Crisp Solutions UCommand UC-515 User Manual

Universal LCD Remote Control UC-515

With Touchscreen & Learning Function

User’s Guide

TM

Preface

ii

About This User’s Guide

This user’s guide is designed to assist you in setting up your
UCommand UC-515 Universal LCD Remote Control. Information in
this document has been carefully checked for accuracy; however,
no guarantee is given as to the correctness of the contents. The
information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice.

Updates and additional information can be found at our website:

www.crispsolutions.com.

Edition

Second Edition, July 2000

Copyright

2000 by Crisp Solutions LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written
permission of the publisher.

Trademarks

Trademarks and registered trademarks of products referred to in this
user’s guide are the properties of their respective holders.

UCommand User’s Guide

iii

Radio Frequency Interference

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference

• This device must accept any Interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Preface

iv

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 1

Introduction............................................................................... 1

Unpacking UCommand............................................................ 1

UCommand Features .............................................................. 2

Identifying Components........................................................... 3

Figure 1-1: Front and rear view................................................ 3

Chapter 2 5

Getting Started.......................................................................... 5

Power Supply.......................................................................... 5

Figure 2-1: Inserting the batteries ............................................ 5

Battery Low Icon...................................................................... 6

Figure 2-2: The battery low icon .............................................. 6

Power Supply Tips and Precautions ........................................ 6

The LCD.................................................................................. 7

Figure 2-3: Turning the LCD on ............................................... 7

Touch Screen Buttons............................................................. 8

Figure 2-4: LCD Panel Layout.................................................. 9

Chapter 3 11

Operating UCommand............................................................ 11

Before Using the Learning Function....................................... 11

Using the Learning Function.................................................. 12

Figure 3-1: Using the learning eye......................................... 12

Using the Delete Function...................................................... 16

Changing the LCD Layout...................................................... 20

Changing the AUX Device Layout.......................................... 22

Macro Function...................................................................... 22

Adjusting the LCD Backlight .................................................. 29

Turning Off the Beep Signal................................................... 32

Figure 3-2: Turning off the beep signal................................... 32

UCommand User’s Guide

v

Recalling the Original LCD Layout ......................................... 33

Figure 3-3: Recalling the original LCD panel configuration ..... 33

Appendix A 35

UCommand Specifications..................................................... 35

Appendix B 37

Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 37

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of UCommand UC-515,
the easy to use and configure digital remote control.

UCommand lets you manage all your infrared-controlled
devices, eliminating the need to search for your various
remotes. All you need is the UCommand. This remote
control does it all for you!

UCommand’s main concept is based on a large and user­friendly touch screen panel. The buttons change
automatically to display the various devices you wish to
control. This unique concept reduces the number of buttons
for each device, which makes it easy to find the function
you want.

UCommand features 8 pre-defined button layouts for TVs,
DSS/Satellite/Cable sources, Tape/Tuner, CD/DVD players,
Surround Sound Amplifiers, LD/VCDs, VCRs, and other
devices. In addition, it has a macro function that allows you
to initiate a chain of up to 25 commands with the touch of a
button.

NOTE: This user’s guide will help you learn how to use all
of the advanced features of UCommand. However, it will
not help explain how to use the devices for which
UCommand will be controlling. Please refer to each
device’s manual for information related to your device.

Unpacking UCommand

After you have unpacked UCommand, check the contents
to make sure the following items are included.

Chapter 1-Introduction

2

• UCommand UC-515, Universal LCD Remote Control

• This User’s Guide

• Reference Card

• Registration Card

If any of the above items are missing or appear damaged,
contact your dealer immediately. Do not throw the shipping
carton away in case you need to ship your UCommand back
to your place of purchase.

UCommand UC-515 Features

This section provides an overview of the key features of
UCommand. For more information on getting the most from
these features, refer to Chapter 2.

