sickkick · Sep 21, 2026 · Sep 21, 2026 · Sep 21, 2026
diff --git a/CONTEXT.md b/CONTEXT.md
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ Matching uses **unique_id** patterns (`{entry_id}_relay_*`, `{entry_id}_serial_*
 
 2. **Options flow menus** — some steps use **`vol.In({...})`** instead of **`SelectSelector`** for broader HA compatibility.
 
-3. **Translations** — `options.step.remote_commands` needs **`description`** + **`{hint}`** placeholder. **`options.step.init.data.next`** in `strings.json`. IR/serial command JSON uses **`TextSelector(multiline=True)`** (textarea), not a single-line field. Learn IR uses **`learn_ir`** / **`learn_ir_capture`** with placeholders `{timeout}`, `{command}`, `{detail}`.
+3. **Translations** — `options.step.remote_commands` needs **`description`** + **`{hint}`** placeholder. **`options.step.init.data.next`** in `strings.json`. IR/serial command JSON uses **`TextSelector(multiline=True)`** (textarea), not a single-line field. Learn IR uses **`learn_ir`** / **`learn_ir_capture`** with placeholders `{timeout}`, `{command}`, `{detail}`, and **`{ir_hint}`** on `learn_ir` (always pass a non-empty placeholder so HA does not show the raw token). When creating a remote mid-learn, the form key is **`remote_name`** (not `name`) because `CONF_REMOTE_NAME` and `CONF_CMD_NAME` both serialize as `"name"`.
 
 4. **Do not use `listen` as a config-flow field key** — Home Assistant does not apply `options.step.*.data.listen` labels; UI shows raw `listen`. Use **`monitor_incoming`** with label *Monitor incoming data (persistent connection)* (plain **`bool`**, same as `append_cr`).
 
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Matching uses **unique_id** patterns (`{entry_id}_relay_*`, `{entry_id}_serial_*
 
 13. **Git / releases** — semver bumps via [`.github/workflows/release.yml`](.github/workflows/release.yml) (workflow_dispatch). Each release attaches **`globalcache_itach.zip`** (integration files at zip root) for HACS `zip_release` download counting; [`hacs.json`](hacs.json) sets `zip_release` + `filename`. `WORKFLOW_TRIGGER_TOKEN` enables automated manifest-bump PRs; without it, open the compare URL from the workflow summary. **Do not** add `Co-authored-by: Cursor` to commits; history was rewritten (2026-06-05) to remove it from `main` and retag `v1.0.0`.
 
-14. **Pinhole Learn IR** — Options **Learn IR command (pinhole)** calls `get_IRL`, waits for one `sendir` line, `stop_IRL`, then stores `full_sendir` on the chosen remote via `rewrite_sendir_connector` (learner always reports `1:1`).
+14. **Pinhole Learn IR** — Options menu is built by [`options_menu.build_options_init_menu`](custom_components/globalcache_itach/options_menu.py). **Learn IR command (pinhole)** is **always** listed (even with zero remotes); edit/remove remote/relay/serial entries are omitted when their lists are empty. Flow: `get_IRL` → wait for one `sendir` → `stop_IRL` → store `full_sendir` via `rewrite_sendir_connector` (learner always reports `1:1`). With no remotes, `async_step_learn_ir` collects remote name + module/port and creates the remote on successful capture.
 
 15. **Infrared timing padding** — `infrared-protocols` NEC (and similar) frames end on a mark with no trailing space. `us_timings_to_gc_pairs` pads with a **~40 ms** off pulse (not the ~80 µs GC minimum), otherwise LG Infrared / other consumers fail to decode on the TV.
 ## Documentation
@@ -134,19 +134,25 @@ cannot import name 'DhcpServiceInfo' from 'homeassistant.components.dhcp'
 
 Config entry shows **`setup_error` / Import error**. Deploy manifest **1.0.2+** (or cherry-pick the one-line import change in `config_flow.py`), then restart HA or reload the integration.
 
-## Production / deployment snapshot (2026-07-31)
+## Production / deployment snapshot (2026-09-21)
 
 | Environment | Integration version | Status |
 |-------------|---------------------|--------|
 | **HACS default** | Search **Global Caché iTach** / **GlobalCache** | Added via [hacs/default#8063](https://github.com/hacs/default/pull/8063) |
-| **Latest release** | **v1.0.3** | https://github.com/Shaffer-Softworks/GlobalCache/releases |
+| **Latest release** | **v1.1.3** | https://github.com/Shaffer-Softworks/GlobalCache/releases/tag/v1.1.3 |
 
 Install via HACS (default feed) preferred; custom-repository install is no longer needed.
 
