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Topic:
Russound MCA-C3 without keypads
This thread has 29 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 19:18
gmc911
Lurking Member
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8
Hi,

I would like to control basic functions (on/off, volume, sources) of the MCA-C3 via small, cheap, replacable 10$ IR remotes (much like this) WITHOUT having to use/buy the keypads. Reducing wall clutter is one reason, designer switches that don't match their design is the other one.  

Russound confirmed that if push comes to shove, I can use the Aux IR input of the keypads, run my own IR receiver to the different zones (just have a small dot somewhere in the suspended ceiling) and simply leave the keypads stowed away somewhere, but since they're 100$ each, that would be quite a waste. 

If you have any suggestions enabling me to use multiple simple IR remotes (planning to just have 10 of them lying around, so 1 is always near), please share them. I'm aware that there is an Iphone app, but that is exactly what I am not looking for. Power, volume and source has to be controllable without "sophisticated" remotes. Just take the nearest remote, point to the zone IR and press the volume button. No need to think about which zone you're in, or which combination of buttons you need to press, or which of the 10 remotes is in your hand right now. 

That's basically the gist of it.

If you're interested, I'll just quickly summarize the rest of the set-up, which might or might not make it clearer why we want to do it like this. Feel free to skip.

Media Source: PC with 2x HDMI out and 6x Stereo audio out
Software: Jriver, multi-zone control with android or ios apps
A/V distribution: 3x8 HDMI Switch/Splitter connected to Russound via MyroBridge; Russound MCA-C3

So in this setup, the keypads are really not necessary, and really, neither is controlling the russound via an app. For everyday use, main application will most likely be, that 1 Audio channel runs on TV, 5 on some playlists or internet radio and the user can simply switch around with the simple remote. If he/she wants to manipulate the source, the Jriver app on a tablet or phone, or one of the 8 HDMI outputs can be used with a keyboard. 

I'm open to any suggestion that saves the 600$ I would need for those keypads, just for them to route through the IR. 
Post 2 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 19:50
Bonavox
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Why?

Just because you can do something, doesn't always make it a good idea.

Why do you purposely want to make the system harder to use?

I get the reducing wall clutter and keypads that won't match designer switches. but I don't get the $10 IR remotes, that's not what we do.

I just completed a job where I used a Niles ZR-6 with the new Pro Control remotes.

There are no keypads in the house. We will soon be integrating iPad control but the customer uses the main remote to control the system seamlessly.
Bill's Electric & Home Theater & Plumbing & Automation & Small Engine Repair, and Animal Removal Services......did I mention we do remotes also?
Post 3 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 19:57
oex
Super Member
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He is doing it in a weird attempt to save money. Unfortunately, there is no way to make it cheaper or easier. I didn't want to comment because it feels like a train wreck in the making:(
Diplomacy is the art of saying hire a pro without actually saying hire a pro
Post 4 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 20:06
Bonavox
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Agreed!!
Bill's Electric & Home Theater & Plumbing & Automation & Small Engine Repair, and Animal Removal Services......did I mention we do remotes also?
Post 5 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 20:32
jmj52
Long Time Member
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110
Russound does not offer an IR input on their controllers. Only through the keypads.

Why wouldn't you want to use an app to control the Russound when you have them using an app to control the Jriver?

I feel bad for the person who is going to have to use this system when you are done if you follow your current thought process.

If you are the one that sold them this setup, good luck. If you are cleaning up for someone else, I would apologize on behalf of the industry and suggest RTI/URC/ElanG! control options.
Post 6 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 20:55
Hasbeen
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5,273
I've responded to this thread 4 times already.  I've deleted it every time before posting.  So I'll leave it at this.  

No comment.
Post 7 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 22:16
longshot16
Super Member
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3,442
Thanks for the headache.

Why are you doing this at all? Why not use a proper audio controller with actual control input?

Is this for you or a client?