• Large touch screen display with automatic backlighting for
visibility in dim lighting

• Adjustable backlight with four levels of ambient light sensitivity

• Extensive, programmable Macro functions: each macro can

store up to 25 commands on any command button

• Offers eight customizable device layers including TV,
DSS/Satellite/Cable, Tape/Tuner, CD/DVD, Amplifier, LD/VCD,
VCR

• Specialized learning function makes mapping and configuring
from other remote controls quick and easy by capturing their
infrared (IR) signal codes.

• No hassle with device codes; learns every IR device

• Long battery life (4 - 5 months for typical use) thanks to

intelligent power saving functions

• Settings held in non-volatile flash memory. Keeps your
configuration when batteries finally drain

• No mechanical buttons that can wear out or get dirty

• Beep tone confirmation (can be switched off)

• Elegant design

UCommand User’s Guide

Identifying Components 3

Identifying Components

This section provides an overview of UCommand’s features
and controls. Please refer to the following illustrations to
identify UCommand’s components. Refer to Chapter 3 for a
detailed description on using the LCD panel and controls.

OPEN

IR Port

Point the IR port at
the IR receiver of
the device you want to
operate.

LCD

The LCD panel
enables you to
configure and
operate your
devices by touching
the screen on the
function you want.
Tap the LCD panel
once to power on
the remote.

Battery cover

Remove this cover
to access the

four AAA batteries.

Learning eye

Point your device’s
remote control at
this eye to enable the
remote to learn your
device remote control
functions.

1

1

Figure 1-1: Front and rear view

Chapter 1-Introduction

4

NOTES

Chapter 2

GETTING STARTED

This chapter will guide you through the steps for inserting
the batteries and using the UCommand’s many features.

Power Supply

UCommand UC-515 operates on four AAA batteries.
Batteries are required before you can operate your
UCommand. To insert the batteries, refer to the following
illustration:

A. Open the battery

cover by pushing
in the direction of
the arrow.

B. Insert the

batteries.

Make sure you
insert the batteries
according to the
marking inside the
battery case.

Figure 2-1: Inserting the batteries

Chapter 2-Getting Started

6

NOTE: Average alkaline battery life is approximately 4-6
months. If you do not use the remote for extended periods
of time, please remove the batteries and store them in a
cool dry place. Always dispose of used batteries in an

environmentally friendly way.

Battery Low Icon

When the battery charge is low, the “battery low” icon will be
displayed next to the Power button:

1

1

Battery low icon

Figure 2-2: The battery low icon

You should replace the batteries with new ones
immediately.

Power Supply Tips and Precautions

• Be sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) polarities of each
battery match the polarities indicated in the compartment.

• Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat or flame.

• Keep batteries out of reach of children.

• When the batteries are weak, it will be harder to control

devices from a distance.

• Replace the batteries immediately when the battery low-power
warning icon appears in the information screen.

UCommand User’s Guide

The LCD 7

• Be sure to replace the batteries if they have been used for
longer than two years: there might be a danger of leakage.

• Your device configuration data is stored in on-board flash
memory and will be automatically saved when batteries are
being replaced.

The LCD

The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) touch screen enables you
to configure and operate your UCommand with the touch of
a finger.

Turning the LCD on

To turn the LCD panel on, simply tap the screen with your
finger:

1

1

Figure 2-3: Turning the LCD on

Touch Screen Precautions

Please read the following instructions carefully:

• Tap the LCD touch screen gently; never use force.

• Do not use a pen or any sharp object to tap the screen;

otherwise, you might damage the surface. You can use a blunt
object such as a pencil eraser or the cap of a pen.

• Keep the LCD dry. Wipe off any spills immediately.
UCommand is not waterproof; never immerse it in liquid.

• Don’t expose UCommand to extreme temperatures. Keep it
away from heat sources.

Chapter 2-Getting Started

8

• Avoid dropping the UCommand unit.

• Don’t drop anything on the LCD touch screen.

• Clean the LCD touch screen with a soft cloth. If needed,

dampen the cloth slightly before cleaning. Never use
abrasives or cleaning solutions.

Touch Screen Buttons

The touch screen buttons enable you to control your devices
as you would with your regular remote control, set up
macros, and configure your LCD panel the way you want.

Using the touch screen is easy. Simply press the screen to
activate a function. You will hear a beep when you press the
button.

