ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Just wondered if anyone has any stories about using the Essence Remote with other products. The Moment sounds like it works pretty much as an Essence does, but anyone using it in IR mode with a TV, or even as home automation (which seems to be an IR setting available as mentioned here as 'light' mode http://bogo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10014/~/can-i-use-beosound-essence-remote-with-another-bang-%26-olufsen-product%3F).
BeoVision Eclipse 55”, Beolab 18s, Beolab 19s, Beosound 1, Beoplay P2, H3, BeoRemote One IR, BeoRemote One BT, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII, BeoTime
Chris Hassell:Just wondered if anyone has any stories about using the Essence Remote with other products. The Moment sounds like it works pretty much as an Essence does, but anyone using it in IR mode with a TV, or even as home automation (which seems to be an IR setting available as mentioned here as 'light' mode http://bogo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10014/~/can-i-use-beosound-essence-remote-with-another-bang-%26-olufsen-product%3F). BV11-46, Beoplay A2, H3 ANC, Beo 4, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII
I will add that the Essence remote in IR mode has surprisingly powerful IR blasters. Much more powerful than the week BeoRemote One (even at full IR strength setting for the BeoRemote One). My Essence remote is mounting on the same wall as the IR receiver at opposite ends of the wall and with my obstructions The Essence wall remote gets the IR signal to the receiver with no problem. I find that the BeoRemote One must be pointed directly at the IR receiver. I never had to point the Beo4 so directly.
Cheers @beojeff you appear to have done some ace stuff with the Essence Remote and BLGW. Does the BLGW support 'if/else' statements? For example you could have the top button on the essence remote turn Hue Lights on, then turn music on if the lights are already on.
Chris Hassell: Cheers @beojeff you appear to have done some ace stuff with the Essence Remote and BLGW. Does the BLGW support 'if/else' statements? For example you could have the top button on the essence remote turn Hue Lights on, then turn music on if the lights are already on.
The gateway does not detect the state of the B&O as a trigger. However, you can build macros for a button to trigger multiple events. The Lutron RadioRa 2 driver, however, CAN be used to trigger events based on the status.
I'm not certain if the Hue driver can trigger events based on a status. The Hue protocol can be quite complex.
I use two essence remotes to trigger events in the beolink gateway.
I want to switch on the light if i turn the weel right and off if i turn left. This operates quite good.
But Sometimes (about four of ten) i turn the weel left (Command=STEP_DW) and the essence remote sends a Command=STEP_UP. only by second or third time the essence remote sends the correctly command (Command=STEP_DW.
This is tested with the Monitoring tool of the blgw and on both essence remotes.
Normal 0 21 false false false DE JA X-NONE
Perhaps a software or a hardwareproblem oft the essence remote?
BS Ouverture, BS 9000, AV 9000, Avant 32 DVD, BV9, BV6-22, BS 5, BS 4500, BS 7000, BC 9500, Beo6, BL Penta, F1000, BLGW, etc....
beoandy: I use two essence remotes to trigger events in the beolink gateway. I want to switch on the light if i turn the weel right and off if i turn left. This operates quite good. But Sometimes (about four of ten) i turn the weel left (Command=STEP_DW) and the essence remote sends a Command=STEP_UP. only by second or third time the essence remote sends the correctly command (Command=STEP_DW. This is tested with the Monitoring tool of the blgw and on both essence remotes. Normal 0 21 false false false DE JA X-NONE Perhaps a software or a hardwareproblem oft the essence remote?
Hmmm, sounds annoying! Does the gateway recognise each remote separately? I'm thinking is it possible to have a remote in the bedroom (picked up by the BV11) which would do bedroom zone things, then another in the living room (picked up the BV Avant) controlling lights etc. In that zone.
beojeff: Chris Hassell: Cheers @beojeff you appear to have done some ace stuff with the Essence Remote and BLGW. Does the BLGW support 'if/else' statements? For example you could have the top button on the essence remote turn Hue Lights on, then turn music on if the lights are already on. The gateway does not detect the state of the B&O as a trigger. However, you can build macros for a button to trigger multiple events. The Lutron RadioRa 2 driver, however, CAN be used to trigger events based on the status. I'm not certain if the Hue driver can trigger events based on a status. The Hue protocol can be quite complex.
Thanks for the reply. Another question (sorry!).... Does a B&O TV have to be 'on' to detect the IR commands being sent by the Essence Remote (then 'send them on' to the BLGW?
