I currently have the RF Extender (RX-77) that came with my Marantz RC9200 wired into a Xantech connecting block (791-44) which works fine – most of the time. However, as everyone here knows, the RX-77 is very temperamental and will work perfectly for a while and then stop all together until it is repositioned (I probably have an interference problem). It may be wishful thinking, but is there anyway to use the Crestron CNRFGWA-418 with the Xantech connecting block. Meaning can the Crestron replace the RX-77 and receive a signal from my remote and transmit it to the connecting block. I called both Crestron and Xantech and neither were able to answer. Thanks for your help.

No.. That wouldnt be posible.. The CNRFGWA-418 doesnt have any IR output on it.... Perhaps you could modify it in some way, but I doubt it....

Your best bet would be to modify you RX-77 to use an external Antenna. I've had some pretty good success doing this with a high gain antena. All ya need is a BNC Bulkhead connector, Some solder and an ANtenna.... Improved range 20-30 ft and made it much more reliable.

The antenna on the RX-77 is simply a coiled piece of wire monted UPSIDE DOWN in the RX-77. Incredibly poop design if you ask me....

I believe there is a Crestron processor that contains an RF receiver that can be switched to 418. Check this link [Link: crestron.com]. Also I am going to experiment with a RC5000 to add 433.9mhz rf capability. The intent is to marry the remote to Crestron's ST-CP processor which has become relatively cheap on the used market. If your interested email me. I have other systems but this is the hobbyist in me coming out. I still have fun with this stuff.

Thanks for the replies and the link. I went to my Crestron dealer awhile ago when I saw the MC2W and all of the posts here and on the yahoo group saying it was possible to use the pronto like remotes with crestron -the dealer said it absolutely wouldn’t work and wouldn't even consider it. He went on and on about how the MT-500 was nothing like the pronto remotes.

I would consider the MC2W but I don't think I would be able to program it. I could also look for a used st-cp and the rf gateway but if I'm going to get a processor I should probably get one of the new ones. Here's what I would want to control:

Escient Fireball (E-40)
Marantz AV9000
Sony HD-200
(2) Sony Sat-60
Zektor Component Switch
Marantz DV-4300
Sony VCR
Toshiba 40H80

Crestron may be overkill for what I want - but I would really like the reliability and a new toy.

The CNRFGWA Comes in 2 flavors... 418 and 433. They are not user switchable (Not very easly anyway....)



rc5000? Marantz? That'll be interesting since the 5000 had no RF circuitry built into it. RF wasnt added until the 5200.


And thats at 418 in the states and 433 for overseas models.....