Wireless remote control for arcade cab

[Dizzle]

I recently decided to try to go the route of using a wireless remote control for the admin functions of my arcade cab.  Since I have two Playstation 2 controller ports installed at the back of my control panel, I thought I might be able to use a Playstation 2 DVD remote (it's a third party one), but when I plug the wireless dongle into the port, my PC doesn't like it and freaks out with random button pushes and stuff.  I guess I could try to use the Sony brand to see if I get better results, but I'd hate to go through trying to return it if it doesn't work.

I see remote controls for the XP Media Center PC's, but I'm not running a Media Center OS so I'm guessing they won't work on my XP Home OS.  Anyone tried something like this before or have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[davieboynj]

The media center remote works for win2k / winxp.

It's not the most configurable remote, from what i've seen tho.  you may have more luck with either the firefly, or the streamzap remote.  the firefly is esp nice, cause you don't need line of sight.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I run most of my admin functions from a wireless mouse.
That lets you just hide the mouse to keep people from accessing the admin functions.

[Dizzle]

I did come across the Streamzap in my Google search.  I see it has 4 programmable macro keys, but I'm wondering if the rest of the keys are programmable.  I haven't heard of the Firefly though... I'll have to check that out.

Thanks! 

[richms]

the media center remote is listed as supported in girder, which if it works means that you can do almost anything with the remote. I havent tested it but the remote looks better built then most of the pc remotes I have seen, and you can use the reciever to generate ir commands to control attached gear (its used on media center to change the channels of connected sat recievers)

This alone would make it good for turning recievers on and off or whatever is needed on the cab, inputs on the tv if you are using one in the cab etc etc. All untested as yet because I dont have the remote yet.

Oh, and you can get what is prob the best wireless keyboard I have seen to use with it as well

[Goz]

I can confirm that the Media Center remote does the job. I'm not sure if it is all Media Center keyboards, but mine doesn't work well if the keyboard and reciever are at too steep of an angle. Might be a line of sight thing...

-Goz

[trog_4269]

I use the UR86A remote from X10.com (whom I also have the misfortune of working for) and it works pretty will; I have 2 of them.  You can control your mouse wirelessly and it is rf based so it isn't line of site.  You can also launch apps from the remote (I am not sure about macro cababilties as I haven't tried to mess with that as of yet) and double as an IR 5 in 1 learning remote and can also control X10 automation mdules.  It is the same remote as the ATI Remote Wonder as X10 OEM's the remote for other companies ( I have even heard rumor that we, or rather X10, OEM the Firefly remote though I have not been able to confirm that).  I use software fand drivers from Niveus Media on Windows 2000 which can be found here" http://niveusmedia.com/support/PCremote.htm
The ATI software should work too.  X10 just released software for the remote that should work on Win 2000, XP and XPMC but I have not used this yet.  I am pretty happy with the remote as I mainly use it to control my Sony TV and my cursor when I send the video from my PC to my 36 in. TV.  You can purchase it with the wireless PC RF transceiver from www.googleremote.com for $49.99.  This is an X10 owned website so there will be popups.  If you create a contractor account with X10 and call into their sales dept there is a SKU to get the remote with the wieless PC transceiver for $20 (+ $5.90 shipping the us and $10 shipping in Candada).  The SKU # is UR86A-SNAP.  This is a pretty good deal for this remote.  If you do sign up for anything be aware that X10 sends a lot of emails.  I recommend create a specail account for this account unless you want to be overwhelmed email full of cheesy flash advertisements.

Here is a link of a review for the remote:
http://htpcnews.com/main.php?id=thr_remote_1

In case anyone might think I am biased since I work for the company I can tell you that I think most products (ie security system, light switches and especially cameras) manufactured by X10 is garbage even though it is designed to be low end for the most part.  This remote however is well designed and does what it is desgned to do really well and is the ony X10 componant I own (and I have a lot of their $#!& laying around) and will not be giving away.

My $0.02.  I hope it helps

[Dizzle]

Thanks to everyone for all the info!! 
As usual, you're all a big help!

[Fozzy The Bear]

The wireless remotes that come with ATI cards work well.....  They're basically a media centre remote but with a few more functions.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Shifty]

The wireless remotes that come with ATI cards work well.....  They're basically a media centre remote but with a few more functions.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

I have an ATI remote and it's great. It's RF, NOT infrared so it's not line of sight. You can hide the receiver in the cabinet and use the remote from the next room. Handy for jukeboxes.

[Dizzle]

Anyone have any success programming their particular remote to do some of the admin functions in MAME?