hi guys,
I need a little assistance. I have always found ways to not to have to use RS-232 because I was unfamiliar with it. Now I don't have a choice. I have programmed a xantech MRC-88 system and escient Fireballs. Upon speaking with both Xantech and Escient the Escient codes are incompatible with the MRC-88. Do I need a hub or switch to break out the MRC-88's 1 com port? Do I need to use a null modem cable? Any help wouold be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I dont think the MRC88 will talk to the fireball over its RS-232 port. I think that sport is only for Updating/Programming the MRC-88, What you can do is use a Xantech IRS232a. THis will take a IR signal and send a RS-232 command to the fireball.

Yes that is true with the programming port on the front, but I know it will control other components via RS-232 and escient has sent me the RS-232 program pallette. I just don't really know how to interface the two.

Looks ike it may indeed work with the MRC's RS-232 port.

The pickture appears to be a Female RS-232 conection so technically it should be a Null cable between the Escient and the Xantech

I have two fireballs. Do I need a hub or switch of some kind or are they just paralleled.

As both Fireballs will respond to the same 232 commands identically you will have to use two Xantech IR to 232 converters each set to respond to it's own unique IR codes and hooked to it's respective fireball. This will keep things operating separately. You will need a Xantech RC 88+ to teach the IR commands to the device with which you intend to control the Fireballs with. You will also need a copy of the Dragon drop 460 software to program the 232 commands to the IR commands. You will need to understand the Escient Fireball RS 232 protocol fully before proceading as you time and the associated parts to make this work cost money. Another alernative would be to use an IR router to route the IR codes to the intended Fireball while not sending codes to the other. RS 232 is more reliable. We had to use the IR to 232 converters in our showroom with fireballs due to the reluctance of the Fireball codes to be used with other remotes.

2 Fireballs? Are these Old origingal firebals or the newer current E-Series?

If E Series, Why 2? The E series is designed to work with the MP-100 for multi-zone applications. I dont believe E-40's or E-120's can talk to each other.

Since the Xantech only has one com port, you will need to use at least one IRRS232 adaport to control the second. (Would be that way with an E-120/MP100 combo as well, but they would share the same library at least)

These are the original fireballs we sold out of our 2 showrooms. The sales person sold them with out consulting me now I am stuck making it work. I already had to shell out $6o for USB to ethernet adaptors. I think I will just move one down to the theater and use the theater as a source. Thanks for your input.

two e series can talk to each other and share libraries, i think the orignal ones can too.

I did an install at two neightbor's houses who had similar music tastes, so i set up a wireless network dedicated to their two fireballs and now they can use each other's libraries.