Well I have tried a few things and just can not get this to work with the "IR IN" on the back of my Onkyo 803. This receiver is silver and I do not like the black ir blaster stuck on the front of the receiver. I wanted to use the direct port on the back of the receiver. First I was using a stereo cable because I did not think it would really matter, but it did not work. I then tried to use a mono cable from the 350 to the receiver and that did not work. I check the manual on my receiver and it does not mention anything I need to do to enable this port. On the back of my receiver I have a "IR IN" and "IR OUT" port that takes a 1/8" mono cable. Their is also a "RI LINK" and I am NOT using that because it's used to link other Onkyo components. Any ideas on how to get the "IR IN" working with the mrf-350? Chad

I have the Integra DTC9.8 Pre-amp and am using the MRF-300 plugged into the ir in and it works fine using a mono mini plug.

Well I am not sure what I could be doing wrong. The blaster cable works fine, but I can not get it to work with a direct connection. The manual for my receiver does not give any details, but it looks like a simple hook up. Do I need to tell the MRF350 that I am not using the blaster cable and have a direct hook up? I could not find any option like that on the remote software. Not sure what I am missing. Chad

1/8" to 1/8" mono is all you need for the cabling. In the programming you'd obviously have to have the AVR setup in RF programming for the specific port you are plugged into on the base station with a valid ID set on programming and the base. Other than that if the commands work line of site it should work. Done it on quite a few Onkyo/Integras.

Very strange this does not work. I have a Sony TV and had no idea the “Control S” had this same function. I now have my TV working fine with the mono cable, so I know the cable works. I have no idea why it will not work on my receiver. I’m sure I must be missing something. Chad

Well I just tried to connect the mono plug from the 350 to the "IR IN" on my receiver and then run a ir blaster cable into the "IR OUT" on the receiver. It is passing the ir signal to the blaster cable. The blaster cable will also work the receiver. I am not sure what this really proves besides the pass through works, but I am still not sure why it will not control my receiver with the the "IR IN" cable. Chad

It sounds like the ir signal is to strong. Turn the ir all the way down on the MRF. See if that will help. I have had this problem with other receivers before.

I had already tried that. I had it at the lowest, highest, and a bunch in between without any luck. Chad

Rarebird, thanks for pointing me to your thread regarding my identical issue with a TX-SR705.

With regards to your issue, you could try placing the emitter over one of the many ventilation holes and setting it to full strength. You could also get a slim type emitter an actually insert it through a vent and inside the receiver. It'll be nice and hidden.

FWIW, It's not only MRF's with this issue:

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Ohh, great idea. I will try it on one of the vent holes after work tonight. I hate the black wire hanging down on my silver amp. Chad

For what it's worth, I have an MRF-350 plugged directly into the IR in on my TX-SR705 and it works just fine. It seems in either case tho, both you and Rarebird have something slightly different in your setups than me tho.

Are you using the codes for the 705 from the URC database? Did you change the repeat values or anything or is it straight forward?

I'm using the codes right from the database. I have not played with any delays or any of the commands. When I created the device, I just selected Onkyo and the TX-SR705 as my model and it worked.

ive got the same setup with my 705 and have done quite a few the same way for customers. the only thing is, you have to set the output strength to EXACTLY the right intensity to get it to work, its very picky, and every one is different. my msc 400 came in today though so im currently in the process of coding for rs232 control :D