NOTE: If you don’t hear a beep when you press the
screen, you may have deactivated the beep. Press any
device button twice to activate the beep function. If you
still don’t hear a beep, press the button a little more firmly.

The following illustration shows the eight device buttons and
icons available on the UCommand unit, for your reference.

UCommand User’s Guide

Touch Screen Buttons 9

1

1

Device buttons

When you press the device button,

the button’s icon will appear, indicating

that it is currently selected.

Figure 2-4: LCD Panel Layout

Chapter 2-Getting Started

10

NOTES

Chapter 3

OPERATING UCOMMAND UC-515

This chapter shows you how to set up UCommand, how to
automatically configure devices, and how to use advanced
features such as the macros.

Before Using the Learning Function

Before you start configuring your remote control using the
learning function, please heed the following:

• You can map multiple devices to the same device layer. This
can be very useful; for example, if you wish to control the TV’s
volume using your amplifier, without having to change between
the two device screens. In this case, you learn the regular TV
functions from the TV but the volume functions from the
amplifier remote. In some rare cases, if you assign too many
different remotes to the same device layer, this might fail,
although no corruption of data or other damage will occur.

• If you are going to configure a different remote control for a
UCommand device button after you have previously
configured the device button for a different remote control, first
delete all the commands for the device button. Refer to Using
the Delete Function on page 16.

• When using the learning function, you must press each button
within 120 seconds. Otherwise, UCommand will exit learning
mode and return to normal operation mode.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

12

Using the Learning Function

When using the learning function, point your device’s
remote control at UCommand’s learning eye. You do not
have to power on the device. The ideal distance is about 1
to 2 inches. Refer to the following illustration:

Learning
Eye

1-2 inches

Figure 3-1: Using the learning eye

UCommand User’s Guide

Using the Learning Function 13

After you have lined up your remote control with
UCommand’s learning eye, you can use the learning
function. Follow these instructions:

Press the Learn
button for three
seconds.

1

1

You will hear a
beep, and then you
will see the setup
mode enable screen
to the right.

Note: This screen
prevents you from
accidentally
modifying
UCommand.

Press each number
button in any order
until it disappears.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

14

The device screen appears
again, with the

LEARN

icon
above the Learn button.
The Power button icon is
blinking, awaiting a signal
from your device’s remote
control.

Learning icon

Blinking icon

Press the button of the
device that you want to
program.

You can now start mapping
your device’s remote
control buttons to
UCommand’s LCD buttons.
The Power button is the
first button to be mapped.

While pointing your
device’s remote control at
UCommand’s learning eye,
press the device’s Power
button.

1

1

REMOTE

CONTROL

POWER

UCommand User’s Guide

Using the Learning Function 15

When you hear a beep and
see the

OK

icon,
release the button. The
next button to be mapped
will start blinking.

Continue to press the
buttons on your device
remote control
corresponding to the
blinking buttons on
UCommand.

1

OK icon

Next
button
to be
mapped

You can skip to any button
by pressing the button on
UCommand’s LCD panel …

1

… and then press the
corresponding button on
your device remote control.

Or, you can press a
different device button and
configure it with another
remote control.

MUTE

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

16

When you have finished
mapping all the desired
buttons from your device
remote control to
UCommand, press the
Learn button. You will hear
three beeps, and
UCommand will exit the
learning function.

1

1

NOTE: If you see an “error” message when mapping a

button, refer to the troubleshooting section in Appendix B.

Using the Delete Function

The delete function enables you to:

• Erase the commands for selected buttons for a device

• Erase commands for all buttons for a device

• Erase the commands for all devices

NOTE: The delete function only deletes the mapped data;
it does not remove buttons. To learn how to remove
buttons, refer to “Changing the LCD layout” on page 20.

Delete Device Button

The clear device function enables you to erase the
commands for buttons on a particular device. Follow these
instructions:

Press the Delete
button for three
seconds.

1

UCommand User’s Guide

Using the Delete Function 17

You will hear a beep,
and then you will see
the setup mode
enable screen to the
right.