Chris Hassell: beojeff: Chris Hassell: Cheers @beojeff you appear to have done some ace stuff with the Essence Remote and BLGW. Does the BLGW support 'if/else' statements? For example you could have the top button on the essence remote turn Hue Lights on, then turn music on if the lights are already on. The gateway does not detect the state of the B&O as a trigger. However, you can build macros for a button to trigger multiple events. The Lutron RadioRa 2 driver, however, CAN be used to trigger events based on the status. I'm not certain if the Hue driver can trigger events based on a status. The Hue protocol can be quite complex. Thanks for the reply. Another question (sorry!).... Does a B&O TV have to be 'on' to detect the IR commands being sent by the Essence Remote (then 'send them on' to the BLGW?
Great question. B&O TVs and music systems are in a "standby" state when they are off. This means that they still accept and pass along IR commands when they are "off." This is a great feature of B&O and well worth the minimal amount of energy used for the "standby" state.
beojeff:I will add that the Essence remote in IR mode has surprisingly powerful IR blasters. Much more powerful than the week BeoRemote One (even at full IR strength setting for the BeoRemote One). My Essence remote is mounting on the same wall as the IR receiver at opposite ends of the wall and with my obstructions The Essence wall remote gets the IR signal to the receiver with no problem. I find that the BeoRemote One must be pointed directly at the IR receiver. I never had to point the Beo4 so directly.
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Such great news! I'm free keen to have a setup where the Essence remote is on the wall controlling Hue lights in addition to music (probably a Moment) so I'm sure I'll be pestering you again. [quote user="beojeff"]
Chris Hassell: Chris Hassell: beojeff: Chris Hassell: Cheers @beojeff you appear to have done some ace stuff with the Essence Remote and BLGW. Does the BLGW support 'if/else' statements? For example you could have the top button on the essence remote turn Hue Lights on, then turn music on if the lights are already on. The gateway does not detect the state of the B&O as a trigger. However, you can build macros for a button to trigger multiple events. The Lutron RadioRa 2 driver, however, CAN be used to trigger events based on the status. I'm not certain if the Hue driver can trigger events based on a status. The Hue protocol can be quite complex. Thanks for the reply. Another question (sorry!).... Does a B&O TV have to be 'on' to detect the IR commands being sent by the Essence Remote (then 'send them on' to the BLGW? Great question. B&O TVs and music systems are in a "standby" state when they are off. This means that they still accept and pass along IR commands when they are "off." This is a great feature of B&O and well worth the minimal amount of energy used for the "standby" state.
Such great news! I'm free keen to have a setup where the Essence remote is on the wall controlling Hue lights in addition to music (probably a Moment) so I'm sure I'll be pestering you again.
beojeff:
I'm happy to help anytime. Until just recently, the BLGW and MLGW required coding a custom command string to call up Scenes and Groups (as they are defined in the Hue API). However, the BLGW just added support for adding true Hue Scenes. This should make programming much easier. I have an Essence wall remote mounted next to the entry door and programmed to control the Hue lights. It works great. However, I have added Lutron RadioRa 2 keypads on the wall and find myself using them instead. The keypads have backlit buttons than can be custom-engraved so the buttons are labeled to identify the Scene. The turnaround time for getting the custom-engraving is usually 2-3 weeks, and you can always replace the custom buttons later if you change the programming. This is a truly gorgeous solution. You can see photos of the keypads that I have posted in the photo gallery section.
Note that you can program the Essence remote buttons to respond differently to short presses and long presses. For example, you can do a short press to turn off the lights but do a long press to turn off the lights AND turn off the B&O TV and music system.
beojeff: I'm happy to help anytime. Until just recently, the BLGW and MLGW required coding a custom command string to call up Scenes and Groups (as they are defined in the Hue API). However, the BLGW just added support for adding true Hue Scenes. This should make programming much easier. I have an Essence wall remote mounted next to the entry door and programmed to control the Hue lights. It works great. However, I have added Lutron RadioRa 2 keypads on the wall and find myself using them instead. The keypads have backlit buttons than can be custom-engraved so the buttons are labeled to identify the Scene. The turnaround time for getting the custom-engraving is usually 2-3 weeks, and you can always replace the custom buttons later if you change the programming. This is a truly gorgeous solution. You can see photos of the keypads that I have posted in the photo gallery section. Note that you can program the Essence remote buttons to respond differently to short presses and long presses. For example, you can do a short press to turn off the lights but do a long press to turn off the lights AND turn off the B&O TV and music system.
