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Command Sets

Command Sets are collections of named commands that can be sent to devices. They are primarily used for infrared (IR) control and custom communication protocols.

Overview​

The Command Sets page manages libraries of commands for controlling devices. GEM provides three powerful ways to populate command sets: importing from GEM's cloud repository, importing from the global IRDB database, or importing from Global Cache IR files.

Viewing Command Sets​

The main grid displays all configured command sets with the following columns:

  • ID - Unique identifier
  • Name - Internal command set name
  • Description - Purpose or device model description

Grid Actions​

  • Add - Create a new empty command set
  • Edit - View and manage commands in the set (opens Commands page)
  • Delete - Remove a command set
  • Reload - Refresh the grid data

Creating a Command Set​

You can create command sets in three ways:

1. Manual Creation​

For custom or proprietary protocols:

  1. Click Add in the grid
  2. Enter a name (will be auto-formatted to lowercase_with_underscores)
  3. The empty command set is created
  4. Click Edit to add individual commands

2. Browse GEM Repository​

Import professionally-maintained command sets from GEM's cloud repository:

  1. Click Browse GEM button
  2. Search for your device manufacturer or model
  3. Review the available command sets:
    • Device name and description
    • File size and modification date
  4. Click Import on the desired command set

Merge Behavior:

  • If a command set with the same name exists, you'll be prompted to merge
  • Matching commands are updated with new templates
  • New commands are added
  • Your custom commands are preserved

3. Browse IRDB​

Import from the global Infrared Remote Database (IRDB) containing thousands of IR codes:

  1. Click Browse IRDB button
  2. Search by manufacturer name or device type (e.g., "Sony", "TV", "Cable")
  3. The grid displays all matching devices:
    • Manufacturer name
    • Device type
    • Filename
  4. Click Import on the desired device

Conversion Process:

  • IRDB codes are stored in various formats (NEC, RC5, Sony, etc.)
  • GEM automatically converts all codes to Pronto Hex format
  • A progress message shows conversion status
  • Successfully converted commands are added to a new command set

Command Set Naming:

  • Auto-generated: manufacturer_devicetype_filename
  • Example: sony_dvd_player_dvp_ns575p

4. Import Global Cache IR​

Import command sets from Global Cache's IR database emails:

  1. Obtain an IR database file from Global Cache (usually emailed as .txt or .csv)
  2. Click Import GC IR button
  3. Select your downloaded file
  4. Enter a name for the new command set
  5. GEM parses and imports all commands

Supported Format:

"command_name","sendir,1:1,<pronto_hex_code>"

Commands are automatically cleaned:

  • digit_ prefix is removed (e.g., digit_1 becomes 1)
  • cursor_ prefix is removed (e.g., cursor_up becomes up)

Managing Commands​

After creating a command set, click Edit to open the Commands page where you can:

  • Add individual commands
  • Edit command templates
  • Test command execution
  • Configure command parameters
  • Delete unwanted commands
  • Export commands to JSON

See the Commands documentation for detailed information on command management.

Command Set Naming​

Command sets follow the same naming convention as other GEM entities:

  • Internal Name: Lowercase with underscores (e.g., sony_dvd_ns575p)
  • Description: Human-readable text (e.g., "Sony DVD Player NS575P")

The name field is automatically formatted when you click away from it.

Common Use Cases​

IR Control​

Command sets are most commonly used for infrared control of:

  • TVs and displays
  • Cable/satellite boxes
  • DVD/Blu-ray players
  • Audio receivers
  • Projectors
  • Fans and lighting (IR-controlled)

Serial/TCP Protocols​

Command sets can also store:

  • RS-232 command strings
  • TCP/IP protocol commands
  • HTTP API requests
  • Custom hexadecimal sequences

Command Templates​

Commands support template variables for dynamic values:

POWER:{state}
VOLUME:{level}
INPUT:{input_number}

These templates are processed by device drivers when sending commands.

