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Topic:
URC-R40 - "My favourite remote"
This thread has 78 replies. Displaying posts 16 through 30.
Post 16 made on Friday December 9, 2011 at 21:47
jsuarez
Long Time Member
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61
On December 9, 2011 at 20:53, RandyWalters said...
Well sadly it looks like that's not possible with the R40. All we can do is delete all the text from the blue icon so that it's blank.

The R50 (the predecessor to this newer R40) did have the ability to hide an LCD icon according to the R50 review here on RemoteCentral and in the online R50 quick-start guide, but apparently they didn't carry this feature over to the R40.

Thanks. I was thinking that might be the case. Starting the device from scratch would be the only option. Pain in the a....

Funny thing going on with my R40. I find that some commands did not save during my initial setup so I "relearn". What's weird is that after relearning, other command(s) would get mysteriously erased somewhere in the device. Happens randomly but mostly on the cursor pad. I'm not imagining it because I write them down. Most times it would take 5-6 tries to get all the commands saved. Memory is only at 50% with only 4 components. Anyone else run into this???
Post 17 made on Sunday December 11, 2011 at 17:11
RandyWalters
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97
On December 9, 2011 at 21:47, jsuarez said...
Thanks. I was thinking that might be the case. Starting the device from scratch would be the only option. Pain in the a....

I've come to realize with this R40 that creating a device from scratch and creating my own command icons on it's screens and learning everything is actually quicker and yields more personalized results than testing dozens of useless codes in the hopes of finding one that actually mimicks the original remote's functions. When i attempted Quick Setup for my Onkyo 605, i tested a couple dozen codes one at a time only to discover that none of them matched my 605 so i gave up and just custom created the whole device and my own function icons, and learned all the commands. I counted 62 different codes for my Onkyo AVR. Had i just created my Onkyo from scratch it would have saved me a few hours. It would be much quicker if they'd given us the ability to input a numeric code (like with my MX-500) so we could see if the icons match the original remote than going through the lengthy trial and error method they have us do. This is a glaring omission on the R40 and their new method is extremely frustrating and time consuming.


Funny thing going on with my R40. I find that some commands did not save during my initial setup so I "relearn". What's weird is that after relearning, other command(s) would get mysteriously erased somewhere in the device. Happens randomly but mostly on the cursor pad. I'm not imagining it because I write them down. Most times it would take 5-6 tries to get all the commands saved. Memory is only at 50% with only 4 components. Anyone else run into this???

The exact same thing has happened to me about 3 times now when re-learning a command that didn't originally take. And not only that, i've had my Tivo S3 mode working perfectly then yesterday i created my Onkyo 605 AVR device completely from scratch (did not use the default for this) and learned all the commands into the R40 and got it all working perfectly, then when i went back to Tivo mode the Slow command i had on the right skip key was now gone. So i re-learned it on the first try, but then i lost the command i'd placed on the Menu key so i had to re-learn that one as well. It happens kinda randomly.
Randy
URC MX-890, MX-780, MX-450, R40, MX-500, Sony XBR-55X900E, Panny TC-P55ST60, Tivo Roamio Pro & Premiere & OTA, TWC Arris DVR, Onkyo 333 AVR, Roku Express 4K, Panasonic Blu-Ray
Post 18 made on Sunday December 11, 2011 at 20:18
jsuarez
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On December 11, 2011 at 17:11, RandyWalters said...
I've come to realize with this R40 that creating a device from scratch and creating my own command icons on it's screens and learning everything is actually quicker and yields more personalized results than testing dozens of useless codes in the hopes of finding one that actually mimicks the original remote's functions.

Yup. Definitely the way to go. I didn't even bother with the database.

The exact same thing has happened to me about 3 times now when re-learning a command that didn't originally take. And not only that, i've had my Tivo S3 mode working perfectly then yesterday i created my Onkyo 605 AVR device completely from scratch (did not use the default for this) and learned all the commands into the R40 and got it all working perfectly, then when i went back to Tivo mode the Slow command i had on the right skip key was now gone. So i re-learned it on the first try, but then i lost the command i'd placed on the Menu key so i had to re-learn that one as well. It happens kinda randomly.

