Logitech Harmony remote (setup guide to replicate the Apple)

[JamesE]

I own a Logitech Harmony 525 remote control and I thought I would share with you my experience of setting it up to replicate the Apple remote.


After adding the Mac Mini as a new device I found that the commands for the Apple remote were not in the database. This was not a big problem as there is only 6 keys to learn however, as the keys can send a different command depending on how long the key is pressed, all but the "Menu" key need to be learnt twice due to the way the Harmony remote works.


The first thing to do is cover up the Mac Mini's Infared port (to stop it receiving the commands while learning).

Next go to "Devices" and select "Learn IR" for the Mac Mini (or whatever you have called it)

At the bottom of the page in the "Learn a New Command" box type in the name of the first key, "PlayPause" and then click "Learn New Command".

This is the important part. While learning this command, Do NOT keep this key pressed. Press it quick so that it just 'clicks' and then release.

Now do the same for the remaining five keys and name these, "NextTrack", "PreviousTrack", "VolUp", "VolDown", and "Menu".


Now go to the "Learn a New Command" box again and type in "FastForward" and then click "Learn New Command". For this you need to learn the "NextTrack" command but, This time HOLD the key for about 2 seconds.

Do the same for the remaining keys like this.

"Rewind" use the "PreviousTrack" key.
"VolUPHold" use the "VolUp" key.
"VolDownHold" use the "VolDown" key.
"MacMiniSleep" use the "PlayPause" key.

Click "Done" when your err! Done


Now they need to be assigned to the keys on the Harmony remote.

In "Devices" click "Settings" for the Mac Mini and select "Change the behavior of buttons".

You can do this however you want but this is how I have my Harmony set up (from top down).

"VolUP" to "Volume Up"

"VolDown" to "Volume Down"

"VolUPHold" to "Channel Up"

"VolDownHold" to "Channel Down"

"VolUP" to "Direction Up"

'VolDown" to "Direction Down"

"NextTrack" to "Right"

"PreviousTrack" to "Left"

"Menu" to "Menu"

"NextTrack'" to "Skip Forward"

"PreviousTrack" to "Skip Back"

"PlayPause" to "Play"

"Rewind" to "Rewind"

"FastForward" to "Fast Forward"

"PlayPause" to "Pause"

And finally "MacMiniSleep" to a "Custom Button Label" named "MacMiniSleep"

Click "Done" and your almost finished.


In "Devices" click "Settings" for the Mac Mini and select "Adjust the delays (speed settings)", Set the "Inter-Key Delay" to 0-ms.

Click "Done" and update the remote.


On the Harmony remote go into Devices and check it is working as it should be.

Press the Menu key to take you to Front-Row, Now by using the directional keys you can navigate through Front-Row. With the Channel UP/Down keys you can navigate fast and faster when held just like with the Apple remote and if you keep the MacMiniSleep key pressed well, the rest is obvious.


All that is left to do is set up this device as part of an "Activity" to make use of the rest of your AV equipment.

[Pleiades]

Great info, thanks! My Mini isn't in the same room as my HT with Harmony setup, but eventually it will be, and this is quite useful.
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MacBook Pro 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, Dell 802.11n card, 1.4TB external
MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 60GB HD
iMac 1.83GHz Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 1TB external, EyeTV Hybrid

[BigLee]

Thanks for this. I am seriously considering buying one of Harmony remotes so this will be very handy!
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Mac Mini Intel Core duo 1.66ghz / 512mb / 60 GB HDD / 32" Philips Ambilight 2 LCD / Sony Home cinema 5.1 surround sound / Sky HD / Harmony 555 Universal Remote / 250gb Lacie HDD.

[JamesE]

Your welcome.

[idek]

I have a non intel mac, does anyone know if there is a cheap IR sensor you can buy to hook up so I can use a harmony for my mac? I don't want to buy a separate remote for the mac and then just use the sensor. I guess I could just get the cheapest one out there, but I just figured some one must sell an IR receiver.

Thanks
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1.42 | 1GB | 80GB
20.1 Dell 2001FP
booting from FW 400GB ICY Dock

[khisayruou]

[idek]

thx for the info. Good point on needing the remote to learn the commands. I haven't bought a harmony yet, but I thought they maintianed a DB. I would think that they should have those commands in there pretty soon.

Either way, it's good to know that I can get the reciever, I'll figure out how to get the commands, even if I have to go to an apple store and steal the commands
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1.42 | 1GB | 80GB
20.1 Dell 2001FP
booting from FW 400GB ICY Dock

[JamesE]

Logitech do have a DB. Usually you select a type of device eg: CD Player, then the manufacturer and then the model number. I tried lots of different types of devices to try and find Mac Mini but for some reason it just didn't find it.

I went through a fair bit of trial and error before I got it right, hence the guide.

[Doug Eldred]

I too found it tough to get Logitech to know about an Apple Remote. If you enter the computer via model number, it'll supposedly know about the remote, but in my experience it still doesn't seem to work, though that may be how it decided to map the keys not being what I expected. I've seen other folks suggest claiming to have an iPod dock; haven't tried that.

Thanks for the OP; I'll have to give that a try. I can live with not having the Harmony do 100.000% of everything, but more than nothing would be a major step forward!

Doug
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Apple TV (with firmware 2.0)
MacBook 2.2 GHz, 120 GB, 1 GB
HP PL4260N plasma TV

[ShaneHale]

I don't have a huge media center. Infact right now it consists of an LCD, Sony Reciever, and my Mini, but I just can find myself spending using a logitec or universal remote with it.

I really like the Phillips Pronto, but at a $300+ price tag is difficult to swallow. So I've been playing with a retired iPaq which can run remote software.

- shane
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[Jowl]

[JamesE]

Do you mean it doesn't have the Red, Yellow, Green and Blue buttons. My 525 has them, can you not just make them into custom buttons.

[Jowl]

[JamesE]

Yes my coloured buttons work as they should. I don't use teletext, but they work with the Freeview (DTV) tuner that's built into my TV and they also work with Sky satellite.

[Jowl]

Okay, Thanks.

Might have to look into a 525 then.