MyURemote ↔ Global Caché (Global Cache)
Official guide for using Global Caché controllers with MyURemote. Global Caché devices are the fully supported controller platform in MyURemote to add Infrared (IR) and Serial (RS-232) control.
You typically need a Global Caché controller when your equipment must be controlled via infrared or serial (or when IP control is not available / not reliable). This page focuses on choosing the right model, network setup, and practical installation tips. A dedicated page about learning IR codes and adding them to the MyURemote database will be added later.
Supported Global Caché models in MyURemote
- Global Caché – GC-100-6 / iTach Flex
- Global Caché – iTach (IP2SL / IP2IR / WF2IR / WF2SL)
- Global Caché – GC-100-12
Tip: Wired Ethernet models are generally recommended for professional AV reliability. Wi-Fi models are supported, but require stable coverage and non-isolated LAN access.
Contents
1. Concept
Global Caché devices act as a bridge between your network (IP) and physical control interfaces like IR and RS-232 serial. MyURemote sends commands over your LAN to the Global Caché controller, and the controller emits IR or serial data to your equipment.
- IR is used for TVs, set-top boxes, media players, Blu-ray, legacy AV equipment.
- RS-232 is used for projectors, professional AV gear, matrix switchers, screens/lifts, amplifiers.
- Controllers are placed close to the equipment (behind TV, in rack, or in an equipment room).
Design goal: MyURemote stays generic and fast for remote control UI/macros, while Global Caché provides stable hardware I/O.
2. Why MyURemote + Global Caché
Global Caché controllers are the reference platform for adding IR and serial control in many AV installs. They are stable, predictable, and work well in both small home setups and larger rack-based installations. MyURemote supports them as fully supported controllers.
- Fast remote UI (zones, inputs, navigation)
- Macros across protocols (IP + IR + serial)
- Consistent remote behavior for end users
- IR and RS-232 hardware output
- Network-based control (LAN accessible)
- Rack and room endpoints (different form factors)
3. Product families & key differences
3.1 Ethernet vs Wi-Fi models
Many Global Caché devices exist in both wired and wireless variants. Both are supported, but they behave differently in practice:
- Ethernet (recommended): stable latency, fewer dropouts, best for critical AV control.
- Wi-Fi: flexible placement, but depends on coverage and can be affected by interference or network isolation.
If you use Wi-Fi: use strong coverage, avoid guest networks, and ensure devices can reach each other locally.
3.2 GC-100 series (rack / multi-port controllers)
GC-100 controllers are made for installations where multiple devices are centralized (typical AV rack). They provide multiple outputs (IR + serial) from one IP address.
3.3 iTach units (compact endpoints)
iTach units are small and ideal when you want a compact controller near the equipment (behind TV, projector, cabinet). Classic examples are IP2IR and IP2SL and their Wi-Fi counterparts.
3.4 iTach Flex (modular)
iTach Flex is modular: the base unit becomes IR or serial depending on the cable/module you connect. It is an excellent choice when you want a compact controller, but keep the option to change the output type later.
4. MyURemote model groups (your categories)
4.1 Global Caché – GC-100-6 / iTach Flex
This category covers two common “compact but serious” installation approaches: a smaller GC-100-6 rack-style controller, and the modular iTach Flex.
- GC-100-6: best when you need multiple outputs from one controller, but don’t need the larger 12/18 port units.
- iTach Flex: best as an endpoint near the device, with modular IR/Serial capability.
Typical use: small rack, or “one controller per room” installs where you want future-proof flexibility.
4.2 Global Caché – iTach (IP2SL / IP2IR / WF2IR / WF2SL)
This is the classic family of compact controllers. They are ideal if you need IR or serial control for a few devices.
- Add IR control over IP
- Multiple IR ports (emitters)
- Recommended when you can wire Ethernet
- Add RS-232 serial over IP
- Great for projectors, screens, pro AV
- Most reliable for serial control
- IR over Wi-Fi
- Use when Ethernet wiring is not possible
- Requires stable Wi-Fi and non-isolated LAN
- Serial over Wi-Fi
- Convenient placement, but more sensitive to Wi-Fi issues
- Prefer Ethernet when possible for pro installs
Note: These iTach devices are also often used for workflows where you capture IR commands and map them into MyURemote’s database. This will be documented on a dedicated page later (link will be added later).
4.3 Global Caché – GC-100-12
The GC-100-12 is a popular rack controller when you have multiple devices to control from a centralized location. It is a “multi-output hub” for IR and serial.
- Ideal for equipment closets / racks
- Multiple IR outputs and serial outputs from one IP address
- Clean wiring and easy maintenance for installers
5. Choosing the right controller
- IP2IR (recommended)
- WF2IR (when no Ethernet)
- iTach Flex + IR module (future-proof)
- IP2SL (recommended)
- WF2SL (when no Ethernet)
- iTach Flex + serial module
- GC-100-12 (common choice)
- GC-100-6 (smaller rack choice)
Best when devices are centralized and you want one controller hub.
- iTach Flex (IR now, serial later)
- Great for evolving installations
Practical rule: if your installation is “fixed and critical”, choose Ethernet. If placement constraints are strong, Wi-Fi is a valid option.