I'm gonna delete the device and start from scratch. If the learned command(s) disappears again, there's a good chance that I'm returning the remote. I got a sweet deal on it but it's not worth keeping with that annoying quirk. I have a replacement offer from URC for my mx-850 that's pretty fair so I might just go back to that. After a week with the R40, I might prefer the layout, button sizes and tactile response of the 850.

Last edited by jsuarez on December 11, 2011 20:25.
Post 19 made on Sunday December 11, 2011 at 22:49
hdtvluvr
Long Time Member
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402
On December 11, 2011 at 20:18, jsuarez said...
I have a replacement offer from URC for my mx-850 that's pretty fair so I might just go back to that. After a week with the R40, I might prefer the layout, button sizes and tactile response of the 850.

Thus the reason for my original question. :)

On December 7, 2011 at 12:00, hdtvluvr said...
Why would you want to replace a mx850?
Post 20 made on Monday December 12, 2011 at 02:25
jsuarez
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On December 11, 2011 at 22:49, hdtvluvr said...
Thus the reason for my original question. :)

Maybe you should've gotten to the point last week to save me all the trouble.
Post 21 made on Wednesday December 28, 2011 at 21:09
RandyWalters
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97
On December 11, 2011 at 20:18, jsuarez said...
I'm gonna delete the device and start from scratch. If the learned command(s) disappears again, there's a good chance that I'm returning the remote. I got a sweet deal on it but it's not worth keeping with that annoying quirk. I have a replacement offer from URC for my mx-850 that's pretty fair so I might just go back to that. After a week with the R40, I might prefer the layout, button sizes and tactile response of the 850.

Update - while setting up my DVD player device from scratch, the command i'd put on the EXIT key disappeared, so i re-learned it ok, but then the command on the Menu key disappeared so i had to re-learn that one as well. It's a little irritating but not a big deal as there are already so many steps in creating a device and getting it all set up exactly the way i want it so re-learning a few more keys isn't a problem - i think the remote is worth it.

FWIW, after fully programming all my devices and creating several macros this R40 is working flawlessly and everything i've taught it is still working since finishing it a few weeks ago. I'm really liking this remote, and i'm barely using my MX-500 anymore.
Randy
URC MX-890, MX-780, MX-450, R40, MX-500, Sony XBR-55X900E, Panny TC-P55ST60, Tivo Roamio Pro & Premiere & OTA, TWC Arris DVR, Onkyo 333 AVR, Roku Express 4K, Panasonic Blu-Ray
Post 22 made on Saturday December 31, 2011 at 15:13
Agrarian
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On December 9, 2011 at 21:47, jsuarez said...
Thanks. I was thinking that might be the case. Starting the device from scratch would be the only option. Pain in the a....

Funny thing going on with my R40. I find that some commands did not save during my initial setup so I "relearn". What's weird is that after relearning, other command(s) would get mysteriously erased somewhere in the device. Happens randomly but mostly on the cursor pad. I'm not imagining it because I write them down. Most times it would take 5-6 tries to get all the commands saved. Memory is only at 50% with only 4 components. Anyone else run into this???

I just setup a new system with my new r40 and ran into the same thing. The '0' appeared not programmed for the SAT device so I reprogrammed it. Then I found that the '1' was not programmed - so I programmed it again. Then I found that the '2' was not programmed..... This continued for the whole 0-9 keypad - I would fix the missing code and the next in the sequence would be gone. After several complete re-learns of the keypad digits it finally took. Leaves me wondering what else may have dropped off though...
Post 23 made on Wednesday January 4, 2012 at 01:57
jsuarez
Long Time Member
Joined:
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November 2006
61
Decided to take URC's replacement offer for the MX-850. Just too good of an offer for a new 850 and too many little issues I have with the R40 so it will be going back to J&R.