You sir, are a star. Sounds like I consider Lutron Keypads, although I absolutely love the look of the Essence remote! Couple of questions/thoughts...
I was going to essentially have the essence short clicks as light commands, and long presses for music based commands (going through BLGW to Hue lights and a Moment respectively). If I had an essence remote in the bedroom (going via my BV11 IR receiver), one in the living room (going via my Essence box IR receiver) and one in the cinema room (going via my BV Avant receiver) - can the BLGW tell the difference between the remotes?
So you use the Lutron Keypads to control Hue? Sounds like a good way to replace all light switches in the house without the need for a B&O IR Receiver in each room. What equipment is needed to enable the keypads to talk to the BLGW?
Eclipse 65V1-32Beosound M5Essence MK2BLI
Seanie_230:Hi chris You can have more than one essence remote Becuase the trigger is different if the IR that receives it is different For example if I take my essence remote from my living room and the BV7 picks up the press it could mean living room lights off The same button press but in the bedroom might trigger bedroom lights off Only consideration is if two devices pick up the IR at the same time Hope this helps
You can have more than one essence remote Becuase the trigger is different if the IR that receives it is different
For example if I take my essence remote from my living room and the BV7 picks up the press it could mean living room lights off
The same button press but in the bedroom might trigger bedroom lights off
Only consideration is if two devices pick up the IR at the same time
Hope this helps
Ace thanks, makes sense 👍
Chris Hassell: beojeff: I'm happy to help anytime. Until just recently, the BLGW and MLGW required coding a custom command string to call up Scenes and Groups (as they are defined in the Hue API). However, the BLGW just added support for adding true Hue Scenes. This should make programming much easier. I have an Essence wall remote mounted next to the entry door and programmed to control the Hue lights. It works great. However, I have added Lutron RadioRa 2 keypads on the wall and find myself using them instead. The keypads have backlit buttons than can be custom-engraved so the buttons are labeled to identify the Scene. The turnaround time for getting the custom-engraving is usually 2-3 weeks, and you can always replace the custom buttons later if you change the programming. This is a truly gorgeous solution. You can see photos of the keypads that I have posted in the photo gallery section. Note that you can program the Essence remote buttons to respond differently to short presses and long presses. For example, you can do a short press to turn off the lights but do a long press to turn off the lights AND turn off the B&O TV and music system. You sir, are a star. Sounds like I consider Lutron Keypads, although I absolutely love the look of the Essence remote! Couple of questions/thoughts... I was going to essentially have the essence short clicks as light commands, and long presses for music based commands (going through BLGW to Hue lights and a Moment respectively). If I had an essence remote in the bedroom (going via my BV11 IR receiver), one in the living room (going via my Essence box IR receiver) and one in the cinema room (going via my BV Avant receiver) - can the BLGW tell the difference between the remotes? So you use the Lutron Keypads to control Hue? Sounds like a good way to replace all light switches in the house without the need for a B&O IR Receiver in each room. What equipment is needed to enable the keypads to talk to the BLGW?
What you want to do is possible with the BLGW. "Natively" the Essence Remote must be set up to either send LIGHT commands or Moment commands -- but not both. HOWEVER, by setting the Essence remote up for LIGHT commands, the buttons can serve as triggers to the BLGW. The BLGW can then be used to assign just about any action to be assigned to that trigger! This includes actions of B&O audio and video products.
This is what is so amazing about the MLGW/BLGW. It acts as a bridge to connect ALL of your different systems together. This is how the Lutron RadioRa 2 keypads can be assigned to serve as triggers for just about ANYTHING. For the Lutron RadioRa 2 you need a main repeater which acts as the hub and interfaces the Lutron system to the BLGW. After getting just the main repeater, you can then connect any of the products to the main repeater wirelessly. The wall keypads are as easy to install as any dimmer. If you can install a dimmer, you can install a RadioRa 2 keypad. There are also tabletop keypads that you just plug into the mains. You can get "extension cords" that serve to connect or cut power to just about any devices. I used one to connect my Christmas tree lights so that I could light the Xmas tree from a wall keypad button. You can also get very affordable Lutron occupancy/vacancy sensors that can serve as a trigger to the BLGW to trigger any action and macro that you want.
