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Topic:
RF extender - need some inputs for a newbie !
This thread has 12 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 13:43
waterblaze
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Hi All,

I own a Harmony 885 and I would like to be able to control my devices that are in a cabinet behind doors in a non-line-of-sight.

So from my understanding I need a RF extender, but how does it work? Do I need anything else?

Thanks for shedding some light.

Cheers
W.
Post 2 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 14:17
hhatkin
Long Time Member
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461
Does the 885 do RF??
If not you need a IR extender, that picks up the signals and sends them down wires to emitters located on or near the devices.
OP | Post 3 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 15:00
waterblaze
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I've just checked...And no it doesn't. So I am thinking about upgrading to a harmony 895 or a 1000.

So, what else should I need apart the RF extender?

Thanks again.
Post 4 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 15:12
jlet
Super Member
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RF extenders consist of an IR sensor to RF transmitter module, and a RF receiver to IR transmitter(s) but are prone to RF interferences. IR to IR wired repeaters are more robust. The Hot Link Pro is a good entry level IR repeater and if you need more flexibility then check out the Niles system ([Link: nilesaudio.com]).

One advantage of an IR repeater (over the Harmony RF extender solution) is that it can be used with any IR remote including the original OEM remotes (in case your Harmony is in the shop for repair).

Last edited by jlet on September 3, 2008 15:25.
H659, H680, SA8300HD, TH-50PZ850, AVR-X4000
Post 5 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 15:47
akirby
Super Member
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Is there an echo in here?

Stick with the 885 and get the hot link pro or other IR repeater as jlet suggested. Much more flexible and the IR receiver is tiny and can be hidden in the cabinet door frame if necessary. In addition to being able to use the OEM remotes you can also use any IR capable universal remote including upgrading to a new Harmony down the road.
Post 6 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 16:22
citico
Long Time Member
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69
The poster says he has a "no line of sight" which would make an IR to IR difficult.
I have the RF extender with the 1000 and like it. No interference here!!
Ed
Post 7 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 16:33
akirby
Super Member
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That's exactly why he needs an IR repeater like the hot link pro. It consists of a receiver (about the size of your pinkie finger) that you place in the line of sight (wall, ceiling, tabletop, mounted in the door frame) with wires that extend to the hidden equipment. The only advantage RF gets you is you don't have to aim the remote at the IR receiver.

OTOH if your 1000 or the RF extender goes belly up you can't pick up the OEM remotes and use those or replace it with a simple universal IR remote like the harmony one. You're stuck with a RF harmony solution.

Last edited by akirby on September 3, 2008 19:11.
Post 8 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 18:22
hhatkin
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On September 3, 2008 at 15:00, waterblaze said...
So I am thinking
about upgrading to a harmony 895 or a 1000.
So, what else should I need apart the RF extender?
Thanks again.

That's OK.
I can only repeat what I said at first and the others agree - an IR - not RF - extender for your 885 would do what you want.
Post 9 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 18:54
smokinghot
Super Member
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3,688
If you're sticking with Harmony (sorry guys), add one more vote for the IR repeater.

For what you're trying to accomplish. It's the best solution...

You don't mention your equipment, so keep in mind plasma/LCD friendly receivers if you're using such a display. Stray IR from those panels can reak havoc on IR systems.
....Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Post 10 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 19:00
jlet
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On September 3, 2008 at 15:47, akirby said...
Is there an echo in here?

Yes this was an echo - sorry. It was faster for me to repeat what you said in another post than to find it.
H659, H680, SA8300HD, TH-50PZ850, AVR-X4000
Post 11 made on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 19:15
akirby
Super Member
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On September 3, 2008 at 19:00, jlet said...
Yes this was an echo - sorry. It was faster for me to
repeat what you said in another post than to find it.

No problem at all - I found it rather humorous.
Post 12 made on Thursday September 4, 2008 at 10:49
hhatkin
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Agreement is no problem - especially when we get smokinghot on the same side!
Post 13 made on Friday September 5, 2008 at 04:37
smokinghot
Super Member
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What can I say... I'm a Lemming

:)
....Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.


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