Note: This screen
prevents you from
accidentally modifying
your UCommand.

Press each number
button until it
disappears.

The device screen
appears again, with

the

DELETE

icon above

the Delete button.

Delete icon

Press the button of the
device that you want
to configure.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

18

Press the button
whose data you want
to delete. You will
hear a beep and see

the

OK

icon. The
button’s data has been
deleted.

Note: Pressing the
button only deletes the
mapped data; it
doesn’t remove the
button. To learn how
to remove buttons,
refer to

Changing the LCD
Layout on page 20.

1

1

OK icon

Continue to push
buttons whose data
you want to delete.
When finished, press
the Learn button to
exit Delete mode.

Bank delete

If you want to delete
the data for all buttons
of a device, press the
Delete button while in
delete mode. The

BANK

icon appears
under the Delete
button.

1

1

Bank icon

UCommand User’s Guide

Using the Delete Function 19

Press the device
whose data you want
to delete. You will
hear two beeps, and
will see the

OK

icon.
The data has been

erased. When
finished, press the
Learn button to exit
Delete mode.

Delete all devices

To delete the data for
all devices, press the
Delete button for three
seconds while in
delete mode. The
display will flash and
you will hear six
beeps. All data will be
erased.

When you have
finished deleting data,
press the Learn button
to exit the Delete
mode and return to
normal operation.

1

1

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

20

Changing the LCD Layout

The device Edit mode enables you to delete buttons or
change the icons on buttons in the device menus. For a
drawing that shows all available icons, see Appendix A.
Follow these instructions:

Press the button of
the device that you
want to configure for
three seconds. The
display will start
flashing

You will hear a
beep, and then you
will see the setup
mode enable screen
to the right.

Note: This screen
prevents you from
accidentally
modifying your
UCommand.

Press each number
button until it
disappears.

UCommand User’s Guide

Changing the LCD Layout 21

Tap the screen once.
The display will stop
flashing.

Press the button
whose appearance
you want to change.

Keep pressing the
button to scroll
through the options.
You can delete the
button, or choose
one of the available
icon layouts.

Note: If you want to
map a function from
your device remote
control to
UCommand, but
there is no
corresponding icon
that represents your
device function, you
can use a blank (see
figure C.) to
represent the
function.

Note: To see all
available icons,

press and hold the

Power button while

A.

B.

C.

D.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

22

in device Edit mode
or refer to Appendix
A.

After you have made
your changes, press
the device button
again. You will hear
three beeps and
UCommand will go
back to normal
operational mode.

A.

Changing the AUX Device Layout

The AUX Device screen layout can be made identical to
any of the other device buttons. Enter LCD layout edit mode
for the AUX Device button by pressing the AUX button for
three seconds (for details refer to Changing the LCD
Layout). When the screen flashes, press the device button
of the device you want to copy. This device layout is copied
to the AUX button. Press the AUX button again. You will
hear three beeps and UCommand will return to normal
operating mode.

Macro Function

The macro feature enables you to store up to 25 commands
for each macro. When you have created a macro, you will
be able to run a chain of commands by pushing only one
button. You can assign macros to any regular button but not
to device buttons.

Macro Setup

Follow these instructions to set up a macro:

UCommand User’s Guide

Macro Function 23

Press the macro
button for three
seconds.

1

1

You will hear a beep,
and then you will see
the setup mode
enable screen to the
right.

Note: This screen
prevents you from
accidentally modifying
UCommand.

Press each number
button until it
disappears.

The

LEARN

icon
appears above the
Learn button.

1

Learning icon

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

24

First, press the button
that you want to
become the macro
button. You can
choose a button from
any device screen.

Then record the
macro by pressing the
desired command
buttons. For details,
refer to the next
section: Macro
example.

The original function
of the button will be
lost. Therefore, you
should choose a
button that you do not
use in normal
operation.

Press the Learn button
to end any macro
recording.

If you want to record
another macro, press
another key and
record the macro.
Otherwise, press
Learn to exit the
macro setup.

