Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 07:54:48 -0700, "Bob F"
wrote:

I did the digital camera test, and do see a white light through the
camera when the buttons are pushed. So, again, I think it is IR.

OK, it's IR.

Do you have an oscilloscope? Connect an IR photodiode or red LED to
the scope, point the remote at the diode, and watch the waveform
produced by the remote control. Then, compare the waveforms and
timing between the original remote, and the Radio Shack learning
remote.

Also check that the carrier frequencies are the same. I think the
usual is 38 KHz, but there are other frequencies in use:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_IR#Technical_information
If the two remotes are on different carrier frequencies, there's your
problem.

Note: I would normally suggest you use a PC based oscilloscope, but
unless you have a quality 96KHz or 192KHz sound card, you're not going
to see anything with the typical 44KHz card. For software, I suggest:
http://www.sillanumsoft.org/prod01.htm

Great Idea! I do have an oscilloscope. I should have a photodiode too among my
collection. I just have to track one down. It might take a few days, but I
definately will have to check this out.

Part of my media system includes a USB-UIRT. I wonder if that could be useful in
this research. It's been so long since I set it up, I just can't remember what
capabilities/utilities it has.