Hey all,
I'm using an MX-900 and an MRF-250 and finding RF control very unreliable. It's clear the 250 is getting the signal (status light flashes, as do the flashers) but the equipment only responds reliably 70% of the time or so. It's worse with my new Integra amp, but the cable box has the same problem. I've verified IR works fine, and tested both channel 1 and A with the same result. Moving the flashers doesn't help either. So, is it possible that RF interference is corrupting the signal somehow - ie, it is received, but garbled?

I tested for interference on channel 0 and did find the status light blinking (although very dimly). I removed the antenna, and stopped seeing the interference on 0, but it had no effect on the reliability of RF.

Any quick replies would be especially appreciated (I'm on site now) but all help is great!


Thanks,
Neil

Hi Neil,

It could be a combination of RF and the IR sensitivity of the components (like the Integra and cable box) that are the worst offenders. Try moving the emitters away somewhat from the IR receiving eyes. I've pretty much stopped using MRF-250s for these reasons. Also, check out the RF solution in the thread below here: [Link: remotecentral.com]

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

Thanks Mike,
I'm giving you a call now...

-Neil

I agree with Mike.

First, you need to get that status light to be OFF when set to ID "0". If it is not, you will not get the reliability that you should. The best thing to try is moving the MRF base away from components, like the cable box (as Mike suggested). If that does not work, you can remove the antenna by unscrewing it, but be careful not to lose the little washers.

After you have gotten away from the interference, then you may want to try adjusting your emitter placement if you are still having reliability issues.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Thanks Mike and Damon. I did get the status light at 0 to off by removing the antenna, but that didn't help. Per suggestions, I tried moving the 250 and different placement of the blasters, to no avail.

I ended up ordering an MRF-350, and will post my results when it arrives.


Thanks again,
Neil

The MRF-250 and MRF-300 have IR emitters that are not as powerful as the MRF-200. I have an MRF-300 and an MRF-250 and ended up using the emitters from an MRF-200 to get most of my equipment to even respond at all. My Panasonic DMR-E100's wouldn't respond at all no matter where I put the emitters until changed them out. I also had to remove the antenna on the MRF-250 and turn down the attenuator on the MRF-300's antenna all ther way.

Just to update...

Well, the MRF-350 arrived and seems to be working great. Strangely, even with the 350, the IR input on the back of the Integra was never reliable - I had to switch to a flasher. But the flashers are all doing great.

Now, what am I going to do with the 250?

Thanks guys

We can never get the IR inputs on the back of Integra receivers to work either. The DVD players work great, but not the receivers. I called their tech support and hung up after being on hold for 20 mins. If anybody knows why these don't work, please let me know.