I currently own an MX-500, and have been researching URC's RF remotes. During my research I found what appears to be an upcoming product for archiving configurations from MX-350 and MX-650 remotes to a PC for re-use into other MX-350s and MX-650s. The product is called PCL-300, and I did not find any reference to this at Remote Central after doing a bit of searching. Sounds similar to the IRClone product for the MX-500. Does anyone have information about the pricing or availability of this product? I googled it and found it listed as "coming soon" from one online retailer:

[Link: customdistributing.com]

The PCL-300 does not appear on the universalremote.com Products page, but it does appear on the Downloads page. Both the user manual and the PC software are available for downloading. Below I've included an excerpt from the manual. Please reply if you know anything about this product. Thanks!

"Thank you for purchasing the Complete Control PCL-300 PC Upgrade
Link. The PCL-300 does not enable you to make any changes to an MX-
650 or MX-350 configuration via the PC. All programming is done on the
remote control. Nor does the PCL-300 allow you to convert an MX-650
configuration to an MX-350 configuration or vice versa.

The PCL-300 is designed to enable the professional installer to archive
configurations programmed on either the MX-650 or the MX-350 remote
controls so that the configurations can be reused in the future without
repeating the programming process. Downloading a previously programmed
configuration often provides a better starting point for programming
and speeds customization even if the new system is slightly different
from an archived file. The PCL-300 software includes a completely blank
configuration for each of the remotes. These blank configurations have all
labeling and codes deleted from all devices and buttons, enabling you to
program small systems without extensive deleting of labels or commands.
The PCL-300 also enables you to update the IR Database in the remote
control and to update the operating system of the remote control itself
whenever an improvement is available. By connecting to the internet,
then using the Live Update feature, you can update the control itself."

This message was edited by Scott in CO on 06/22/05 12:34 ET.

This unit is designed to do exactly as described...

1) Allows for backup of MX-350 and MX-650
2) Allows for updating the IR database without sending your MX-350/650 to URC
3) Allows to start with a blank remote by downloading an empty template

The unit will connect to the pins located inside the battery compartment and will plug into the computer (probably via USB).



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Authorized Online Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Thanks for the confirmation, Damon! Any word on price or availability?

I believe it is only being sold to dealers and not meant for the public. Your distributors should have the price already. I haven't tried to buy one yet so I don't know about availability,

Bob

The interesting part for the hobbiest PC programmers is that once you get a file in a PC, I'm sure someone can figure out how to modify it to their liking, just as the IRClone project did. ;-)

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

The target market is actually installers, but I'm sure if an end user wanted one, they could probably buy one as well.

I think these will be a sub-$99 item, but this is not confirmed.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Authorized Online Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Damon,

I shouldn't say this but the dealer cost is more than twice that ($99)! Probably, only worth it to people who do a lot of remotes.

Bob

Bob,

Oh, ok. I hadn't noticed. I guess it is worth it to dealers who prefer the non-PC programmable models and program a good number of them. Even a few backups may pay for itself vs potential freebie service calls.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Authorized Online Dealer & Remote Programming Services

I received one of these backup units last week -my distributor gave me a 30% discount on the PCL300 if I bought two MX350's and MX650's with it. So far I have not been able to upload or download any files from the MX350's I have in stock. The MX650's have not shipped yet so I could not tell you if that will work with the PCL300. I installed the software, connected a MX350 and get the error "did not understand the recevied message. Check model connected to computer." I emailed Universal Remote, but have not heard back from them yet. Has anyone gotten this unit to work for them?

Depending on the price of the new MX900, we may not need this.

advht,

I wish I could offer more info to help you, but I have never even tested one of those units yet.

URC should be able to provide you with some guidance. Give them a call at: (914) 835-4484.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming