Thanks for the reply. When I programmed the remote for the new devices, I just followed the instructions on the manual so I did it the "traditional" way.

Sorry for being a noob but how do you completely erase the old set-up so the remote can learn new devices? What do you mean when you say that the "learning eye catches people out"?

I finally got a new serial cable and I was able to update the firmware but that still has not solved the problem.