Seeing as how I can't count on getting a tuner module to facilitate the install of a Sony X4S wired remote, does anyone know of a good source for the X5S IR remote? Has anyone tried to use this remote with the Empeg & Hijack remapping?

Hm, no response... I think somebody reported that some Sony IR remote (I don't remember whether it was this one or some other) is not recognised by empeg receiver at all. Be sure to try any untested remote before purchasing.

I think somebody reported that some Sony IR remote (I don't remember whether it was this one or some other) is not recognised by empeg receiver at all.

I seem to recall that he had to replace the battery (or was it turn it right-side-up?) and then the Sony remote worked (with Hijack, of course).

I looked at the X5S before I found a X4S. According to the current Sony Catalogue it uses a new type of IR called HI Band IR, which is apparently "3 times faster than IR". So I guess that unless the empeg can understand this (which would surprise me) then the X5S won't work.

Interesting information.

I assume that's why I don't see the X5S listed in the Crutchfield catalog as an aftermarket product, because it wouldn't work with any of their old stereos.

Also, if you haven't seen one, I took a look at one today. The thing is much bigger than I think you'd expect - it's like a baby leg. I would guess it's dimensions at about 2" square at the base, tapering to a 3/4" point about 7" out. It's huge! Is the XM4S that size, or is it smaller?

Leave it to Sony to muck with IR - like you need a much faster IR interface for button presses. This is typical though - they did something similar on their 'high' end home audio gear - the ES series were infamous for using 2-way IR that only worked with their own remotes and couldn't be programmed into a proper learning remote.

Whatever you do, don't try figuring it out - that would violate the DMCA and they'd have to incarcerate you as a pirate and terrorist.

In reply to:

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The thing is much bigger than I think you'd expect - it's like a baby leg. I would guess it's dimensions at about 2" square at the base, tapering to a 3/4" point about 7" out. It's huge! Is the XM4S that size, or is it smaller?

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The Sony RMX4S I have in front of me, has a 1.5 inch by 2 inch base, tapering to a 3/4" point 3.25 inches from the base.

As far as I can deterimine the X5S is basically a X4S with a special base that includes batteries, IR emitter and microprocessor to convert the Stalk readings into (Sony special) IR signals.
With those sorts of dimensions the X5S should come with a whole lot more features than it does!

And what do you see in the Hijack "Button Codes Display" when operating the X5S in front of your player?

-ml

I don't actually have a X5S to hand.
While they are for sale here the $100 [local money] puts me off a little and the shops here won't let me try one.

And other comments from others about the 'hi band' protocol the X5S remote uses indicates that the IR emitter is not Empeg compatible - which also puts off buying one spec in case it does work.

If they have one at a local store for demonstration, bring in the empeg with Hijack installed and the AC power supply and use Button Codes Display to see if it's recognized.

Yeah I considered that,
Finding a store with it on Demo is near impossible - they have the X4S on Demo - but we know they work.

Still, someone[better than me] who can do PIC micro programming could probably make a X4S work like a X5S for the empeg - simply make a base that takes a small battery, IR LED (or 2) and a PIC micro with on-board ADC, then you'd have a X5S - I think the 12C5XX series has onboard ADC - in fact that may even be the micro in the tuner unit now.

Still for I think I'll stick with my Tuner and wired stalk remote - it works well rather than mucking with the Sony X5S remote.