I have an MX-500, and years ago programmed all the functions using my radioshack 1993 remote for discretes, the MX-500 database, and my IR-Clone, as well as learning from my original remotes.

I just realized that one discrete code I wanted to learn to my MX-500 was the "auto input" from my denon receiver, but just realized that my radioshack 15-1993 does not have an audio button.

Does this in fact mean that this radioshack remote cannot do any advanced audio commands or is there a way to convert one of the buttons temporarily to a Denon device code (even if it is just a code sequence on the remote at the time of the MX-500 learning, but not actually programmed on the radioshack remote?

(or do I actually need to consider buying/borrowing another all for one or radioshack remote to get this function programmed in?)

No AUD device, no advanced codes for aud gear.

If you want to make yourself "future proof", you do indeed need to get another OFA (or Radio Shack) remote, but this time get one that is JP1 compatible and also get yourself a JP1 cable.

Your cheapest option is the get a URC-8811 ($16) and JP1 cable ($15) from me. With $4 shipping, your total would be $35.

As the URC-8811 is a learning remote, when coupled with a JP1 cable, you should be able to make it generate absolutely any IR signal that you need.

What are your thoughts about the 8910? The LCD panel looks to me like it would be helpful to easily see what codes are entered, etc? (does this remote do anything else that the cheaper model doesnt? is the battery life much shorter due to the lcd, especially if it is in a drawer most of the time, not being used?)

Tell me more about this JP1 cable....I have heard of the connection before, but do you need some special software on the computer to link? Is this included? Is this kind of like the irclone software for the mx 500?

The software is free, even if you don't get the cable (for some models of OFA remote you can use the software without the cable to ugrade via .wav file. But using the cable is much easier than using .wav files.)

You need a fairly standard printer port on your PC to use the typical JP1 cable. There are some more expensive versions of the JP1 cable you could use if you lack a printer port entirely or you have one that is way outside normal specs (such problems are rare on laptop computers and rarer on desktop computers)

One starting point for info is:
[Link: hifi-remote.com]

I personally think the LCD is worthless and the 8910 is an inferior remote to the 8811 despite its higher price. Others may disagree. There is no significant difference in how you can customize an 8910 vs. an 8811 with a JP1 cable. In the trivial differences in the ability to customize that exist between the two, the 8811 is better.

This message was edited by johnsfine on 02/11/05 19:34 ET.

As John said, the 8910 and 8811 are essentially he same remote. Aside from the LCD screen, which doesn't use up batteries noticably faster than with non-LCD remotes, the older 8910s have a "donut" ring which you use for navigating rather than seperate arrow buttons. However, there is one significant difference, the 8910 has a built in modem which you can use to load upgrades via WAV files, which the 8811 doesn't. But, if you get a JP1 cable, which I recommend, this makes no difference.