I'm currently using an MSC-400 with a bunch of MX-880 and MX-980 remote controls.

I'd like to add some IP control to my system so I'm investigating the MRX-2 (or MRX-1) unit. Can they be added alongside the MSC-400?

Basically I'd like to send everything to the MSC-400, except use the MRX-2 to send some custom TCP and UDP commands to IP devices on my network.

The MRX2/MRX1 can be used along side an MSC400, but not with the remotes you are currently using. They are not capable of sending IP commands.

The MRX2/MRX1 can be used with the following CCP (complete control) line of remotes:

Hand held: MX5000 or MX6000
Touch panel: KP4000
iOS or Android App

The only option out of those I would personally recommend is the iOS or Android app.

The MRX2 can also be used will URC's Total Control line of products, which I would strongly recommend.

The MRX1/2 can be used with any of the CCP remotes. It just cannot send IP commands via remotes other than the ones you mentioned. Add a RFX250 and it works just like a MRF350

Thanks everybody.

I guess I'll need to keep using my RS-232 to IP computer... (i.e. a PC listening to RS232 serial port and then sending received commands to IP)

John, I think you are ready for a URC 2-way remote!

That is a curious work around....

Talk to me about your setup.
What program are you using for listening/sending? Does your PC have a serial input? What kind of IP Commands are you sending? I would love to be able to play with something like this.

I too am curious about how this is done. I'm working on a PC solution to monitor the state of various components / events and execute certain commands via Homeseer. I also just got my MSC-400, and was looking for a way to use it to connect to the few IP devices I have, rather than invest in a MRX1/2.

Hey guys... I'm sorry for the (VERY) late reply, but I was just looking at this forum and saw your questions.

My workaround is that I define a RS232 device on the MSC400. Let's say it's called "PC Controller". On that device, I define functions that send ASCII commands like "AVR_VOLUP", "AVR_VOLDOWN", etc. I can use the same RS232 device for multiple devices as well by just changing the ASCII command (i.e. "HDMIMATRIX_PORT1", "AVR_VOLUP", "UPSTAIRS_LIGHTSON")

The PC (connected using RS232) receives the command and then transmits a new command using TCP/IP to whatever device I want.

The flow is like this:

1) MX-880 presses button.
2) MSC-400 receives RF signal.
3) MSC-400 transmits command to PC using RS-232.
4) PC receives command and transmits new command using TCP/IP.
4a) The PC actually parses the ASCII command (i.e. "AVR_VOLUP") so it knows which device to send to (i.e. "AVR") and what command (i.e." VOLUP").

I am really, really disappointed that URC didn't come out with any new products that incorporate this type of relay system. I completely understand why ($$$) but it's unfortunate for people with legacy equipment.

.

I don't think you understand the design and application of the MSC400 or the MRX2.

The MSC-400 is one of the best products that was never fully realized by URC. The power to send a trigger command from any remote, then output whatever the MSC was capable of is a fantastic concept (which Crestron and RTI have been utilizing for a while now). It would just be nice to see URC have something that works as intelligently and with as much flexibility. Ultimately, it has potential to solve a lot of issues.


Damon

Well. that's what it's problem was. If the MSC400 does things that a more expensive or Crestron solution would do, which would you sell as a company (hint: it rhymes with Creston and RTI...)

The MSC was like putting 19" wheels on a Honda Civic.

Lowhz,

Well, being backward compatible, as well as capable of connecting to future remotes would have been intelligent design. The problem as I see it with the MSC is that they never really supported it properly, which may have been intentional, if they realized it wasn't suitable beyond a certain life span, but many URC products have lasted well over 10 years as current products. Look at the MX-850, MX-900 and MRF-350.

Oh well.



Damon

Will it work with my MX-990? Have some very long and complicated RF macros that are not always stable when using my MX-990 with my old mrf-250, and thought that storing my macros in the MSC-400 would make life easier? :-)