Tutorial Summary

This tutorial covers how to control a Windows Media Center HTPC with the iRule using the MCEController application.

1. Download MCE Controller.
2. Run the installer for MCE Controller.
3. Continue the installation.
4. Do not launch MCEController after the installation is complete.
5. Go to the iRule Downloads web page.
6. Download the iRule MCE Controller modified commands.
7. Extract the zip file of the commands.
8. Select Browse to navigate to the location.
9. Find the location of MCE Controller and click OK.
10. Click Extract.
11. Replace the existing file.
12. Verify the new commands.
13. Launch the iRule Builder.
14. Browse devices.
15. Search for the MCE Controller device.
16. Import the MCE Controller.
17. View the imported device in the tree.
18. Drag and drop the commands.
19. Save project.
20. Define Gateway.

Step One: Download MCEController

Download the MCEController utility at 

http://downloads.sourceforge.net/project/mcecontroller/mcecontroller%20v1.1/1.1/MCEController_1_1_0_Setup.exe?r=&ts=1311898712

Step Two: Install MCEController

After the MCEController utility is downloaded, double click on the installer to begin installation on the HTPC you wish to control.

Step Three: Continue Installation

Step through the installation using the Next buttons.

Step Four: Finish Installation

After the installer completes, uncheck the boxes to Run the MCE Controller and the readme (feel free to read the file but it is not part of this tutorial). Click Finish to complete the installation.

Step Five: Go to iRule Downloads

Go the iRule Downloads at http://www.iruleathome.com/support/downloads.html

Step Six: Finish Installation

Download the MCE Controller Modified Commands.

Step Seven: Extract Zip File

Right click on the MCEControl.zip file select the Extract All from the drop down list. In this tutorial we are using Windows 7 but this will work with Vista and Windows XP as well.

Step Eight: Browse for Location

Click on the Browse button to find the location of the MCE Controller utility on your computer.

Step Nine: Find Location

Navigate the tree to the MCE Controller folder within the Kinder Systems folder. This is typically found under the C:\program files directory. Click OK to proceed.

Step Ten: Extract

After the correct location is defined, click on the Extract button to proceed.

Step Eleven: Replace Existing File

Select the Replace option to overwrite the existing commands file.

Step Twelve: Verify

Verify that the new MCEControl.commands file has replaced the old file by reviewing the Date modified.

Step Thirteen: Launch iRule Builder

Launch the iRule Builder at http://builder.iruleathome.com and expand the Panel that will control the HTPC.

Step Fourteen: Browse Devices

Click on the Devices tab and select the Browse devices from the actions menu.

Step Fifteen: Search Devices

The MCE Controller devices can be found by searching for Vender: kindel and Device Type: MCE PC.

Step Sixteen: Import Device

Check the box next to the name of the Device and click on the Import button to add the Device into the iRule Builder.

Step Seventeen: View Device

After the Device is imported, expand the Network Codes to show the available commands.

Step Eighteen: Drag and Drop Commands

Drag and drop the commands to the buttons. This step is repeated for every button.

Step Nineteen: Save Project

Click on the Save button to save your project after the interface has been configured. You are now ready to sync to the iRule app.

Step Twenty: Define Gateway

In the iRule app, after the sync is complete add a new Network Gateway. Assign the MCE Controller Device to the Gateway. Rename the Gateway to something that is descriptive. Assign the IP address of the HTPC running the MCE Controller utility. Set the Port to 5150 unless you manually modified the port.