I have read lots of threads on here and I can't seem to get a solid answer on does the MRF-350 / RFX-250 work with a MX-850? According to URC's web site and some of the sellers who post on here frequently's web site the answer is no. However reading some of the threads it appears the answer is yes? I am trying to resolve what I believe to be RF issues and this newer MRF seems to be much better. Thanks.

The 850 doesn't have the newer narrow band transmitter that MRF-350/ RFX-250 was designed for. I haven't tried that combo. It might work but I doubt you'll get much improvement with RF issues with it.

Bob

From the URC site it lists this at least 3 times on the product page for the mrf350/rfx250:

"Note: This product is compatible with MX-3000, TX-1000, MX-950 and MX-900 remote controls only."

"The MRF-350 is compatible with the MX-3000, TX-1000, MX-950 and MX-900 (only). "

"Note: The RFX-250 uses Narrow Band RF and is perfectly tuned and matched to operate with the MX-3000, TX-1000, MX-950 and MX-900 remote controls. It is not compatible with any other remotes."

Yes I have looked at those sites but then there are quotes such as this:
"Actually, it does work with the 850, it's just that you wouldn't spec an MRF-350 if it was ONLY used with an 850. It has slightly reduced range as well."
from [Link: remotecentral.com]

That is why I ask the question. I am trying to solve my issues with my 850 and random controls. Works perfect as IR remote and horribly as RF remote which is the reason I bought it.

I've used a MX850 and MRF350 combo many times with no issues whatsoever...

if the remote was built in NOVEMBER 2006 or later, it has the narrow bandwith. So does the MX350.. This is not printed anywhere, but i was told this by top people at URC......

Tommorow i am swaping an mx850 for new one with narrow bandwith and replacing mrf250 with mrf350 to solve some problems. I have been using the mx900 with the mrf350 with great !!! results....

Was it ones older than Nov 06?

probably from Nov 06 or later....

All of the remotes use the same 418MHz frequency, so most MX-850s, even ones older than 11-06, will work with the MRF-350. It's just that there's a possibility that an older one won't work due to the wider frequency tolerance of the older MX-850s. I'm using an old MX-850 with an MRF-350 and it works great.

The RFX-250 (the MRF-350's antenna) is tuned to a more narrow band (i.e. closer to 418MHz), as are the newer remotes, to avoid interference from anything else operating near that frequency. So, if you have an older MX-850 that's transmitting slightly out of range, it won't work with the 350.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

I have 2 of the very first model of the MX-850, they have the name Orion on them, and I bought these the first week they came out. I also have an MX-950 and bought the MRF-350 for my system and I've had no problem with either of the MX-850s. I've been using this setup for 2-3 months and have no problems with either of the MX-850s.

Dan

Thanks for all the replies, I guess URC is covering themselves in documentation since they can't guarantee the 850 will work with the 250/350 combo. I guess the final answer is it will most likely work, but it may not.

The MX-850 will WORK with the MRF-350, however you will not see the benefits of narrowband RF. Only the MX-900 and up are capable of narrowband.



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

The RFX-250 IS the narrow band benefit. The benefit of narrow band is that all RF outside of a very narrow band is ignored. The RFX-250 is the single piece that discriminates against such RF As long as you are using an RFX-250 you are getting the narrow band RF benefits.

As far as the remotes go, It is true that the TX-1000, MX-950, MX-900 and MX-3000's built after April 1, 2005 are the only ones that are supported for use with an RFX-250s. It is also true that the MX-850s built during Q4 2006 have the narrowband transmitters and work with the RFX-250.

If you have an 850 built pre Q4 2006 it may/maynot work well because the frequency may drift and signals might not be passed to the MRF/MSC by the RFX-250 because it is filtered out as "out of band garbage".

I have had some 850s work perfectly with the RFX-250 and some that are spotty. I personally use an MX-800 in my Master Bed and it talks perfectly to my RFX-250/MSC-400 in the living room.

The narrow band transmitter does not reduce interference - think about that for a minute, if you will.

It's the receiver that is going to either admit garbage or ignore it. So the narrow band receiver should be the ticket. If the 850 talks to it and has the right range, you're set.