ShowMate* for Newton 2.0

Copyright 1995-97 Sine of the Times



This package is Shareware!

If you use this program, please register. Call 1-888-SINEWARE(Intl:(801)360-7824), visit our web order form, or send $15 to:



Sine of the Times, 1455 South 50 East, Orem, UT 84058



We can also be reached via email at software@sineware.com.



Upon registration, a registered version will be provided.

 

New:

- MyRemote Control:  Allows you to create custom remote controls

- Panasonic Support:  Over 100 supported Panasonic codes for audio and video

- Enhanced Operation:  Combine BOTH Panasonic and Sony codes together

- New Commands:  Repeat Last Command & Delay functions



Introduction

ShowMate is a fully scriptable and schedulable remote control featuring several unique features, such as combined equipment management, alarm scheduling, creation of scripts (software programs), and design of custom remote controls.



Support

ShowMate supports the following equipment:



Sony (North America)

AUDIO:  Amplifiers, Tuners, CD players, DAT players, TAPE players, PHONO players,

VIDEO:  Televisions, VTRs, Laserdisc (LD), Video Cameras



Panasonic (North America)

AUDIO:  Amplifiers, Tuners, CD players, TAPE players

VIDEO:  Televisions, VCRs



In total, there are over 600 different infrared commands available within ShowMate.



Requirements

Newton OS 1.x or higher.

About 170 kilobytes free RAM



Installation

Install all three packages (ShowTime, ShowMate, and MyRemote) to your Newton.  MyRemote is the only optional package.



ShowMate:  The Advanced Virtual Remote



Usage

To use ShowMate, users are required to write Equipment Scripts.  These are common english commands which are run sequentially by ShowMate at the users request.  The commands are converted into infrared codes that are then sent to the equipment.



Users can write scripts for immediate or delayed (alarm) control of equipment.  Users can optionally save these scripts for later usage.  NOTE:  Scripts must be saved for delayed control of equipment.



Models

The Model picker allows users to create scripts for different manufacturers of equipment.  Simply select the manufacturer from the list.  Models can be combined together.  For example, users can write a single script to turn on their stereo to Video mode, turn on a VCR, turn on the TV and change it to channel 3.



The model is added to the beginning of each command added to the user script.  If the model name is not available, ShowMate cannot execute the command.



Creating Scripts

The script area is the input field at the bottom of the screen.  This area is surrounded by a solid box.



To create scripts, users should use the command buttons on both sides of the box.  These command buttons provide users with all the commands that can be run by ShowMate.



The command buttons are:

AMP: Amplifier commands

TNR: Tuner commands

CD: General Compact Disc commands

CD+: Additional Compact Disc commands

DT: Digital Audio Tape commands

DT+: Additional Digital Audio Tape commands

TV: General Television commands

TV+: Additional Television commands

VR: Video tape recorder commands

VR+: Additional Video tape recorder commands

TAP: Audio Cassette tape commands

XTR: Phono, LaserDisc, Camera, and additional commands



To choose a command, simply select it from the lists provided.



Note:  Depending on the manufacturer, not all the above buttons will be available.



Special notations used in the commands:

The # sign must be replaced by a number from 0 to 9 (Exceptions for CD Players: 1 to 10, and VTR: 1 to 3).



Commands will be sequentially added to the script area.  They must be separated by periods to work correctly.  ShowMate automatically adds periods.  However, if you're editing a script, and erase a period - make sure to replace it.



Testing a Script

To test if your script works correctly, point your Newton at the equipment you wish to control, and press the Test button.



Saving a Script

Scripts can be easily saved for later usage (e.g. repetitive tasks).



1. Enter a name for the script next to the input line labelled Name.

2. Press Save.



Your script has now been saved.



Loading or Creating a New Script

The menu labelled Script allows you to load saved scripts, or create new ones.



To load a saved script, simply select it from the menu.  If you make any changes, make sure to press Save before exiting.



To create a new script, select New from the top of the Script menu.



Removing a Script

To delete a script, simply scrub out your commands in the script area, and press Save.  The script will be deleted.



