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Use an Apple Remote with older hardware

Iyaz Akhtar over at theappleblog points to a nifty little device from Twisted Melon called the Manta TR1, which enabled the Apple IR remote on any older Mac via USB. Just plug in the Manta to a free USB port and your old G4, etc. can rock with an Apple Remote, just like the newest Intel Macs. The Manta is meant to work with Twisted Melon's own Mira Apple Remote software, which we mentioned earlier. In addition, the Manta hardware supports IR blasting (to control other devices) but that functionality is not "used with Mira at this time." Check out Iyaz's original post for more info on RF Remotes.

The Manta TR1 sells for $19.99, and Mira runs $15.95, or you can get them bundled together for $32 from the Twisted Melon store. Of course you'll also need an Apple Remote if you don't have one already; they run $29 from Apple.

Update: chanting over and over again, "Manta"

Iyaz Akhtar over at theappleblog points to a nifty little device from Twisted Melon called the Manta TR1, which enabled the Apple IR remote...
 

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Lucas Giannella

Does anyone know if a regular infrared receptor would work? I have a PowerPC MacMini and would like to use the Apple Remote that came with my MacBook with it.

March 22 2007 at 5:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Adrian vG

Why do so few companies design their mac stuff so they look like mac stuff? This looks like a bicycle light... Make it match the apple remote, dammit!

March 22 2007 at 9:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wayne

Does anyone know if this would support regular IR devices with the Mac ?

I've been trying to find an IR dongle that works with 10.4 for ages now with no luck :(

March 21 2007 at 5:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bruno

The device is the Manta TR1, not "Mantra" - sorry. :)

Pronto codes to program a universal are available in the Twisted Melon Mira FAQ:

http://twistedmelon.com/mira/faq.html#faqremotecommands

You can also use the SiK Rex Remote:

http://sik.com/rex.php

March 21 2007 at 11:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jadam

If you already have an Apple remote (or can borrow one from someone else), you can use it to program a universal remote and use that instead of buying the Apple remote. I have an older Sony remote commander that I have programmed with all my other AV equipment, and I plan on doing this once my Mira arrives to finish my plan of using a G4 Mac Mini as a HTPC.

March 21 2007 at 11:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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