The MRF-260 has all but stopped working (power LED and initial status blinks indicate proper "on"). Sometimes it picks up a pulse signal from my MX-810, but rarely.

I am clear on the instructions in the Universal Remote guide, but can't believe my eyes:

1. Remove the antenna (I did > didn't work)
2. Admit defeat and buy the MRF-350

My question is: Really? Those are my two options? I've moved it around as much as the power and pulse cords allow (10ft!), but can't get any action.

My bigger question is, why did it work for 3 days - near flawlessly - and now rarely?

Thanks for your support.

did you assign the 260's channel setting to something other than "0"?

I had the mrf260 but I've switched it to the mrf350. (interference problem)
The "0" on my mrf350 is just the position to check the interference. When the interference was cleared I set it to "1" on the editor and the base station. I had a problem too with my rfx250 when plugged to the 1/8" jack it did'nt work (jack of the mrf350), now I plugged it in the stripped wire and it's fine.

Did you add any components that could make some interference?

I use the mrf350 and I had to move the antenna (rfx250) a lot to get no interference.

Hope this help

Jack

Yes, set to other than "0". Set to "1." (What is the purpose of all the other numbers and letters on that wheel, anyway?).

I didn't add any components since the time when all was working fine.

Does interference "move around" the room, perhaps? If so, why would anyone mount the base with screws for a semi-permanent installation?

So many questions, but thanks for your commentary and education of this newbie.

For a multi zone setup with multiple bases station.


Ok, I don't know what to say. (maybe it's a power problem)


I don't think so, but I'm no expert in interference problems. (I just exchange my 260 for a 350 and paid the difference)


You're welcome

Jack

Well, I guess I have to research that option. I purchased the base about a month ago and only recently set up my home theatre. My guess is I'll get the "7 day return policy, unopened box, 25% restocking fee" reply, but I'll try.

Don't think it's a power problem cuz the remote is fully charged and the base is doing the proper stuff (power LED and status flash)...

Did you actually set the base to ZERO to identify if there is interference present? If not, this must always be a first step with the IR emitters unplugged.

Do you have only 1 URC remote in the house?

Try a different channel on the base station and match that to the channel in the RF programming. Who knows...maybe a neighbor has one on the same channel or set to ZERO.

Do you have any wireless devices near by the unit? i.e. wireless network device, tivo wireless usb adaptor, any type of ipod dock that sits on the network, cordless telephone, microwave, electronic insect repeller, etc?

Also, plug the mrf-260 power supply directly into the wall, not a power conditioner.

If you still can't figure it out after all that an mrf-350 would be the next step so that you can relocate the antenna.

When I set to ZERO, it did not blink. When I pointed the remote at it and pressed a button, it blinked. My understanding is that that means 1) I have no interference, and 2) the base IS picking up the remote properly. Then I turned to ONE and programmed the remote using the software. Did I do THAT right? (Like I said earlier, the whole system worked perfectly for about 2 1/2 days and I didn't futz with it - to my recollection.)


Yes, only 1 URC remote in the house.


I will try that, and let you know. I thought I had moved it around to FOUR, SEVEN, and even F, but I'll do it again.


I have a wireless network device in the ajoining room. No insect repeller!


It was plugged into AC when it was working, then when it stopped, I plugged it into the conditioner. I'll move it back and see if that changes anything. Good tip!


Okay, I'll report back tomorrow. Thanks Tweeterguy!

I came home and ran tests. Even ZERO isn't sniffing interference or registering remote presses (!!!). ZERO is supposed to pick up everything if I got it right. I even turned the dial 180 degrees to ensure that ZERO wasn't actually EIGHT. (C'mon, how about some arrows, URC?)...

It's as if the unit doesn't work anymore. LED Power light > check. Status blinks when plugged in > check. Set to ZERO > check. I also plugged into AC, per your direction.

Thoughts?

If the equipment works IR, try next with the blaster on sset inside the remote. Does the 260 flash on its status light when the remote works? If yes did the component respond? If yes try the emitters.

If you can't get it to work with the blaster don't try the emitters. If the blaster isn't working checking your model numbers. Does one have an "i" at the end of it and the other one doesn't? Your remote and MRF-260 might have two different frequencies.

Bob

No Bob, the 260 does not flash - even when set to ZERO and in my living room where there are NO electronics (I was testing / sniffing). When it did flash (which it did several days ago, then infrequently, now not at all), all worked fine. The blaster is on.

The combination MX-810 and MRF-260 worked perfectly for 3 days... does that mean they were initially just fine? (In other words, same frequency).

There can only be several possible problems.

1. The remote is broke
2. The MRF-260 is broke
3. The MX-810 and MRF-260 are on different frequencies. Regular model numbers (MX-810/ MRF-260) are 418mhz. If it has an 'i' at the end of it (MX-810i/ MRF-260i)it is 433mhz. The sticker at the bottom of the MRF-260 or in the battery compartment of the MX810 is where the mopel number can be found. I think it is listed on the boxes as well.
3. Something is not set correctly.

Let's see if it is the last one because it is the only thing we can try. I know this might be basic but I want to make sure everything is set properly.

Does the MX-810 work with IR when pointed at your device and using the MRF-260? If not you need to get the remote working with IR before trying the MRF-260.

If the remote works with IR then edit the MX-810 program do the following.

1. Go to RF Settings
2. Highlight the 'signal' column next to each of your devices and choose 'RF' from the pulldown if it says 'IR' that is the problem.
3. Receiver name should be 'Default'. If not change it with the pulldown. (you might have to go to receivers first and add it if not in the pulldown)
4. Set all devices in flashers columns to 'All'
4. Press the 'Receivers' button
5. Make sure the name of the receiver is 'Default'.
6. Make sure the receiver ID is '0'
7. IR Blaster should be 'ON'
8. Set dial on MRF-260 to '0'
9. Download program with tested IR codes to Remote.
10. Test remote with devices. Don't worry about macros yet. Go to a device that worked with 'IR' and see if it now works with 'RF' through the MRF-260. Does the 'status' light work when you press a button?

If this doesn't work you might have a broken MX-810 or MRF-260.

Bob

Thanks Bob, I will try this tomorrow or over the weekend and let you know. I appreciate your support!

Hi Bob,

Before I did your tests, the 810 / 260 combination worked for 5 minutes, then stopped. Ugh! 810 works on my devices (TV, receiver, DVR) - so I don't think that's the problem. Frustrated, I went to bed. Oh, I realized that I can actually read books instead of watching TV sometimes :-0

This morning, I did your testing sequence, and nothing. I even unplugged the 260, went into my living room where there are no electronics and further from neighbors - and nothing.

I think it's a defective 260. I contacted the vendor, and they are willing to exchange or credit the purchase price toward a 350. At first I thought the obvious would be to go for the 350, but if the 260 works (which we know it has), then maybe I just need a different 260 base. Would you agree with this assessment?

Does the 810 work with IR only when pointing at the devices?