[mythtv-users] How i got Linux Mandrake 9.1 and LIRC CVS to work, a guide PART1

[Ken Thompson]

Step 9. Confirm LIRC is working.
Run the following commands
$ setserial ttyS0 uart none  //clear the uart for the comport
$ modprobe lirc_serial 
You may get an error modprobe'n lirc_serial.  If you do get an error,
first try:
$ depmod -a
Then try again.  If that doesn't work look at
$ dmesg
And see if you can track down what the issue is. 
 
If all goes well:
$ chmod 666 /dev/lircd (this is important, I suspect)
$ depmod -a (if you haven't already)
$ /usr/ldconfig   //sorry, I may have the path incorrect here
$ /usr/local/sbin/lircd -n          //-n so you can see its debug
messages
Open a new terminal window and type (if you have a transmitter)
$ irsend SEND_ONCE YOURREMOTE POWER
My exact line is
$ irsend SEND_ONCE SA2000 POWER
This causes the LED on my transmitter to blink. and yes it even turns
the device off in my case.
 
NOTE: If you happen to have a scientific Atlanta 3100 (or the like) you
will need to add:
frequency 5600
Around the gap variable in the lircd.conf.  Someone posted 57600 WHICH
IS WRONG!!!!
 
$ irw  (I haven't gone far with this yet, forgive the lack of help here)
Follow the mythtv guide from here, you should be able receive & send on
your homebrew creations.
 
:::NOTE::: Notice I don't load ANY other modules other then
lirc_serial.. and I NEVER LINK the ttyS0 to the /dev/lircd module!! This
is what PREVENTED my lirc from working on the system I have.  DO NOT
LINK if you can avoid it!!!!!!! Modules.conf should take care of that
for you.
 
This is where I must turn you loose, and where my adventure remains. I
have yet to run the application that interfaces mythtv with LIRC or
create a script to change the channels.  If you made it this far and you
receive & send codes correctly CONGRATS. This has been a real bear.
 
Some troubleshooting topics.
Q. I can't modprobe lirc_serial without getting errors.
Check dmesg, check for the phrase "Device is busy"
I still get some errors in dmesg about the directory /dev/lirc not
existing (STUPID MANDRAKE) despite that my transmitter still works.
MAKE SURE YOU:
$ setserial ttyS0 uart none
Also, be sure you add that to the rc.local discussed in my guide.
 
Q. My transmitter LED blinks but my device does NOTHING :-(
This is a multipart problem.  Make sure you are irsending to the correct
remote control type.  Also, make sure the lircd.conf includes the
correct frequency (it defaults to 38k I believe)
 
If the above is all correct make sure your circuit is correct.  I found
I had a 10k Ohm resistor to the DTR as opposed to the 1k Ohm I was
suppose to have.  I am color blind, it was 1 color off.  Also, check the
polarity of EVERYTHING in your circuit, aswell as the transistor leads.
 
Q. What pins are the ground & DTR. 
 
      On my serial port 4 & 5 where DTR & ground, yours should be the
same.
 
 
Q. How much did radio shack rip you off to build your transmitter.
 
      Around $25-30 bucks USD. I bought a breadboard too, I never just
solder the pieces together.  I also tend to buy extras of each thing to
ensure I don't get caught off guard.
 
Q. Should I just give up on Mandrake 9.1
      If you were as frustrated as me a few days ago, YES. If you
happened apon this guide and it worked for you, no.  Mandrake is
excellent- minus the LIRC problems. 
 
Q. I'm at the bottom of your troubleshooting section and you didn't
answer my question, or you left something out.
 
I probably did leave something out, sorry about that.  You are welcome
to email me directly at kent at kmtdesigns.com if you run into a specific
problem.  I will post how I got the channel changer script & receiver
working later this week. (I hope)
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