Global Cache WF2IR iTach Wi-Fi to IR

Let me start off by saying that this is a terrific device and I love it. (5 stars)Getting it to work is a straight-up wrestling match. Like most of the reviewers, I bought this an extension for my iOS Roomie Remote. The device is dependable and once setup, you have complete freedom and control. Also, I want to add that I bought this as a replacement for Logitech Harmony 1100 (mainly because I felt I could do the same thing for cheaper, which I did, but not by much).Overall the Logitech Harmony 1100 is a great product. Setup was a breeze and it ran my media AV receiver, PS3, Xbox 360, Roku, and Projector like a champ. I decided to replace it for the following reasons:(1) it allows support for 15 devices and I wanted to start adding light control/TV's/cable boxes/etc. in other rooms of the house(2) anything else other than IR required an additional adapter(3) I always have my phone or iPad nearby so why not use them(4) I just upgraded to an IP controlled AV receiver which also works with Airplay, so I saw the Harmony as redundant.The bulk of the effort was configuring the device. Essentially, you give it an IP address and hope for the best. The company has a downloadable program (for free), which assists you in finding and configuring the device, however, it only runs on Windows and I have a Mac. To configure the WF2IR, my process was (1) try an IP address (2) test it (3) reset to factory defaults (4) try again. This took about 3 hrs. I really, really hope it doesn't lose it's settings. (-1 star)Finally, the learning ability is possible from a second downloadable program (for free), however, it also requires Windows to run. (-1 star)Overall, I'm pleased with my solution, but for $100+, I do expect a fully finished device and setup process. (-1 star)

UPDATE: Worked as advertised, but became more trouble maintaining than it was worth. Bought a Harmony universal remote and have never looked back.I bought this in conjunction with the iRule app, review located here:  iRule Initially I intended to set it up on top of my ceiling mounted projector, with the IR blaster facing downward at all of my AV gear. Worked for most things, but I've got a few devices with recessed IR sensors that didn't respond consistently. So here the beauty of WiFi came into play, as I was able to easily move it to my AV rack and set up the blaster there. Works great, no issues.Associating the device with my home network took about 15 minutes, mainly because I have fat fingers and was entering the SSID wrong. Can't recall if I assigned it a static IP address on my router, I guess we'll find out the first time the power goes out! I would recommend statically assigning it an IP address though, just to make your life easier going forward.Anyway, love the device and iRule. I'll never have to buy another universal remote! But as stated in my iRule review, unless you're pretty tech savvy I would recommend a  Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote  or similar. iRuleLogitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote

Bought this to use with the Roomie iOS app to control my home entertainment setup. This product competes with the Logitech Harmony Link, RedEye system, and the Peel system. While this box requires a paid app (the competitors apps are free) and expensive in-app purchases (you'll spend a minimum of $20 on the Roomie app just to get control of 2 devices, and $50 on the app if you want more than 2 devices (who doesn't have more than 2!?) and a channel guide that isn't a joke). As scammy and annoying as that may seem, after all that you really will get an amazing, flexible, and robust iOS remote. Importantly, it should be noted that the Roomie app developers are separate from Global Cache, the manufacturer of this physical box.When you first get the box, you plug it in and hold the reset button. Be very careful with the reset button, as it's not really a button so much as a sensor that detects when you insert a paper clip. No need to push or insert far, because if you do, you'll break the infrared "command learning" sensor that sees through the same hole (and is located just behind the reset sensor).After following the relatively easy setup instructions to connect the box to your home network, the Roomie app saw the box without a hitch.The box comes with 2 IR emitter wires that have 2 emitters each at the end, which stick to the devices (stick them near the IR receiver on the device you want to control). This allows you to control 4 devices, but there's more! There is a third IR "blaster" that you can place in view of other (designed for multiple) devices to control more things.The Roomie app makes adding devices a breeze, and has an extensive library of codes for tons of different devices and manufacturers. If your device isn't listed, there's a relatively easy "teaching" process where you use the device's remote with the "learning port" on the IR box to teach the Roomie app the IR sequence for each button. This is where this Global Cache + Roomie app system shines, in it's flexibility.The Roomie app makes it easy to set up "activities" that fire off a bunch of commands (turn on, set inputs, etc...) and set delays between the commands. You can also customize the remote that displays with each activity, and delete all the buttons you'll never use that just create clutter. Again, this goes towards my point about how the system is flexible. However, while this is very flexible, it still doesn't make it complicated to use or set up. Honestly, I spent a good deal of time setting up my "activities," but I got the basics set up pretty quickly.In summary, this box, combined with the (expensive) Roomie app, is unbeatable and will eliminate your need for 4 remotes or any complicated universal remotes. If you or someone in your house is constantly perplexed by how to turn on the TV, get this!

First of all these devices perform as advertised for both IR and Contact Closure applications. They integrate well with Homeseer the IR device works great with a number of different IR clients. The CC device controls three closures. I would like to see a parameter to have momentary functionality but in my application there are work arounds for that. The biggest problem that I have found is with the WiFi devices which do not recover after a network bounce or other network anomalies. If the network blinks these devices need to be restarted. You can ping them but they do not appear to respond to commands. I have exchanged both of them for the wired version which seem to work flawlessly. If you can have a wired device I would suggest the IP versions.

Configuring the unit the first time was a challenge because I was using windows 8, it doesn't support ad-hoc wifi mode, so I could not properly configure the device. Used an old win7 laptop and configured the unit in seconds, so just a note, skip win8 for configuration purposes.After configuration, I used several apps for android on a nexus 7, could not get the device working. It would learn IR commands but it seemed like it was shooting blanks! No power from the IR blaster on port 3!So I sent the unit back and ordered a new one, the new one worked within minutes and I am now using touchsquid. This solution is replacing my old Pronto Philips and its working real well. I give it 3 stars because of lack of documentation, the win8 ad-hoc wifi issue and the first bad unit I received, otherwise, it could have easily been a solid five!