Cardonware UltraMote review

August 20, 2002 | mill london | format - Other (ar.) | viewed - 44x
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(20 votes) | category - -

Cardonware UltraMote review

>Read on and find out my impressions of Cardonware's UltraMote V1.5

UltraMote is a universal remote control software program that was designed to replace any/all remote controls you currently have in your home. UltraMote has the built-in ability to learn the infrared codes of a remote control device (TV, Cable Box, Stereo).

Cardonware just updated UltraMote to version 1.5 which is now compatible with the X-Scale e740 from Toshiba. This just happens to be my newest PPC, so I was more than just a little excited to have the opportunity to review this application!

For installation, UltraMote comes with a desktop installer. The program takes up approximately 444.4K of memory on the PPC.

UltraMote is available from the following link as a free trial Cardonware UltraMote Trial. The cost for full registered version comes in at $20. They also have a Compact Flash UltraMote Extender that goes for an additional $30. My recommendation would be to purchase the software/extender combo for $40. As you will read later on in my review, the extender is well worth the additional investment.

In version 1.5, UltraMote is now capable of learning up to 25 device/activities for each location or user. This allowed me to program every single remote in my home into UltraMote. Even including my remote control fan!

Getting started

The first thing you need to do is create a "Location". I chose to create location called "home" for all the remotes I use in the house.

Once you have created a "location", you then create "Device/Activity" which will show up as tabs along the top of the UltraMote screen. I have chosen "Devices" called Livingroom TV & Cable Box for example purposes in the screen shots.

The next step is to use the "Learn" mode to program the specific keys from you existing remote control into the UltraMote software program. Cardonware did a nice job of laying out the how-to instructions for this activity very nicely. Once a key has been programmed (learned) you will notice the red circle around that key disappears. This way you do not overwrite a key you already programmed. If you press a key thats already programmed, UltraMote gives the user a warning message of "Overwrite previous learn?"

Each "Device/Activity" has 2 screens of which you can program. The second screen works nice for those unusual commands (VCR Tracking, etc...) UltraMote allows user to enter a text string to represent what each key on second screen performs as well. So remembering what is programmed into those keys is a breeze.

Skins

I am not much of a graphics guru, so I did not try customizing the background images that UltraMote came standard with. But if you really want to, UltraMote does allow for users to import images for use as backgrounds on their own "Device/Activities". From the product documentaion it sounds pretty straight forward and can be accomplished using a basic program like Microsoft Paint. I'm sure even greater results can be accomplished using graphics program like JASC Paintshop.

Another nice touch Cardonware included for the e740 is "horizontal" background templates. Since the infrared port on the e740 is on the side, this makes it feel more natural from a users point of view. It would have functioned without, but UltraMote goes the extra step to keep the end user happy!

UltraMote in action I did not perform real scientific tests, but more or less tried to utilize UltraMote the same way I use my current remote controls.

Without the Extender:

Just using the built-in infrared port on my e740, I found that UltraMote worked from anywhere in my living room when controlling my TV or Cable Box. My living room is approximately 18' X 22'. I found that to be VERY IMPRESSIVE considering my iPaq 3835 would maybe reach 10 feet.

I did perform a rough distance test by seeing how far away I could control my old TV thats located in my garage. I measured out about 20' without noticable errors. Once I went beyond 20' I noticed occassional misses where VCR did not react to commands.

With the Extender:

This is where UltraMote REALLY SHINED! I don't want it to sound like exaggeration, but I could literally control my garage television from half way down my driveway!!! If my neighbors were watching me, they must have been thinking "He's nuts!" I backed up till I was around 45' before I started noticing any errors. If I really made sure e740 was directly pointed at TV, I could easily reach 60+ feet. Now, I'm not sure how practical that would be (watching TV from that far away). But I am thinking about utilizing UltraMote to control my PC Projector during powerpoint presentations! That is where range from receiving unit would come in handy for me.

I have one tiny (microscopic) complaint about the CF Extender. And that is the two infrared bulbs (not sure of the technical term) that stick out of the card. I fear that they may get bumped and possibly break. I will also not know until I receive my leather case from Handheldplanet whether it is too tight to fit with the Extender CF card installed in my e740. But I am hoping for the best...