Does the MRF-100 work with the MX-900? I'd like not to have to be so careful pointing my MX-900 - its more finicky in that regard than my actual device remotes. Is the MRF-100 battery operated? Should I get an MRF-200, 250, or 300 instead? What's the difference in these models?

I've noticed the same thing with my MX-900. I get intermittent missfires on occassion where a step of a multi step macro fails. I also get intermittent button press failures. I press a button and nothing happens at all. This also happens on the back light button. I press it, I hear it click, but the light doesn't come on. It requires a second press to activate the light or the learned/IR code/macro of the button I'm pressing.

This is the second 900 that has had this problem. I returned the first one because of the same issues. Perhaps there is some kind of mechanical defect in the new MX-900 line. These issues are very intermittent and happen at least once every other day with moderate use. My MX-700 on the other hand is rock solid and doesn't exhibit any of these problems. Daniel Tonks noted a similar problem with the MX-950 on the "Back and Forward" buttons.

Anyone else having any of these issues with either the 900 or 950?

I'm never sure if my 900 is mis-firing or if I just didn't aim it right. Probably a little of both.

Does anyone have advice on the MRF-100? Does it work with the MX-900? Is the MRF-100 battery operated? Should I get an MRF-200, 250, or 300 instead? What's the difference in these models?

Yes the mrf-100 will work with 900, no its not battery operated, and yes its better to get the mrf-250 or 300.

Thanks! Why are the 250 and 300 better? I'm not sure I need the extra capabilities - I'm just looking to increase my IR strength so I don't need to "aim" my remote.

I highly recomend not using the MRF 100 with the MX 900 or any other Complete Control Universal Remote Control, it will give you false results. Technically, they really are not compatible. The MRF 100 is operating at an open address so whenever the remote is not sending commands, anything at 418Mhz can interfere, therefore causing intermittent operation. The MRf 100 was desinged for single zone operation with consumer line remote controls only. IF you don't mind the interference you will see when operating, it should work sporadically. This could become very frustrating.

With the MX 900, you must use the MRF 200, MRF 250 or MRF 300 for the best possible results. In fact, I always install MRF 300's. They are the most reliable. These three MRF's are RF addressable, meaning they can be assigned an ID address so that only the remote you assign can communicate with it. The MRF 300 will let you put the antenna far away from your equipment which is really the main cause of RF intereference. An addressed base station will only allow RF frequncies to communicate with it when the remote says so.

Try looking at the LCD screen when you press a button. I've noticed that when you press an LCD button and it miss fires the button press does not highlight the text which it should do to indicate that the button has been pressed. When mine misfires the button acts as if it wasn't pressed at all.

Would you mind experimenting with yours and reporting back on what the results are? I would really like to know if this issue is an isolated case or one that is common on all the 900s.

Sorry, I'm off on vacation today for several weeks. If I remember, I'll check when I get back in Sept.

Hey Mitch,

My MX-900 doesn't do that. If yours has a serial number we would be happy to replace it for you.

Best Regards,

-Eric

Thanks for the reply Eric. But this is already my second MX-900 in less then a month. But here's my serial number:

KB12 061606016073

I just sent the first one back to Mike @ Surfremote. I'm perplexed by the fact that the same thing occurs on two new remotes. Do you think there might be a batch of defective remotes? I posted my situation here hoping I might get some input from other users to see if anyone else has had that problem.

So your MX-900 has never mis fired or refused to respond to a button press on the FIRST press of that button? Mine always works on the second press of that same button just not always on the first press. Maybe it's because I'm left handed ;-)

What do you think the chances are of two remotes in a row having the same problem? I'd say that's pretty remote. What would you suggest I do? Should I talk to Mike and see if is willing to do some rigorous testing on the one I sent back to him?

Mitch,

My new MX-900 also exhibits the same problem in regards to occasionally not firing on the first press of a button. Also the light button.

It immediately responds on the next press.

At first I thought it was user error. Good to know that it's not just me.

Happens once or twice everyday with heavy use.

Chuck,

Thanks for the reply. Let's see if Eric has any ideas on this issue. There must be some hardware issues with this remote. I hope we get some more input from other users so we can determine if it's a few isolated cases, a whole batch of remotes, or all of the MX-900s.

Perhaps I should start a new thread addressing this issue specifically. We might get more responses that way. What do you think?

Our warranty service is very good. If you have a problem with your hardware, simply call our technical support department and explain that you have a defective remote control.
A working MX-900 fires a command every time you press a button.

A broken or defective MX-900 does not.

Call tech support for warranty replacement. All you need is a serial number...

Best Regards,

-Eric

Our company usually programs and installs 7-10 per week and we have not seen this problem. We are very detail oriented so we would notice something like this. I have one at my house and it also has been great.

I suspect there may be a bad batch of remotes. URC is sending me a third remote which I hope will solve this issue. Chuck W is also having the same problem. I wonder if they came from the same batch.

I will post again once I get the new remote and let everyone know what the results are.

I also want to thank both Eric Johnson and Mike @ surfremote.com for their great support with this problem.