beojeff: What you want to do is possible with the BLGW. "Natively" the Essence Remote must be set up to either send LIGHT commands or Moment commands -- but not both. HOWEVER, by setting the Essence remote up for LIGHT commands, the buttons can serve as triggers to the BLGW. The BLGW can then be used to assign just about any action to be assigned to that trigger! This includes actions of B&O audio and video products. This is what is so amazing about the MLGW/BLGW. It acts as a bridge to connect ALL of your different systems together. This is how the Lutron RadioRa 2 keypads can be assigned to serve as triggers for just about ANYTHING. For the Lutron RadioRa 2 you need a main repeater which acts as the hub and interfaces the Lutron system to the BLGW. After getting just the main repeater, you can then connect any of the products to the main repeater wirelessly. The wall keypads are as easy to install as any dimmer. If you can install a dimmer, you can install a RadioRa 2 keypad. There are also tabletop keypads that you just plug into the mains. You can get "extension cords" that serve to connect or cut power to just about any devices. I used one to connect my Christmas tree lights so that I could light the Xmas tree from a wall keypad button. You can also get very affordable Lutron occupancy/vacancy sensors that can serve as a trigger to the BLGW to trigger any action and macro that you want.
Man I'm excited, want all this NOW (but it's going to tie-in with some work we're having done over the next 4 months). The Nest Protect smoke alarms have sensors in them (as do the thermostats) - I wonder if these can trigger BLGW events.
I'll add that while our world has turned to "virtual buttons" on our iPads and iPhones, there is something very permanent and reassuring about having physical buttons. Because the RadioRa 2 buttons interface with the BLGW, there is no need to point a remote at the B&O IR sensor. I absolutely LOVE having a "Pause" button on my RadioRa 2 tabletop keypads. It's so easy just to reach over and hit the "Pause" button to stop a movie when you need to answer the phone or go to the kitchen. I also have "CINEMA ON" and "CINEMA OFF" buttons to switch from TV to projector and dim the appropriate lights. I even added to this macro for the popcorn machine to be triggered to start popping popcorn when a movie starts on the projector.
I have buttons on the walls to turn on my BeoSound 5 to favorite N.Radio stations assigned to buttons labeled for those stations.
I have a tabletop keypad on the nightstand with a "Goodnight" button that gradually turns down the Philips Hue lights. I have a "Morning" button that turns on the lights and turns on the tv to my favorite news station for the morning news while drinking my coffee. I have a "Pathway" button that lights up just the lights needed for a path to the bathrooms and the kitchen for trips in the middle of the night. I have photos of examples uploaded in the "Media" area of this site.
Chris Hassell: beojeff: What you want to do is possible with the BLGW. "Natively" the Essence Remote must be set up to either send LIGHT commands or Moment commands -- but not both. HOWEVER, by setting the Essence remote up for LIGHT commands, the buttons can serve as triggers to the BLGW. The BLGW can then be used to assign just about any action to be assigned to that trigger! This includes actions of B&O audio and video products. This is what is so amazing about the MLGW/BLGW. It acts as a bridge to connect ALL of your different systems together. This is how the Lutron RadioRa 2 keypads can be assigned to serve as triggers for just about ANYTHING. For the Lutron RadioRa 2 you need a main repeater which acts as the hub and interfaces the Lutron system to the BLGW. After getting just the main repeater, you can then connect any of the products to the main repeater wirelessly. The wall keypads are as easy to install as any dimmer. If you can install a dimmer, you can install a RadioRa 2 keypad. There are also tabletop keypads that you just plug into the mains. You can get "extension cords" that serve to connect or cut power to just about any devices. I used one to connect my Christmas tree lights so that I could light the Xmas tree from a wall keypad button. You can also get very affordable Lutron occupancy/vacancy sensors that can serve as a trigger to the BLGW to trigger any action and macro that you want. Man I'm excited, want all this NOW (but it's going to tie-in with some work we're having done over the next 4 months). The Nest Protect smoke alarms have sensors in them (as do the thermostats) - I wonder if these can trigger BLGW events.