1

1

If necessary, you can set a time-limit delay between each
run command. Refer to the next section, Macro example.

UCommand User’s Guide

Macro Function 25

Macro Example

The following example will help you to better understand
recording a macro. This macro would be used to turn on
your TV, switch to VCR input, and start playing a tape:

Press the macro
button for three
seconds to enter
macro setup mode.

1

Press each number
button until it
disappears.

Press the AUX
button to open the
AUX screen. Then
press 1. You will
hear three beeps.

The 1 button in the
AUX screen will be
used to start the
macro during normal
operation mode.

Note: Do not use a
device button as
your macro run
button.

B. Press AUX to open the AUX screen

1

B. Press 1 to assign the macro start button

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

26

Press the TV button.

Press the Power
button. This will
power the TV on.

1

Press TV/Video.
This command will
switch the TV mode
to Video-input mode
so that you can
watch the VCR.

1

UCommand User’s Guide

Macro Function 27

You may need to set
a time delay
between turning
your TV on and
switching it to Video­input mode. Push
the macro button to
scroll through the
three options: A. two
seconds; B. five
seconds; and C. ten
seconds.

Push the macro
button until the ten­second delay (C.)
appears.

Note: You can set
this time delay
between any two
commands.

A.

B.

C.

10

5

2

MACRO

MACRO

MACRO

Press VCR to switch
to the VCR device
menu.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

28

Press Power. This
powers your VCR
on.

1

Press Play. This
command will start
playing the tape in
your VCR.

Press Learn again to
complete the current
macro setup. You
can then continue to
set up another
macro function, or
press Learn twice to
exit the macro
setup.

1

1

Running the Macro

To run the macro, press the button that you assigned when
you recorded the macro. In the preceding example the
following events will happen when you press 1 in the AUX
device screen:

1. TV turns on

2. Ten second delay

3. TV switches to video mode

UCommand User’s Guide

Adjusting the LCD Backlight 29

4. VCR turns on

5. VCR starts playing tape
The macro button’s original function will not work unless you

delete the macro using the Delete button function. Refer to
Using the Delete Function on page 16.

Adjusting the LCD Backlight

You can adjust the length of time that the LCD backlight
stays on after you press the LCD panel, and it’s sensitivity
to ambient light. Refer to these instructions:

Press the AMP and
the AUX buttons at the
same time for three
seconds to enter the
backlight configuration
mode.

Note: Do not confuse
this button
combination with the
combination for
recalling the original
LCD layout (TV and
DVD).

You will hear a beep
and then you will see
the backlight adjust
mode enable screen
to the right.

Note: This screen
prevents you from
accidentally modifying
your UCommand.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

30

Press each number
button until it
disappears.

You will see the
screen to the right.
From here, you can
set the duration of
time that the LCD
backlight stays on
after you touch the
LCD panel.

1

1

Press 1 for a 10­second delay. Press 2
for a 20-second delay.
Press 3 for a 30­second delay.

1

1

After you have made
your adjustment, press
the Power button to
move to the next
screen.

1

UCommand User’s Guide

Adjusting the LCD Backlight 31

UCommand detects
the ambient lighting
and will turn the
backlight on according
to the setting in this
screen.

Press the Up arrow
key to increase the
sensitivity of the
backlight to the
ambient lighting.

When set to 1, the
backlight will
automatically switch on
after a small decrease
in the ambient light
brightness.

Press the down arrow
key to decrease the
sensitivity of the
backlight to the
ambient lighting.

When set to 10, the
backlight will
automatically switch
on after a large
decrease in the
ambient light
brightness.

1

1

Current
level

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

32

When you have
finished making your
adjustment, press any
of the Device buttons
to exit.

Turning Off the Beep Signal

This function toggles the beep signal off and on. To turn off
the beep signal, press the active device button. To turn it
back on, press the same device button again.

Figure 3-2: Turning off the beep signal

UCommand User’s Guide

Recalling the Original LCD Layout 33

Recalling the Original LCD Layout

You can reset the LCD panel buttons to their original factory
configuration. Any configurations you have made will be
lost. The learned codes are not deleted; to delete those,
refer to Using the Delete Function on page 16.