Why make life so difficult?
The Unicorn Whisperer
Post 8 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 22:25
adamav
Long Time Member
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273
The short answer to the OP's question is - Yes , it can be done for less than $600 , However as Bonavox has said , just because you can do somehing , does not mean that you should . But , i guess if you are a DiY guy who's got a lot of time on your hands , i would start with this [Link: xantech.com] , get an IR distribution , then get really familiar with Russound's RS232 protocol , and you may have a starting point .......or a train wreck ;)
Post 9 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 22:35
Mattkoch
Long Time Member
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169
Trainwreck. What would this accomplish? It isn't being cheaper if he is hiding the keypads. He still has to buy the keypads.

Use the app and be done with it. If cost is an issue then use a different controller but do it right. The customer will hate the system and that forever looks bad on you.
Post 10 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 22:40
adamav
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On May 29, 2012 at 22:35, Mattkoch said...
Trainwreck. What would this accomplish? It isn't being cheaper if he is hiding the keypads. He still has to buy the keypads.

i agree about the app , but that xantech piece does eliminate needs for keypads
Post 11 made on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at 22:42
iimig
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I don't like it.
The less I say, the smarter I will appear
OP | Post 12 made on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at 04:37
gmc911
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May 2012
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Thanks everyone for your time and input - especially adamav. That answer was exactly what I was looking for. Will consider the xantech solution, but will probably go ahead and buy the keypads for IR routing since there are no out-of-the-box solutions. Might even use one in the bathroom.

To clear things up: I'm a DIY guy, not an installer (you might have guessed ;)).

I've seen lots of different solutions using various remotes, touchscreens, apps, etc., but am not comfortable with any of them. As I said before, I do not like keypads (btw, neither do I like wall mounted touchscreens) and I might be in the wrong forum to say this, but I also do not like complicated (>10 buttons) and bulky remotes. I'd rather use the 10$ remote (maybe a different brand, slightly different design, but credit card format) than one of the Pro Controls any day - not because I'm cheap, but because in this setup, I do not need any more features.

Now why not control everything with apps. 1st of all, I've already been using various media centers and their respective apps for a single zone HTPC audio solution - and I like it very much both on the phone and tablet. I appreciate the flexibility they give me in comparison to being locked down to a single hardware and software provider. I also like the simple IR remote I use for the amp that is plugged into the pc. I feel like 80% of the time I have to turn down the volume, it's because my phone rings. Then I want a mute button right where I am, not on the next wall, or having to open the app before. If I use a dedicated Ipod as a remote, it would work right now, but with multizones, it would be a bit more complicated, since I would first need to choose which zone I want to control (which changes ofc). Also, the tought of having to keep 5 or 6 Ipods (or whichever device I would use) charged already drives me nuts. So I fail to see the convenience in that. The way I listen to music, is playlists that play on repeat and shuffled pretty much all day long. So while I want to control volume quite frequently, I do not have to interact with the Mediacenter directly very often.

Plus, I don't really get why having those IR remotes is such a bad idea and everyone recommends using apps. They are just there for additional comfort. I do not need them at all, but would like to have them.
Post 13 made on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at 07:35
oex
Super Member
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4,177
I'm still confused. How about his surround zone then use a delta from Aton. Credit card remote that works in all areas. He would give up multi source in the areas but can't decide if he wants that anyway. The c3 might not be the right product
Diplomacy is the art of saying hire a pro without actually saying hire a pro
OP | Post 14 made on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at 08:51
gmc911
Lurking Member
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8
@oex:

I don't want a surround zone. Stereo sound will be sufficient in every zone, might add a Subwoofer in the TV-room.

The Aton remote looks nice, but I fail to see how 1 remote for every room is more convenient than several remotes lying around all over the place (at least in every room). I don't think I want to control the sound in the kitchen while sitting in the living room.

As for the Equipment: I think Russound in conjunction with MyroBridge is the best solution to have both video (3x8 HDMI) and Audio (6 zones) set up for Multizone.

Now I'm a bit confused why you say I can't decide if I want different sources. Of course I want different sources. But if I choose to control the system entirely via apps, I could just as well control the MCA-C3 via the htpc and apps.


Again, thanks for all the input. Might not look like it, but it is really helpful.
Post 15 made on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at 09:40
longshot16
Super Member
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So about This MyroBridge
Says you can control Sonos through it?

[Link: myrocontrol.com]

Is this true?
The Unicorn Whisperer
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