Last edited by jsuarez on January 4, 2012 23:12.
Post 24 made on Tuesday January 10, 2012 at 14:10
camborita
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On December 28, 2011 at 21:09, RandyWalters said...
Update - while setting up my DVD player device from scratch, the command i'd put on the EXIT key disappeared, so i re-learned it ok, but then the command on the Menu key disappeared so i had to re-learn that one as well. It's a little irritating but not a big deal as there are already so many steps in creating a device and getting it all set up exactly the way i want it so re-learning a few more keys isn't a problem - i think the remote is worth it.

FWIW, after fully programming all my devices and creating several macros this R40 is working flawlessly and everything i've taught it is still working since finishing it a few weeks ago. I'm really liking this remote, and i'm barely using my MX-500 anymore.

Hi Randy,

I have had the prior consumer versions of the URC remotes for years (URC 100, URC 300, RF20 & RF30). I've always been pleased with these units, but from time to time have been looking to upgrade. When the R50 came out, I had hoped it was the solution for me, but the one thing which kept me from getting it was (quoted from Amazon review):

"If the screen is off, your first keypress turns the screen on, but the command isn't sent to the device. This is extremely irritating! With the old MX-500, I could set it down, and whenever the phone rang I could just pick it up and hit pause. With the new R50, I hit pause, nothing happens, then I have to hit pause again."

Does the R40 also have this same issue? That's pretty much a show-stopper for me.

Secondly, do you know if the R40 has a RF board in it like the older URC remotes? Having the built in 418MHz RF frequency is a huge plus for me since it allows me to use my 418MHz NextGen Remote Extender without the weird battery device that would normally be needed to make it function. I'm thinking the R40 does not have RF capability based on the name (R instead of RF) and also the specs shown on the URC website, but wanted to check with someone who has it.

TIA for any help/insight you can provide.
Post 25 made on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 11:17
RandyWalters
Long Time Member
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97
On January 10, 2012 at 14:10, camborita said...
Hi Randy,

I have had the prior consumer versions of the URC remotes for years (URC 100, URC 300, RF20 & RF30). I've always been pleased with these units, but from time to time have been looking to upgrade. When the R50 came out, I had hoped it was the solution for me, but the one thing which kept me from getting it was (quoted from Amazon review):

"If the screen is off, your first keypress turns the screen on, but the command isn't sent to the device. This is extremely irritating! With the old MX-500, I could set it down, and whenever the phone rang I could just pick it up and hit pause. With the new R50, I hit pause, nothing happens, then I have to hit pause again."

Does the R40 also have this same issue? That's pretty much a show-stopper for me.

My R40 does not do this on any of the hard buttons on the body of the remote; it responds instantly with the first press of the buttons in all situations. But the 6 buttons surrounding the color screen do indeed act like that Amazon reviewer stated but only if the screen is dark, whereupon you have to press one of these buttons (or any other button on the body for that matter) once to "wake up" the R40 (which lights up the screen and buttons), then press the button again to send the command. However, if you've lit up the screen by pressing any button on the body of the remote then these 6 screen buttons respond instantly on the first press. But if you wait for the screen light to time out and it goes dark, then you do have to press a screen key twice to send the command. Hope that makes sense.

For this reason i didn't put any primary functions on any of these 6 screen buttons, but there are so many hard keys on the body that i don't need to use any of the 6 screen buttons for normal use, i just use them for settings menus and other secondary functions, or a duplicate of a command i already have stored on a hard button on the body.

Also in the R40's System Menu, the screen illumination duration can be set to either 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 seconds. And the button illumination duration can also be set to the same intervals (separate from the screen illumination). You can also set the button lighting to come on automatically when you press any button, or leave it set to Off and they won't light up unless you press the LIGHT button on the right side of the remote.