To recall the original LCD layout, press the TV and DVD
device buttons at the same time for five seconds:

Figure 3-3: Recalling the original LCD panel configuration

You will hear a beep
and then you will see
the backlight adjust
mode enable screen to
the right.

Note: This screen
prevents you from
accidentally modifying
your UCommand .

UCommand beeps several times and returns to normal view.
The original LCD panel configuration is recalled.

Chapter 3-Operating UCommand UC-515

34

NOTES

Appendix A

UCOMMAND 515 SPECIFICATIONS

Model UC-515
Display

Touch LCD with backlight

Display types

TV, DSS/SAT/Cable, VCR, DVD,
AMP, Tape/Tuner, CD, AUX

Remote capability

8 Displays x 28 keys = 224 keys

Learning frequency

10kHz – 150 kHz

Macro capability

25 commands per command key

Operating range

Approx. 30 ft. under typical conditions

Power saving

LCD turns off 20 minutes after last
operation, reactivates automatically
Backlight turns off 10 to 30 seconds
after last operation

Battery consumption

In use: 50mA; Standby: 125µA; LCD
off: 25µA

Battery life

4 – 6 months (with typical use)

Battery type

4 AAA alkaline batteries (SUM-4)

Safety Approvals

CE, FCC

Dimensions

7.0” x 3.22” x 1.1” (180 x 82 x 28 mm)
L x W x H

Weight

0.48 lbs. (220g) without batteries

Appendix A-All available Icons for the UCommand

36

ALL AVAILABLE ICONS FOR THE UCOMMAND

Appendix B

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have trouble configuring or operating UCommand, first check
that you have inserted the batteries correctly (page 5). Then check
the items below.

Symptom Remedy

UCommand
doesn’t operate
your device.

• Move closer to the device. The maximum
operating distance is approximately ten
meters.

• Ensure that you are aiming UCommand
directly at the device and that there are no
obstructions between UCommand and the
device.

• Ensure that you have used the Learning
function (page 12) to configure the device.

• Make sure that the desired device on the
UCommand LCD panel has been selected.

You cannot
operate a device
even after
configuring the
device using the
learning function
(page 12).

• Make sure that you have correctly
“mapped” your device’s remote control to
UCommand.

• Clear device data from UCommand (Bank
delete, page 18) and carry out the learning

function again (page 12).

• Don’t assign too many different remotes to
the same device layer (page 11).

• A very few original remotes use an IR
signal that is out of the range of the
UCommand’s capability.

• Some original remotes mix more than one
command to perform a function;
UCommand may not be able to accurately
record these layered commands.

• Some original remotes have an unstable
timing, which cannot be learned. Try
learning the commands from a different
remote control, such as a universal remote,
configured to control the respective device.

UCommand User’s Guide

38

You see an
“error” display
during the
learning
procedure.

• Try the learning procedure again (page

12).

• The source remote uses an uncommon
code, which may not be learnable by the
UCommand.

• The source remote uses a frequency lower
than 10kHz or higher than 150 KHz

You see an
“error” display
during
operation.

• The button that you pressed has not been
configured. Configure the button again,
using the learning procedure (page 12).

The RECORD
button does not
work

• A feature of UCommand prevents the
record function of your Tape or VCR from
starting unintentionally. Hold the RECORD
button for about 2 seconds for the
command to be sent to the VCR.

Problems
learning from 2­way remotes

• Some remotes return a confirmation signal
from the device, which can confuse the
learning capability. Turn off the device
while programming, or go to another room.
Alternately, move UCommand out of the
line-of-sight of the device immediately
after programming a button.

The LCD screen
turns off.

• UCommand is preset at the factory to
automatically switch the LCD off after 20
minutes if left unused. Just tap the LCD
screen to turn UCommand back on again.

Our Support Website is constantly updated. Open your browser to

www.crispsolutions.com.

UCommand User’s Guide

UCommand UC-515

Universal LCD Remote

Control User’s Guide

7-11-00/UG-515

Printed in Taiwan