I've been wondering about that, too! I also have the Nest and Nest Protect sensors. Having the occupancy/vacancy sensors of the Nest Protect could certainly be made to act as triggers -- I just don't know if B&O has added that yet to the Nest driver for the BLGW. I actually still just have the MLGW rather than the BLGW. Maybe Seannie can add some light on this?
beojeff: I'll add that while our world has turned to "virtual buttons" on our iPads and iPhones, there is something very permanent and reassuring about having physical buttons. Because the RadioRa 2 buttons interface with the BLGW, there is no need to point a remote at the B&O IR sensor. I absolutely LOVE having a "Pause" button on my RadioRa 2 tabletop keypads. It's so easy just to reach over and hit the "Pause" button to stop a movie when you need to answer the phone or go to the kitchen. I also have "CINEMA ON" and "CINEMA OFF" buttons to switch from TV to projector and dim the appropriate lights. I even added to this macro for the popcorn machine to be triggered to start popping popcorn when a movie starts on the projector. I have buttons on the walls to turn on my BeoSound 5 to favorite N.Radio stations assigned to buttons labeled for those stations. I have a tabletop keypad on the nightstand with a "Goodnight" button that gradually turns down the Philips Hue lights. I have a "Morning" button that turns on the lights and turns on the tv to my favorite news station for the morning news while drinking my coffee. I have a "Pathway" button that lights up just the lights needed for a path to the bathrooms and the kitchen for trips in the middle of the night. I have photos of examples uploaded in the "Media" area of this site.
Agreed, whilst I currently have nothing like your setup, just having an Essence has meant so much more music plays with there being a physical button sat on the coffee table (although the kids do enjoy whacking the volume up quickly)! I wonder if the BLGW can get an Essence MKII box to play a specific station/playlist or if I'd need a Moment to emulate what you've done with your BeoSound 5.
Chris Hassell: beojeff: I'll add that while our world has turned to "virtual buttons" on our iPads and iPhones, there is something very permanent and reassuring about having physical buttons. Because the RadioRa 2 buttons interface with the BLGW, there is no need to point a remote at the B&O IR sensor. I absolutely LOVE having a "Pause" button on my RadioRa 2 tabletop keypads. It's so easy just to reach over and hit the "Pause" button to stop a movie when you need to answer the phone or go to the kitchen. I also have "CINEMA ON" and "CINEMA OFF" buttons to switch from TV to projector and dim the appropriate lights. I even added to this macro for the popcorn machine to be triggered to start popping popcorn when a movie starts on the projector. I have buttons on the walls to turn on my BeoSound 5 to favorite N.Radio stations assigned to buttons labeled for those stations. I have a tabletop keypad on the nightstand with a "Goodnight" button that gradually turns down the Philips Hue lights. I have a "Morning" button that turns on the lights and turns on the tv to my favorite news station for the morning news while drinking my coffee. I have a "Pathway" button that lights up just the lights needed for a path to the bathrooms and the kitchen for trips in the middle of the night. I have photos of examples uploaded in the "Media" area of this site. Agreed, whilst I currently have nothing like your setup, just having an Essence has meant so much more music plays with there being a physical button sat on the coffee table (although the kids do enjoy whacking the volume up quickly)! I wonder if the BLGW can get an Essence MKII box to play a specific station/playlist or if I'd need a Moment to emulate what you've done with your BeoSound 5.
There's a recent thread about that on the Home Automation forum on here. It seems that the BLGW cannot yet trigger playlists on the Moment -- which I find quite surprising. It's such great feature.
Chris Hassell:Just had a thought that may be really dumb - Is the only way to start pattern play on the Moment with the front-centre-wood-button? No other remote or BLGW can do it? BV11-46, Beoplay A2, H3 ANC, Beo 4, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII
mjmedlo:Blgw can trigger patter play. Any 'trigger' to the blgw should be able to start pattern play
Chris Hassell:Great stuff, thanks @mjmedlo BV11-46, Beoplay A2, H3 ANC, Beo 4, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII
mjmedlo:You bet. See here pattern play. This is the room the Moment is located in.
Chris Hassell:Also - does that 'link' button join an already playing source? If so that means he BLGW can send that as a command right (I.e. join a NL multiroom source already playing)? BV11-46, Beoplay A2, H3 ANC, Beo 4, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII
Chris Hassell:Ace thanks @mjmedlo in quite excited about PatternPlay. Does it learn every time you play anything, or is it just from Deezer, or is it just from using the Moodwheel? Does anyone here know? BV11-46, Beoplay A2, H3 ANC, Beo 4, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII
Regards
Kiran
Born in NL; I ride ML