Archive:Snapstream Firefly

The Snapstream Firefly is a X10 based remote control which uses RF commands as opposed to IR. This guide assumes that you have installed XBMC_Live or have at least performed all steps outlined in one of the articles listed here Installing_XBMC_for_Linux and here HOW-TO_setup_Lirc_to_talk_to_XBMC. You will also need a SSH client and a terminal emulator. I would recommend WinSCP and Putty as they work well and are free.

Setting up Lirc

First we will set up Lirc to work with the remote. lircd.conf specifies to Lirc how it should handle the remote device. We need to replace the current file with our Snapstream Firefly file.

/etc/lirc/lircd.conf

begin remote
name Snapstream Firefly
bits 16
eps 30
aeps 100

one 0 0
zero 0 0
pre_data_bits 8
pre_data 0x14
post_data_bits 16
post_data 0x0
gap 235978
toggle_bit_mask 0x80800000

begin codes
maximize 0x81AC
close 0xD702
1 0x628D
2 0xE30E
3 0x648F
4 0xE510
5 0x6691
6 0xE712
7 0x6893
8 0xE914
9 0x6A95
0 0xEC17
back 0x6B96
ent 0xED18
volup 0x5E89
voldown 0xDD08
mute 0x5F8A
chup 0xE00B
chdown 0x618C
firefly 0xD500
info 0x83AE
option 0x042F
up 0x6F9A
down 0xF722
left 0x729D
right 0xF41F
ok 0x739E
menu 0xF11C
exit 0x75A0
rec 0xFC27
play 0x7AA5
stop 0xFD28 
rew 0x79A4
prev 0x002B
pause 0x7EA9
ffwd 0xFB26
next 0x7FAA
music 0xDB06
photo 0x5A85
dvd 0xD904
tv 0x5883
video 0xDC07
help 0x5681 
mouse 0x022D
a 0x6E99
b 0xF01B
c 0x76A1
d 0xF823
end codes

end remote 

Adding PPA Keys

These packages are signed with a unique key for added security. Synaptic needs to know this key in order to verify the packages' authenticity.

• Click here to view the PGP key
• Select the text from the beginning of the keyblock to the end (including those lines)
• Copy that text to the clipboard (Edit -> Copy)
• Open your text editor from Applications -> Text Editor.
• Paste the key contents (Edit -> Paste)
• Save the document in your home folder as xbmc-ppa.key
• Reopen Software Sources, this time choosing the "Authentication" tab.
• Click "Import Key File" and choose the newly created xbmc-ppa.key and press OK.

Installing XBMC

Now that the repo and key have been added, install XBMC like any other program.

• Click System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager
• Click "Reload"
• Search for "xbmc"
• Mark xbmc and xbmc-standalone for installation and mark additional changes when prompted.
• Click "Apply" and agree to the changes after reading them.

XBMC is now installed and ready for use.

Autostart XBMC (optional)

By following these instructions, your system will boot directly into XBMC rather than your desktop from now on. It is advised that you delay this step until XBMC is setup as you'd like it.

• From the desktop click System -> Administration -> Login Window
• From the "Security" tab choose "Enable Automatic Login" and select your username.
• Click "OK" to exit.
• Logout of your system.
• From the Login screen choose "Select Session"
• Choose "XBMC" and click "Change Session"

You're finished. Next time you login you should be greeted with XBMC.