Merging and Updating Command Sets​

When importing a command set that already exists:

  1. Confirmation Dialog appears explaining the merge process
  2. If you proceed:
    • Existing commands with matching names are updated
    • New commands are added
    • Your custom commands are preserved
    • A summary shows counts of updated and added commands

This allows you to:

  • Update command sets when new versions are available
  • Add missing commands to an existing set
  • Sync with the latest GEM or IRDB data

IRDB (Infrared Remote Database)​

The IRDB integration provides access to a massive collection of IR codes:

Coverage​

  • Thousands of manufacturers
  • Multiple device types per manufacturer
  • Community-maintained and updated regularly
  • Open-source database

Device Types​

Common IRDB categories include:

  • TV
  • Cable Box, Satellite Box
  • DVD, Blu-ray
  • Receiver, Amplifier
  • Air Conditioner
  • Fan
  • Projector
  • Soundbar

IR Code Formats​

IRDB stores codes in various formats:

  • NEC, NECx, NEC48
  • RC5, RC6
  • Sony (SIRC)
  • Samsung
  • Panasonic
  • And many more proprietary protocols

GEM's IR converter translates all these formats to Pronto Hex for universal compatibility with IR emitters.

Pronto Hex Format​

All IR commands in GEM are stored as Pronto Hex:

0000 006D 0022 0002 0155 00AA ...

Advantages:

  • Universal format understood by all IR emitters
  • Manufacturer-agnostic
  • Includes carrier frequency and timing information
  • Easy to test and validate

Compatibility:

  • Global Cache IR devices
  • iTach IR
  • IP2IR
  • RedRat
  • Most professional IR equipment

Tips and Best Practices​

  1. Search Strategy: When browsing IRDB or GEM repository, try multiple search terms:

    • Full model number: "DVP-NS575P"
    • Partial model: "NS575"
    • Manufacturer only: "Sony"
    • Device type: "DVD"

  2. Testing: After importing, test critical commands (Power, Volume, Input) before deploying

  3. Cleanup: Remove unused commands to keep command sets manageable

  4. Naming: Use descriptive names that include manufacturer and model

  5. Backup: Export command sets periodically (use DataGrid export feature)

  6. Documentation: Add descriptions to command sets noting:

    • Which physical devices they control
    • Any special configuration requirements
    • Date imported and source

  7. Updates: Check for updated command sets periodically in the GEM repository

Troubleshooting​

Import Fails​

GEM Repository Issues:

  • Check network connectivity
  • Verify firewall allows access to GEM servers
  • Try again later if servers are temporarily unavailable

IRDB Issues:

  • IRDB index may take 10-20 seconds to load (thousands of devices)
  • Some obscure devices may not have codes available
  • Try alternate search terms or manufacturer names

Global Cache Import:

  • Verify file format matches expected CSV structure
  • Check that file contains valid Pronto Hex codes
  • Ensure file is plain text (not a binary format)

IR Commands Don't Work​

  1. Wrong Device: Verify you imported codes for the correct model
  2. IR Emitter Position: Ensure IR emitter has line-of-sight to device sensor
  3. Code Format: Some devices may require specific code variants
  4. Device Mode: Some devices require codes for specific modes (TV mode, DVD mode, etc.)

Duplicate Commands​

When importing multiple sources, you may get duplicate command names. GEM handles this by:

  • Updating existing commands during merge
  • Preserving your customizations
  • Showing a detailed merge report

Advanced Topics​

Command Arguments​

Commands can accept dynamic arguments:

{
  "args": ["power"],
  "arg_options": {
    "power": ["on", "off", "toggle"]
  }
}

This allows a single command template to handle multiple variations.

Command Macros​

Complex operations can combine multiple commands with delays:

{
  "name": "watch_tv",
  "macro": [
    {"command": "tv_power_on"},
    {"delay": 2000},
    {"command": "receiver_power_on"},
    {"delay": 1000},
    {"command": "receiver_input_tv"}
  ]
}

Export and Import​

Use the grid Export button to:

  • Back up command sets to JSON
  • Share command sets between GEM installations
  • Version control command library changes
  • Submit new command sets to the GEM repository

To export only specific rows, multi-select them first (click-and-drag or Ctrl+Click) and use Export Selected.