Secondly, do you know if the R40 has a RF board in it like the older URC remotes? Having the built in 418MHz RF frequency is a huge plus for me since it allows me to use my 418MHz NextGen Remote Extender without the weird battery device that would normally be needed to make it function. I'm thinking the R40 does not have RF capability based on the name (R instead of RF) and also the specs shown on the URC website, but wanted to check with someone who has it.
TIA for any help/insight you can provide.

As far as i know the R40 has no RF capability whatsoever.
Randy
URC MX-890, MX-780, MX-450, R40, MX-500, Sony XBR-55X900E, Panny TC-P55ST60, Tivo Roamio Pro & Premiere & OTA, TWC Arris DVR, Onkyo 333 AVR, Roku Express 4K, Panasonic Blu-Ray
Post 26 made on Thursday January 12, 2012 at 17:13
camborita
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Thanks Randy,

All makes perfect sense and I appreciate you taking the time to give me such a detailed answer. If the RF was in there too, this remote would be pretty much perfect for me.  I may still have to pick up one anyway! :)
Post 27 made on Friday January 13, 2012 at 00:14
RandyWalters
Long Time Member
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97
On January 12, 2012 at 17:13, camborita said...
Thanks Randy,

All makes perfect sense and I appreciate you taking the time to give me such a detailed answer. If the RF was in there too, this remote would be pretty much perfect for me.  I may still have to pick up one anyway! :)

The R40 uses the same housing as the MX-780 which does have RF capability, but i don't know if it's something a civilian can get the software for or if it can be used strictly as a learning remote etc.

[Link: universalremote.com]
Randy
URC MX-890, MX-780, MX-450, R40, MX-500, Sony XBR-55X900E, Panny TC-P55ST60, Tivo Roamio Pro & Premiere & OTA, TWC Arris DVR, Onkyo 333 AVR, Roku Express 4K, Panasonic Blu-Ray
Post 28 made on Saturday January 14, 2012 at 22:51
camborita
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On January 13, 2012 at 00:14, RandyWalters said...
|

The R40 uses the same housing as the MX-780 which does have RF capability, but i don't know if it's something a civilian can get the software for or if it can be used strictly as a learning remote etc.

[Link: universalremote.com]

That's interesting to know since I have the RF boards that I've pulled out of my URC100 and my RF20. Who knows, maybe if i crack the case of the R40, there will be a spot on the main board to plug in an RF board. Probably not, but you never know...
Post 29 made on Sunday January 15, 2012 at 11:36
JoeFlabitz
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1,517
On January 13, 2012 at 00:14, RandyWalters said...
|

The R40 uses the same housing as the MX-780 which does have RF capability, but i don't know if it's something a civilian can get the software for or if it can be used strictly as a learning remote etc.

[Link: universalremote.com]

The R40 is a pre-programmed remote, so all the code is resident in the unit itself, no outboard programming.
Post 30 made on Wednesday January 18, 2012 at 10:24
FargleBargle
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5
(reposted from R50 thread)

On January 2, 2012 at 10:45, RandyWalters said...
We should probably continue the R40-specific discussions in the R40 thread so as not to dilute the R50 content:

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. My original question was about features on a number of remotes, including the R50, so could have been considered "on topic" in the other thread, but now that I'm leaning more toward the R40, the discussion should move here.

One point I've noticed on the R40 is the "My Favorites" buttons. I originally thought these were just the standard colored buttons seen on other remotes, and I could use them to store additional macros. I now see that they have been labeled with favorite channel categories "Sports", "Music", "Movies" and "News". This seems a bit odd, considering it's being marketed as "My Favorite Remote". These categories may be somebody's favorites, but they're certainly not mine. What if I want "Educational", "Sci-Fi", "Porn" and "Reality" instead? What if I have some other way of organizing my favorites, or want to use the buttons for something else entirely? It seems a bit odd that a "universal" remote would impose this kind of arbitrary organization scheme on users. Can these buttons be used for something else, or are they only for favorites? If they are just for favorites, I'll probably use different categories than theirs, so I guess I'll find out how durable the lettering is on the labels. Does anyone have more information on what you can and can't do with these buttons?
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