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[BayensF]

Hello,

With my HTPC I am controlling multiple zones. Would it be possible when I switch to a zone (On) a batch file is activated, and when switching to another zone another batch file is loaded (Off).

I have installed a USB relay board to switch on/off a built in Class D (ICEpower) Amplifier board to power my kitchen speakers.

If this is not possible it could also be a solution to have some "general" buttons to activated program's. Buttons that could be renamed like the zones are.

With kind regards FB Netherlands.

[jmone]

You can add a Button in Theater View that allows you to run an external programme.  That external programme could be a simple batch file that could both switch the zone (using MCC commands) as will as fire up your relay board etc.

[BayensF]

To Jmone,

Sounds good. I think I know how to do it. To be honest I have been adding and removing items in Theater View before ending up with problems when using remote apps.

Could you guide me a bit to do it the first time right, thanks in advance, with kind regards,

FB Netherlands

[jmone]

There are a few options

1. Running Batch File

You could create a simple batch file (say "ZoneOn.bat") using Notepad that contains stuff like

Code: [Select]

REM This batch file switches zones and turns on the USB relay board
@echo off
REM the next line will change zones in MC
MC18.exe /MCC 10011, 1
REM the next line is to turn on the USB relay board
****ADD YOUR CODE HERE****

You would then create a second one for ZoneOFF.  You can then link these batch files to a button in TheaterView

2. Autohotkey  If you are more adventurous you could use a prog like AutoHotKey (others use Girder) to trigger the command from a button on your Remote Control (or keyboard, or some other condition) in the background.  Here is one example of what can be done http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=81259.0 but it takes a bit more scripting knowledge.


More info on the MCC commands and how to use them are here
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Media_Center_Core_Commands

You may have to experiment on the what command to use and the parameters to select the correct zone.

[BayensF]

THANKS!