I bought two FLIRC with the intent of using them on two different computers: (1) a raspberry Pi model B running Xbian and (2) a "regular" x86 computer running XBMC frodo 12.0 on Debian 7 wheezy.
Both FLIRC run firmware v3.1
RASP PI
1.) I am experiencing weird issues on the R-PI (model B ). I did some research and believe it might be the common power issue (makes sense to me, I am an electrical engineer). Oddly, moving from the 5W "iphone" PSU to the 12W "ipad" PSU did not solve it. Key presses are not being entered and when they do, there are usually like 10 key presses entered.
I tried to solve this by purchasing a powered USB hub, and then plugging the FLIRC into the hub. This did not work at all.
This FLIRC seems to work in the computer I used to program commands. So I think its weird that it wont work in the R-PI.
x86 Computer Running Debian Wheezy and XBMC 12.0 Frodo
2.) For the second FLIRC ordered, it seems the FLIRC is having trouble recognizing button presses, maybe due to IR pollution. I originally isolated the FLIRC on a different computer to confirm there is no hardware error with the unit or the remote. I can give a quick breakdown of all the items unique to this setup, maybe you can recognize something to help me diagnose the issue:
Computer: x86 computer running debian x64 wheezy, XBMC 12.3 frodo.
Remote: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W5GK5C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The included IR receiver seems to work fine in this room and with this computer
TV: Samsung 50" 720p plasma
FLIRC placement:
--On top of or below the TV: poor. Only works when remote directly aimed at the FLIRC and only up to 4 feet. I believe this is an "IR pollution" problem, but I defer to you
--Side of TV: same as above.
--Behind TV: sub-par. Only works when I can "bounce" IR off the wall and behind the TV. Very challenging.
FLIRC firmware: initially said firmware v16 (which does not exist...maybe some weird driver issue?). I updated it to v3.1 and programmed / tested without an issue.
Ambient Lighting in problematic room: one incandescent lamp, 60W; two candles; one plasma TV (above).
I think this might be an IR pollution problem, please let me know what I should try. Would a "stronger" (more powerful IR emitting) remote help? Does the plasma TV emit IR which may interfere with the FLIRC? Not sure.
This FLIRC seems to work in the computer I used to program commands. So I think its weird that it wont work in this XBMC x86 computer.
Thank you for your help, I do appreciate your expertise.