+### v1.1.3 release notes (summary)
+
+- **IP2CC config validation** — accept bare `getversion` firmware replies ([#17](https://github.com/Shaffer-Softworks/GlobalCache/issues/17))
+- **iTach RECEIVER probe** — skip on non–Global Connect so IP2IR / WF2IR stop logging spurious reload warnings ([#18](https://github.com/Shaffer-Softworks/GlobalCache/issues/18))
+- **`via_device_id`** — replace deprecated `via_device` for HA 2027.8 ([#19](https://github.com/Shaffer-Softworks/GlobalCache/issues/19))
+
 ## Optional follow-ups (not implemented)
 
 - YAML import from core `itach` integration if applicable
 
 ---
 
-*Last updated: 2026-09-20 — bare getversion / IP2CC config validation (#17).*
+*Last updated: 2026-09-21 — Learn IR always visible in Configure; CONTEXT production snapshot → v1.1.3.*
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
@@ -98,11 +98,22 @@ Open **Configure** on the integration card (gear icon on older layouts):
 | **IR defaults** | Carrier frequency, repeat, offset, sendir ID policy (auto-increment vs fixed). |
 | **Timeouts** | Connect and command timeouts. |
 | **Add remote** | Name, module/port (e.g. module `1`, port `2` → connector **1:2**), repeat multiplier, **JSON command list**. |
-| **Learn IR command (pinhole)** | Pick a remote and command name → Submit → aim the handheld at the iTach **pinhole** within the timeout. Saves a **`full_sendir`** button (rewrites connector to the remote’s module:port). Same name replaces an existing command. |
-| **Edit remote** / **Remove remote** | Change or delete a configured remote (entity IDs stay stable on edit). |
+| **Learn IR command (pinhole)** | Always available in Configure. Pick an existing remote (or enter a name + IR connector to create one) and a command name → Submit → aim the handheld at the iTach **pinhole** within the timeout. Saves a **`full_sendir`** button (rewrites connector to the remote’s module:port). Same name replaces an existing command. |
+| **Edit remote** / **Remove remote** | Change or delete a configured remote (entity IDs stay stable on edit). Shown only when at least one remote exists. |
 | **Add relay** / **Edit relay** / **Remove relay** | Relay `switch` entities via `setstate` / `getstate`. |
 | **Add serial port** / **Edit serial** / **Remove serial** | Serial `text` entity, optional preset **buttons**, **Last received** sensor. |
 
+#### Learn IR (pinhole)
+
+iTach / GC-100 / Flex do **not** expose room IR receive (`RECEIVER`). Use **Configure → Learn IR command (pinhole)** (`get_IRL` / `stop_IRL`) instead:
+
+1. Open **Configure** on the hub (Learn IR is always in the Action list, even with no remotes yet).
+2. If you already have remotes: pick one, enter a command name and timeout.
+3. If you have none: enter a new remote name, IR module/port, command name, and timeout — the first successful capture creates that remote.
+4. Submit on the capture step, then hold the handheld remote 1–2 inches from the iTach **pinhole** and press one button within the timeout.
+
+The learned line is stored as a **`full_sendir`** command button (connector rewritten to the remote’s module:port). Automations can also use services `ir_learner_start` / `ir_learner_stop` and the bus event `globalcache_itach_ir_learned`.
+
 ### Devices and entities
 
 Each **gateway** is one hub device with diagnostic sensors (**TCP connected**, **Last gateway poll**, **Configured remotes**, optional **Gateway diagnostics**), plus one **`infrared` emitter** per IR connector discovered via `getdevices` (and, on **Global Connect** only, an optional **receiver** when a jack is in `RECEIVER` mode). Each configured **remote** appears as a child device with one **button** per JSON command.
@@ -178,7 +189,7 @@ Protocol reference: [iTach API (PDF)](https://www.globalcache.com/files/docs/API
 - One **serialized** TCP client per config entry with **connect retries** and **EOF recovery** so the next command opens a new session. Multiple Home Assistant instances or other controllers talking to the same iTach can still contend on port **4998**.
 - **Relay** and **serial** connectors are configured in **integration options** (like remotes). Serial payloads use the Unified TCP data socket (**control port + module**, e.g. 4999 for module 1 when control is 4998). Confirm module/port wiring on your SKU (IP2CC relays are often module **3**; **GC-100-12** relays are module **3**, IR emitters modules **4** and **5** — run `get_devices` or check diagnostics).
 - **GC-100** allows only **one** TCP client on port **4998** at a time; avoid iHelp/other tools holding that port while Home Assistant is connected.
-- **IR learner** — use **Configure → Learn IR command (pinhole)** to capture a `sendir` line and append it to a remote as a **button** (`full_sendir`). Services `ir_learner_start` / `ir_learner_stop` and bus events remain for automations; Global Caché’s **iLearn** utility is still useful for advanced editing.
+- **IR learner** — use **Configure → Learn IR command (pinhole)** (always listed, even with no remotes yet) to capture a `sendir` line and append it to a remote as a **button** (`full_sendir`). With no remotes, the same flow creates one. Services `ir_learner_start` / `ir_learner_stop` and bus events remain for automations; Global Caché’s **iLearn** utility is still useful for advanced editing.
 - **`infrared` receivers** / `set_IR RECEIVER` / `receiveIR` are **Global Connect only** (Unified TCP API). On iTach/GC-100/Flex the integration does not probe for RECEIVER or create receiver entities; use emitters plus the **pinhole learner** (`get_IRL`). Raw `set_ir` / `receive_ir` services remain for advanced use but `RECEIVER` is invalid on non–Global Connect hardware.
 - Removing a remote, relay, or serial port from options **deletes** its entities from the registry on reload (they are not left as orphaned grey entities).