6. Network setup & web interface
Global Caché controllers are configured using the built-in web interface. You open it by navigating to the device’s IP address on your local network.
6.1 Strongly recommended
- Use a fixed IP (DHCP reservation recommended).
- Keep MyURemote and Global Caché on the same LAN/VLAN when possible.
- Document which IR/serial port goes to which device (label IR1/IR2/IR3 etc.).
- For Wi-Fi models: ensure stable coverage and disable client isolation / guest mode.
6.2 What you configure
- IP addressing (DHCP/static)
- Wi-Fi credentials (Wi-Fi models)
- Serial parameters (baud/parity/stop bits/flow control) on serial models
After setup, most work happens in MyURemote: assigning commands, building UI layouts, and tuning macros.
7. Ports & communication (TCP 4998 / 4999+)
MyURemote communicates with Global Caché controllers using TCP. In most installations you only need the IP address and the correct TCP port.
Common control/data port used for IR output (and some other functions depending on model).
Common convention for serial connectors on multi-port devices (GC-100). Each serial connector can map to a unique TCP port.
If you have connectivity issues, first verify that TCP ports are reachable and not blocked by VLAN/firewall rules.
8. Infrared control essentials
Infrared control is still extremely common in AV. Global Caché solves the line-of-sight limitation by using emitters placed directly on device IR sensors (recommended), or by using an IR blaster.
8.1 Emitter vs blaster
- Emitter: stick-on LED placed on the IR window → most reliable and deterministic.
- Blaster: emits into the room/cabinet → can be convenient but may cause cross-control.
8.2 Multiple IR ports (important in practice)
Multiple IR ports allow you to dedicate one emitter per device. This is cleaner, more reliable, and makes troubleshooting easier.
8.3 Adding IR commands to the MyURemote database (separate page)
iTach IR controllers (like IP2IR and WF2IR) can be used in workflows where you capture IR codes and store them as structured commands in the MyURemote database. This is ideal for devices that do not offer IP control.
A dedicated page will document the full workflow (learning/capturing IR, storing codes, mapping to MyURemote buttons/macros). Link will be added later.
9. Serial control essentials (RS-232)
Serial control is common in professional AV because it is deterministic and often provides better control than IR. Global Caché serial models (IP2SL/WF2SL/Flex-serial, and GC-100 serial ports) allow MyURemote to send serial bytes via TCP/IP.
9.1 Serial settings must match
- Baud rate
- Parity
- Stop bits
- Flow control (if required)
- Command termination (often CR/LF)
Most “serial not working” problems come down to mismatched settings or cable type (straight vs null modem).
10. Installation patterns (real-world)
10.1 Rack-based hub (GC-100-12)
- All equipment is centralized in a rack/closet.
- Use one GC-100-12 as IR + serial hub.
- MyURemote macros orchestrate power, inputs, sequences and delays.
10.2 Endpoint behind the TV (IP2IR / Flex-IR)
- Place the controller behind the TV or inside the cabinet.
- Use short emitter runs for maximum reliability.
- Use Ethernet if possible; Wi-Fi if placement requires it.
10.3 Projector via serial, sources via IR (hybrid)
- Projector controlled by RS-232 (IP2SL / Flex-serial / GC-100 serial).
- Set-top box / Blu-ray controlled by IR (IP2IR / WF2IR).
- MyURemote “Watch TV” / “Movie” macros make it one-button simple.
11. Troubleshooting
Cannot connect (timeout / offline)
- Verify IP address is correct and reachable from the MyURemote controller.
- Check router/VLAN rules; ensure TCP ports are not blocked.
- Use DHCP reservation (fixed IP).
- For Wi-Fi models: verify signal strength and avoid guest / isolated Wi-Fi networks.
IR command sent, but device does nothing
- Check emitter placement (correct IR window).
- Check you target the correct IR port.
- Try adding a small delay / repeat in the macro if the device is slow.
- Avoid blaster cross-control (two devices reacting to the same command).
Serial command sent, but device does nothing
- Verify baud/parity/stop bits/flow control.
- Verify termination (CR/LF) if required.
- Check cable type (straight vs null modem) and pinout.
- On GC-100: verify you use the correct TCP port for the correct serial connector.
12. Known pitfalls
- Changing IP address after installation → breaks the setup (use DHCP reservation).
- Wi-Fi client isolation / guest networks → controller is “online” but not reachable from MyURemote.
- Using a blaster and controlling multiple devices unintentionally.
- Wrong TCP port on GC-100 (4998 vs 4999+ depending on function).
- Serial cable mismatch (straight vs null-modem) or wrong termination.
13. FAQ
Do I always need Global Caché?
No. You need it when your devices require IR or RS-232. For native IP devices, MyURemote can use IP control directly.
Which model is the safest choice?
If you can use Ethernet: IP2IR for IR and IP2SL for serial are very solid choices. For racks: GC-100-12. For flexibility: iTach Flex.
Will there be a page about learning IR commands and adding them to the database?
Yes. That will be documented separately. This page focuses on hardware selection and setup.
14. Changelog
- v2 – Added MyURemote model groups (GC-100-6 / iTach Flex, iTach IP2*/WF2*, GC-100-12) + expanded selection guidance.
- v1 – Initial Global Caché guide.
