My apologies then, your second post here gave me the impression that you didn't know much about JP1.

With the 15-1994 if you use VCR or CBL mode you can create a device upgrade that includes every normal button, except SURROUND. (By normal, I mean all the buttons except the device buttons, FAV/SCAN, and the smart keys).

If you need to program functions for your Apex onto any of the buttons not covered by the VCR mode, you will need to use either learning or key moves, although you can program the FAV/SCAN button using a "special protocol".

Once you have created device upgrades for any of your devices that need key moves or learning to complete the setup, if you still find you are running very short on memory it might well be time to start reading up on the 15-1994 extender, but you certainly should know how to create upgrades before you try installing the extender. It's the old "walk before you run" advice.

Rob