Server for irplus LAN APK

Due to constant Google changes this app will not be updated.
I have been very happy using binarymode's fine, universal remote app but my new phone lacks an IR Blaster. Thankfully, binrarymode created a wifi version of his app to support sending IR codes to a server for actual transmission. binarymode provides a python-based server to work with his client app. But it relies on a custom hardware solution that was beyond my skill level.

I realized that binarymode's efforts would enable me to use my old IR-equipped phone to create a virtual IR emitter for use with binarymode's LAN app on my new phone. All I needed to do was create a server app that runs on my old phone to capture the codes binarymode's client app sends and route those codes to my phone's IR Blaster. This app is the result.

When you install and run this app, it MUST be on a device that contains a built-in IR Blaster that can be recognized and used within the confines of Android's IR support. Sorry but this will exclude any of the IR emitters driven by audio through a headphone jack. This also means that only Android 4.3 and above can be supported as there was no built-in IR support in Android prior to this.

Using this app could not be easier. Just install it on your IR-equipped device, enable wifi, open the app, note the server's IP & port on the title bar (might help to see this using landscape mode), and press the Start Server button. Position your IR-equipped device somewhere with a good line of sight to the components you wish to control (I point it at my entertainment center) and you are ready to use binarymode's app on another device to send IR codes to this app for transmission.

Once you have installed binarymode's LAN app on another device located on the same network as the IR-equipped device running this app, you should tap the options menu, choose settings, and put the IP & port shown in this app into the proper entry. Once done, you should be able to tap a button on a remote control and see a response on this app's main page. But more importantly, if all goes well, you should see your components respond to the IR code that was sent.

Because the IP must be the same for both this app and binarymode's app, it makes good sense to assign a static IP to the device running this app. In that way, the IP should not change unexpectedly and you will always know what the value should be. Instructions for doing this can easily be found for most wifi routers via a web search.

The menu in this app provide limited options. The one that I find important is the checkbox to have this app's server run automatically after each device boot. That way it should be ready when you are. However, please be aware that some devices have been found that do NOT properly notify apps when the boot process is complete. I know that the BLU Vivo XL2 is one such device. This is due to the device maker's decisions not mine and there is nothing I can do about it.

This app does not need to be visible and the screen can be off and it should still work fine. However, I do recommend that you keep the device running this app plugged into a charger to ensure that the server is alive and well when you want it. This is not required but merely a suggestion.

Also note that some of the built-in IR emitters found in devices have very narrow beams of operation and lower power levels. This means that the device running this app must be pointed directly at the components being controlled. It also means that IR signals may not penetrate glass or plastic. There is nothing I can do about that. One device that I have found to be outstanding with high power and a wide beam of operation is the Samsung Galaxy S6. But I am sure there are many others.