SKUs: AT-VCC-IR

Summary: VCC-IR Installation and Troubleshooting Tips —

The following VCC-IR troubleshooting tips should be helpful when configuring and installing the VCC-IR.

Hardware Configuration

You may plug an IR emitter directly into the AT-VCC-IR or use the tri-port connector to control up to 3 devices independently.
If using a bare end IR emitter with a solder-on or spliced (not recommended) 3.5mm connector, use a TS connector. A TRS connector may work if you short the RS connections together.
The VCC-IR is a PoE device. You may also power it with a local USB power source if no PoE is available.

Connecting the IR Emitter to your Equipment

Your IR emitter must be attached right on top of the IR window on the equipment to be controlled. If the IR window is difficult to see, you can often find it with a flashlight. Your equipment manual may also show the location.

Network Setup

The VCC-IR ships with DHCP enabled.
If no DHCP server is available, the VCC-IR will default 192.168.1.70 after 30 seconds.

Finding the VCC-IR on a Network

Use the vHelp tool in the Resources tab of the product page to find your VCC-IR on the network.

The vHelp tool will use mDNS to locate VCC devices on your network.

You may also use an IP scanner. Look for MAC addresses starting with B8:98.

If the VCC-IR does not seem to be getting an IP address, you can connect it directly to a laptop with a network adapter on the 192.168.1.X network.
- Use the USB port for power.
- Wait 30 seconds for the VCC-IR to default to 192.168.1.70.

Accessing the VCC-IR Web Interface

After finding the IP address of your VCC-IR, enter the IP into a web browser URL bar and navigate to the address:

Tri-port vs. Single Emitter Configuration

Check the web UI settings to ensure they match your hardware configuration. You may need to disable the triport mode if you are using just one emitter.

Verifying IR Emitter Operation

IR Blaster Mode

You can force the VCC-IR emitter to stay on for troubleshooting purposes by logging into the VCC-IR web interface. Then turn on "Blaster" mode. You will not be able to send IR commands with this mode enabled, but it is helpful to verify your IR emitter is working.

Connect your IR emitter to port 3 on the tri-port connector to see the LED light up.

With IR Blaster mode on, the IR emitter will stay illuminated. This is helpful to confirm that the IR emitter is working and that your wiring is correct.

Verifying IR Emitter Operation and Polarity with a Multimeter

You can use a multimeter diode mode to check your IR emitter. Your emitter should light up when you have the positive lead connected to the signal wire and the black lead connected to ground.

If the connections are backwards, you will see "OL" (open loop) or similar. When you flip the test leads, you should see a number and the IR emitter should light up.
If you see OL with the test leads connected both ways or a number when connected both ways, you may have a faulty emitter or faulty wiring.

Meter shows 1.6 V drop in diode mode. Note emitter lights up when polarity is correct.

Factory Defaulting the VCC-IR

You can factory default the VCC-IR by holding down the button on the side. The VCC-IR will default to DHCP.

You should see the green LED blink twice as fast.
Continue to hold the button until it blinks twice as fast again.
The blinking will speed up a third time to a very rapid rate.
You can then release the button and the VCC-IR will be reset.

Article ID: KB01640