
Depending on the method of receiving the IR command (from the database or manual creation), the IR command settings are different:
- Delay(ms) - delay before sending the command. Counted from the previous command sent (after delivery confirmation, if configured)
- Change Frequency: False/True - allows you to select the command sending frequency (Hz): default (see IR output) or a unique frequency for this command
- Frequency(Hz) - command sending frequency, if Change Frequency: True
- Repeat- how many times to repeat the IR command (repetition is performed at the Global Cache level, and not through repeated sending)
- Offset- used only if Repeat > 1 for IR commands with a preamble. The command preamble is the part of the command that does not need to be repeated several times. Offset is the length of the preamble, which is measured in pulse-pause pairs that make up the IR command. It's always an odd number. See Global Cache API for details
- Data- body of the IR command. Does not appear for commands added from the Global Cache database. The command body contains a sequence of IR pulses that Global Cache will send to the equipment.
Sending IR commands from graphic elements
IR commands are not initially associated with the visualization interface. To send a command, you need to bind it to a button in your iRidium project.
Events for which you can send commands bound to Buttons:
- Press- pressing a button
- Release- releasing the button
- Hold- holding the button (works in a loop until the button is released)
Events for which you can send commands from a script (see iRidium Script API):
- receiving feedback with a specific value
- pressing/releasing interface elements
- timer operation
- obtaining certain values from the panel sensors (GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, ..)
- getting values from Levels
Sending an IR command when a button is pressed (released)
Drag the IR command onto the button in the dialog Send Command select the command sending event:
- Press - pressing a button
- Release - releasing the button
The commands are visible in Object Properties > Programming.
Commands can be dragged between events.
You can bind several commands to one button:
Sending multiple IR commands from 1 button (macro, script)
To bind several commands to a button, drag them one by one onto one button, binding them to one of the sending events (Press or Release):
The macro editor for the Press (or Release) event will allow you to move IR commands or separate them with delays (Delay) or additional commands.
Sending an IR command to hold an element
Hold - the “holding an element” event allows you to cyclically send one or more commands as long as you hold the element (for example, like the Volume + button on an IR remote control).
To make the element react not only to holding, but also to normal pressing, activate the Press event for it:
The Hold settings are located in Object Properties > General:
- Hold Time (ms) - time after which Hold is activated when holding an element
- Repeat Time (ms) - the interval for repeating commands from the Hold event.
The command recorded in Hold will be repeated as long as you hold the button. Repetition occurs at the interval specified in Repeat Time.
Control from levels, triggers and other elements
In the case of working via IR, it is impossible in the usual ways configure sending a command from the Level element. This is due to the fact that the IR command contains the target action in advance, and it cannot be changed by changing part of the IR command.
Level control via IR is usually impossible, because each level value corresponds to a separate IR command, and many IR remote controls do not require setting a specific volume value (there are only + and -).
To alternately send two IR commands or create complex logic sending commands, you need to use iRidium Script - the built-in iRidium programming language, which will allow you to configure the necessary dependencies. See iRidium Script API.
Switch between Local and Internet connection
If the control panel should not lose the ability to connect to the system when it moves outside its Wi-Fi network, then you need to configure Internet LAN switching in the project.
Remote operation means connecting to the system via the Internet. In this case, the external IP address or domain name of the system to which you need to connect is used.
In iRidium, Wi-Fi/3G switching is NOT performed automatically. To switch the Internet local network, your project must have specially configured buttons. See settings below. For system management to work remotely, you need to open the system for external access -configure the Port Forwarding service. To protect your equipment from third-party interference, we recommend using a secure connection to a remote system (VPN)
Port2: 5000, // connection port to COM2 on the GC (if it is a GC with a COM port)
SendMode: 0, // 0 - always connected, 1 - connected only at the moment the command is sent
IrConfirm: 0, // 0 - IR with confirmation of sending, 1 - without confirmation
ScriptMode: 0, // 0 - send directly and to the script, 1 - only to the script
BackGroundMode: 0 // 1 - on, 0 - off
)); // Driver Name + Parameters
Host: "210.110.10.10", Port: 4998, Port1: 4999, Port2: 5000, SendMode: 0, IrConfirm: 0, ScriptMode: 0, BackGroundMode: 0));
}In the command settings we specify:
- Function name – name of the switching function (command). Two functions in the same project should not be named the same
- Driver Name – name of the driver whose parameters we are changing
- Parameters – a set of connection parameters that need to be applied to the driver
Let's bind commands to buttons:
- Select the button that will be responsible for switching Wi-Fi/3G.
Open the properties of this button: Object Properties > Programming - Open the Macros Editor buttons for the Press or Release event
- Select a team Script Call And double click add it
- From the drop-down list, select the name of the function you want to call. Create a team
Let's configure access to equipment from the Internet: