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Topic:
Can't program MX-500 (yet I don't believe I am a complete idiot)
This thread has 8 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Sunday July 1, 2007 at 01:57
yonkiman
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2007
4
Hi All,

I've had an MX-500 for many years. I set it up pretty well (custom buttons, macros, punch through, all that) when I bought it and haven't programmed it since. Recently I borrowed an Irclone box from a generous member fo this forum, so I thought it would be a good time to make all the changes that I'd been meaning to over the last few years, the main one being adding my TiVo remote codes to my MX-500 (I'd been using both remotes for a while).

However I no longer seem to be able to program a single button. I follow the procedure in the manual: MAIN+ENTER, LEARN, DEVICE [TiVo], press MX-500 button, press equivalent Tivo button, remote says "Good" after every key, then I press Main until I'm back at the main menu. But the new keys don't take.

The other interesting thing is that I can upload and download with Irclone, but when I download someone else's TiVo commands, some buttons work but the ones I can't program don't work with this method, either.

It seems something like "you can't program in VCR codes in slot 1 because it's a TV slot" - but I thought if you were learning from another remote, you could memorize any key.

I'm sure it's something simple, but I'm stuck - any ideas?

Thanks,
Fred
Post 2 made on Sunday July 1, 2007 at 12:44
mmmikkke
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2007
25
It's possible that the TIVO is using a IR protocol that the MX-500 doesn't support. You should do a search for that issue...
Post 3 made on Sunday July 1, 2007 at 13:47
edmund
Elite Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2002
13,838
1. Start with new batteries in both remotes.

2. clear the device of any attempted learned commands.

3. program AUX code 155 to the tivo device, to clear out any preprogrammed IR commands

4. For future tivo purchases, change the tivo remote address from zero to one from 1-9, so you won't have to reteach two whole devices if you ever get a second tivo box.

5. begin teaching, remote to remote, dump the IRclone.

Last edited by edmund on July 1, 2007 19:59.
OP | Post 4 made on Wednesday July 4, 2007 at 00:07
yonkiman
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2007
4
Thanks for all the suggestions, but they don't work. It's not the Tivo remote - it's the remote for the Sony SVP-2000 that a lot of people have programmed into their MX-500. I also can't seem to program my Pioneer receiver or anything else. Aux 155 didn't work, new batteries didn't work...

I'm sure I'm doing something stupid, the question is what? There are so many, many ways to be stupid...

Happy 4th everyone,
Fred
OP | Post 5 made on Wednesday July 4, 2007 at 00:48
yonkiman
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2007
4
Well, it turns out I couldn't program anything into Device #2 (even after Aux 155'ing it). However when I tried Device #6 (after Aux 155'ing it), it worked fine.

Then, using IRclone, I was able to copy #6 onto #2, and now #2 is working as it should!

Any ideas? How did device #2 get so hosed?

-Fred
Post 6 made on Wednesday July 4, 2007 at 01:45
GregoriusM
RC Consultant
Joined:
Posts:
December 1999
9,807
It got hosed because your name is Fred and you're not a complete idiot. ;-)
When ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.
Post 7 made on Friday July 13, 2007 at 11:30
yocappy
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2007
7
I would check out edmund's post, specifically step #2. Make sure you erase all learned commands on the buttons which you are unable to program before trying to learn the commmands again. From your various posts, it seems pretty clear that this is going on:Some commands work, others on specific keys do not; same results using IRClone, with the same specific keys not working; able to learn the "unlearnable" command to another key, but not to the repeatedly malfunctioning key. these are all sympomatic of 2 things:previously learned codes remaining in the programming or debris under the button pad preventing contact with the PCB. You don't mention if these specific keys are also failing for devices other than the Tivo, so I am assuming that it is not happening, & thus I rule out the 2nd option. erase those learned codes for this device & specific keys, then try again.
OP | Post 8 made on Monday July 16, 2007 at 01:55
yonkiman
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2007
4
Thanks for all the suggestions! I figured out the final (I hope) issue: Some of the keys I was having trouble with apparently had punch-throughs that needed to be cleared out. Once I did that, everything seemed to work pretty consistently.

This remote really, really needs a simple "Clear Everything (and I mean EVERYTHING)" command. I don't care if it wants to ask me "Are you SURE?" 16 times in a row to make sure people don't accidentally mess up their remote - I wasted a TON of time because I thought the remote was "clean" and it wasn't....

Again, I really appreciate the support. I'll try to get this added to some MX-500 FAQs...

-Fred
Post 9 made on Saturday September 8, 2007 at 00:36
midiboy
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2007
2
had same prob. once would say its learned but wouldnt take.
ended up being interferance from lights try learning in new spot and try learning some other button from different remote to rule out if its tivo remote or mx500
midiboy


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