the 15-2117 is GREAT by the way! It took about 2 nights of moving the command center around and the IR extender. Now i've got the command center completely out of site, and everything is working great from everywhere in the house..


... next test will be battery life..

Yep, with a jp1 you can get your 2117 (or a lot of other radio shack or one-for-all remotes) to be the equivalent of a pronto (I'm not kidding). I control 8 devices with mine, and I can put in discrete codes that are not available in the OEM remote.

So, for example, my first device button (which I've labeled "Replay") turns on my monitor, switches it to the Replay input, turns on my receiver, switches it to the replay input and leaves the remote in replay mode so that I can control my replay (with volume punchthrough so that the volume button controls the receiver). Similarly, my second device button ("DVD") turns on my dvd player, turns on the monitor and switches it to the input from my external video processor, turns on that video processor and switches it to the dvd input, switches the receiver on and switches its input to dvd, and leaves the remote in DVD mode. And in each case I have a number of key moves so that, for example, I can switch the monitor screen mode (4:3, wide, zoom, etc) while I am watching replay or dvd or whatever.

My other device buttons are set up for other devices in similar fashion. And then I've got an OFF button that switches everything off (regardless of whatever was on before).

So I end up with a remote that is completely intuitive and easy for my kids or wife or baby sitter to use without any instruction despite a fairly complex rig.

Alan

And by the way, if you want to use a jp1 cable and are too lazy (or soldering impaired) to make one, you can buy one for about $20 from a number of sources (including forum sponsor bluedo).

Sounds like there may be some quality-control issues with these things; I had to take my 2117 back when I discovered that it's learning mode didn't work -- everything else about it worked fine.

Now that I have a new one, I too am really impressed with the RF range. With the receiver on the first floor, I tested the RF from all corners of the basement, second floor, and even attic. Flawless. I will use this to put remotely controlled speakers in other parts of the house.

The IR is much more powerful than the OEM remotes I have (I don't know how it compares to other universals as this is my first). At first it seemed that the remote worked no matter where I pointed it! Then I realized that the IR signal is bouncing off walls, windows, ceiling. So you can point it behind you and it will bounce off the wall and work, or point it up at the ceiling and toward the TV, and it will bounce down and work. Very cool.

yes, I am still very impressed with the 2117 after 2 weeks.

I haven't tried the learning mode yet.. hope it works..!

"The IR is much more powerful than the OEM remotes I have (I don't know how it compares to other universals as this is my first). At first it seemed that the remote worked no matter where I pointed it!"

You are right about the IR part of the remote being powerful. It worked under 3 blankets.