Setting an Alarm

Saved scripts can be scheduled to run at various times.  Each script can be scheduled to run once within the next 24 hours.



To schedule a script, follow these steps:



1.  Enter the hour and minute you wish the script to run.  Ensure the correct format is selected (AM - 24 hour time, or PM).

2.  Press Set Alarm.



Your Newton will wake up automatically and run the scheduled script at the specified hour and minute.  It must be pointed at the equipment to perform the script tasks.



If you set an alarm again for a script, it overwrites the previous alarm set for the script.



Note:  ONLY saved scripts can have alarms set for them.



Tips

Choosing the commands for creating scripts can be challenging at times.  The best way is to record your steps directly on the Newton as you perform the activities yourself.



Use logic when creating scripts.  For example, the following commands ensure that an Amplifier is turned off regardless if it was on or off prior to the script:



Sony AMP Tuner. Delay 1 sec. Sony AMP Power.



The first command switches the AMP to Tuner mode if it is on.  If the AMP wasn't on, the AMP is turned on to Tuner mode.  A delay is inserted to give time for the Amp to turn on and then respond to additional remote signals.  Finally the last step, AMP Power toggles the power, thus turning the Amplifier off.



Your Newton's infrared port can only control equipment from a distance of about 2 metres.  In addition, it must be pointed towards the equipment.  Ensure it is close enough, and there are no obstructions in it's way.



You can use the special commands delay 1 sec, and delay 1 min, for slower responding equipment.  These cause ShowTime to delay for the respective amount of time before sending the next command.



ShowMate adds a delay of 20 milliseconds between commands to make life easier for you.



Finally, if you find yourself repeating commands in the same script, you can use the Repeat # feature.  This repeats the last command issued # times.  Just look for the "o" button.



Using your Newton as a remote control can drain its battery power faster.  It is suggested that you leave your Newton plugged in if you are scheduling more than 2 scripts, or planning to use it as a replacement remote.



MyRemote: the Custom Remote Control



myRemote allows you to create custom remote controls. Unlike any remote control,  allows you to assign your programmed scripts (written in ShowMate) to onscreen buttons.  Hence, you can create a complex script, and instantly run it, with a finger touch.



Basic features:

-  Newton 2.0 savvy (fully rotatable)

-  Freedom of layout.  Any button, anywhere (almost :)

-  Large buttons, that can be pressed using your fingers.



To use MyRemote:

1.  Run the package.

2.  Switch MyRemote to Design Mode (at the bottom of the screen).

3.  Tap on a button, to list available programs you have written in ShowMate.

4.  Select a program to assign to a button.

5.  Repeat for other buttons until completed.

6.  Switch MyRemote to Remote Mode.



MyRemote only displays those buttons which have assigned programs.



A note of warning:  If you erase a program in ShowMate, and then try to run it from MyRemote - well, it won't work!



Answers to Common Questions

Will other equipment manufacturers be supported?  We are currently working on implementing 5 other manufacturers.  The process is fairly tedious, as we don't have most of the equipment, so testing becomes a problem.



In addition, we're still trying to compile IR codes for other manufactures.  If there are any users who can provide us with IR codes for specific brands of equipment, we will add them to ShowMate.  You MUST provide the codes, I won't look for them on your behalf.



Do all the codes work for all equipment?  No, depending on the age of the equipment (ie. older, or brand new), the codes do vary slightly.  Generally, the major commands remain the same.



Note:  The Panasonic codes only work with newer equipment.  Panasonic changed their IR commands a number of years ago.



Disclaimer

By using this software, you are agreeing that Sine of the Times cannot be held liable for use or inability to use the software correctly or incorrectly.  We reserve all rights in publishing this software and documentation.  Failure to honor our Copyrights and Trademarks will result full application of available law.



Contact Information

This package was developed by Ashish Mishra.  Ashish is a Partner/Vice President of Sine of the Times.



If you have any questions or comments, please direct your email and surface mail to the addresses provided at the beginning of this document.



Again, we hope enjoy ShowMate, and we also hope that you believe in supporting shareware.





Sine of the Times

Innovation is our Passion.