As I understand it, when programming an MX950 and MSC400 combo, one creates/learns all devices on the MX950, then imports this profile into the MSC400; macros are then created on the MSC400.

What if one wants to use multiple remotes with the MSC400, and specifically two different types of remotes? For instance, I have an MX950, MX900 and TX1000 (yes, I know - a lot of remotes; this is my demo/showroom system) ... what's "best practice" for interfacing all of these remotes with the MSC400?

I use both a MX-3000 and two MX-900's with my MSC-400. One of the big advantages is that you can program the macros in the MSC-400 and then trigger them with the different remotes. This makes programming much easier.

Cheers

Great, but how does one actually go about this? Did you import the devices to the MSC400 from the MX3000, or both sets of remotes? When creating the macros in the MSC400, do you create a duplicate set of macros for each type of remote? If not, how does the MSC400 correspond an MX3000 key/IR code with the MX900s?

It is really more simple than you'd think. Once the devices are in the MSC, and the macros are created, the MSC is done. You don't need two identical macros for two remotes, you only need one macro and it can be triggered by both remotes.

1. Program the remotes with the devices required (No Macros)

2. Import the devices from any remote into the MSC.

3. Create the macros in the MSC. (Aside from touchups the MSC is done)

4. Open one of the remote editors (lets say the MX-950) and the remote file you created in step one.

5. Open Universal Browser and find the MSC file you just created.

6. Drag the MSC macro from universal browser to the button on the remote that you want to trigger the macro. Repeat this step for each macro you want the 950 to trigger.

7. Start back at step 4 for each other remote you want to add to the system.

NOTE: I like to put all the MSC macros in a single device (Called Macros) on the remote and call them from one or more places in the remote.

Sweet, that really is simple - thanks!! Yah, I'm about 1/2-way thru their MSC400 online training, and hadn't come across this yet (figured it wasn't even in there, hence my post).

Really good tip, will follow - thanks again!

Playing with the MSC400 software, it looks like the steps above should work great for connecting multiple remotes to a single MSC400. However, if you only have one RFX250 how do you prevent the RF packets from colliding or can one RFX-250 support multiple channel IDs? Is it necessary to never use the two remotes at the same time?

Also, can I use RF along with the and IR emitter on the MX900 at the same time (i.e. hitting the play button will send IR play command out the front of the MX900 and an RF command to the MSC400 to send serial data out a port to control lighting). The plan is to have the output RS232 port talk to a home automation server...

I've ordered one MX900 and an MSC400, but am planning to buy another MX900 to controll lighting and things throughout my home in a second area.

Yes it can send both RF and IR. Go order yourself a bunch of batteries for the 900's. We just finished a house with 10 URC remotes working off of 2 MSC400's with no problems.

One of the reasons for putting the macros in the MSC-400s is so that you minimize the amount of RF being sent. This is mostly for noise reasons, but also really lowers the available window for collisions. Individual commands going to the MSC-400 are really short in RF duration minimizing the risk again.

We run 4 remotes to the MSC-400 pair and don't have a problem. The one thing that can occasionally be a problem is if you have long macros running in the MSC-400 and another remote fires off another long macro in the middle. I find this mostly leads to a lockout of commands for the second macro- just means you have to hit the button on the remote again.

I'm surprised the MSC-400 would lock out a macro. I would've thought it would cache the trigger command and execute macro 2 after macro 1 has finished. It sounds like for these multiple set ups, you use the same "ID" for all the remotes. I'll order another used MX900 from ebay and play.