How to Use an XBox IR Remote on a Modded XBMC

The Xbox remote was designed as a convenient way to control functions on the game console. But a modified (or modded) Xbox no longer works with the Xbox remote. The process to enable the Xbox remote to once again work with the Xbox is straightforward and doesn't take much time to accomplish. It is the only way to be able to use the Xbox remote again.

Things You'll Need

• Xbox memory card
• Windows-based computer
• Xbox to USB cable

Instructions

1. Connect the Xbox to USB cable between the Xbox controller port and a USB connection of the computer.

   Download the Putty freeware software to the desktop of the computer (see Resources). Install Putty to the desktop of the computer.

   Restart the computer.

2. Run the Putty software. Enter in the hostname of the XBMC in the field presented. Enter xbmc as the name type in the field presented. Enter xbmc as the password in the field presented. Press "Enter" to log in.

   Type "sudo passwd root" and press "Enter." Follow the directions that are now presented to you.

   Enter an old password and then a new password. Press "Enter."

   Quit Putty.

3. Run the Putty software. Enter in the hostname of the XBMC when presented. Click "Open" and enter "root" for the name type. Enter in the new password and press "Enter."

   Type "sudo vim \config\etc\lirc\hardware.conf" and press the "i" key.

4. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the file window:

   # /etc/lirc/hardware.conf
   #
   # Arguments which will be used when launching lircd
   LIRCD_ARGS=""

   #Don't start lircmd even if there seems to be a good config file
   #START_LIRCMD=false

   #Try to load appropriate kernel modules
   LOAD_MODULES=true

   # Run "lircd --driver=help" for a list of supported drivers.
   DRIVER=""
   # If DEVICE is set to /dev/lirc and devfs is in use /dev/lirc/0 will be
   # automatically used instead
   DEVICE="/dev/lirc0"
   MODULES="lirc_atiusb lirc_dev lirc_i2c"

   # Default configuration files for your hardware if any
   LIRCD_CONF="/etc/lirc/lircd.conf"
   LIRCMD_CONF=""
   # /etc/lirc/hardware.conf

   Press the "Escape" key while holding the "Shift" key and enter "sudo vim \config\etc\lirc\lirc.conf". Press the "i" key.

5. Copy the following commands and then paste them into the file window:

   #
   # LIRCD configuration file for Xbox DVD Kit
   #
   # Marko Friedemann <mfr|bmx-chemnitz.de>
   #
   #
   # brand: Microsoft
   # model: Xbox DVD Remote
   # supported devices: Xbox DVD Remote via xpad-ir driver
   #
   # comment: EXPERIMENTAL
   #

   begin remote

   name XboxDVDDongle
   bits 8

   begin codes

   SELECT 0x0b
   UP 0xa6
   DOWN 0xa7
   RIGHT 0xa8
   LEFT 0xa9
   INFO 0xc3

   9 0xc6
   8 0xc7
   7 0xc8
   6 0xc9
   5 0xca
   4 0xcb
   3 0xcc
   2 0xcd
   1 0xce
   0 0xcf

   DISPLAY 0xd5
   BACK 0xd8
   SKIP- 0xdd
   SKIP+ 0xdf
   STOP 0xe0
   REVERSE 0xe2
   FORWARD 0xe3
   TITLE 0xe5
   PAUSE 0xe6
   PLAY 0xea
   MENU 0xf7

   end codes

   end remote

6. Type "blacklist xpad". Press the "Escape" key and hold the "Shift" key and type "wq". Press "Enter."

   Quit the Putty software.

7. Turn the Xbox off. Remove the Xbox to USB cable from the XBox and from the computer.

8. Insert the remote dongle into one of the Xbox controller ports.

9. Turn the Xbox on. The remote should now function as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• The USB port of the computer should not be from a hub or keyboard, only from the computer itself.

• Modifying an Xbox voids the warranty. An authorized service center or Microsoft will refuse to make any kinds of repairs on it.

References

• A to Z Guide to Getting the Xbox Remote to Work on XBMC Live

Resources

• Putty Software Download