The T2 was before my time with RTI.

I have been asked to reprogram several older T2 remotes that are currently using line of sight.

I downloaded the software a looked it over and it seems that I can not open any of the current IR libraries, I can not cut and paste hex codes and that it may not work with an RP1 or 6.

Would someone mind giving me the pro run down on what to watch out for or expect?

Do I need a special download cable?
Is it learn only?

Thanks

Different editor.

Different cable.

Different RF units... doesn't use triggers.

Interest them in an update to a T2+ or show them some of the color remotes.

Call me, I have the cable, the modification that fixes the IRF-6, and a lot of experience with the old horse. I also have about a half dozen old remotes that I am going to mount in a frame to hang in my office, simply becuse they are not good for anything else

I am assuming it is a DB9 serial to something cable???


I am assuming that these are long gone by now???


I did get them very interested... had me give them a bid... sounded excited... they changed their minds.

I am thinking about not taking the job. She wants all that I said I could do with the proposed system without changing anything (including that god awful Advent TV).

I think she is gun shy after the original guy programmed the controllers in a cryptic mannor and then did not stay around to service the job.

I think Dave could be a real help in this matter. If you check out his site you can see he has a ton of experience with the older remotes and base stations. To be honest... when the T2 was the only remote RTI had out I was working on Prontos. Every time I have been sent out to "look at" the old T2 someone else did, I have managed to move up to a T4, T3, or a TSU7500. (The T2c was not out the last time I saw a T2 up close.)

But a gun shy customer can be a real issue. Once they get burned by someone else they have a tendency to take it out on the next guy.

The other tricky thing is this? Did you show them a new remote or just talk about it? The fact that I had the emulator on my computer or a remote in hand made all the difference in the people I got to update.

I do everything I can to help out my customers, (believe me they take advantage of it. They call me on weekends/middle of the night/at my wedding/etc and I always answer my phone when I hear it ring. If I miss a call I call right back as soon as I hear the message.) but they have to become my customer first.

What I am saying here is this...
Sometimes I see jobs where I would love to just make it work. But I can't, due to the fact that the customer bought some crap somewhere, that will not integrate smoothly. I do everything I can to explain and show them why they need to swap out or update the offending pieces... but some just won't have it. I then have to take into consideration if I want to be responsible for this job after its done. Because if something doesn't work or integrate well.... its my fault in there eyes. This could turn to lots and lots of support phone calls and revisits. You have to gauge the customer for that one.

Also here is another sticking point for me.
You gave them a bid and they said no.
I don't know how busy you are... but if a client rejects a bid... isn't that supposed to be the end of it? I mean that is what a bid is for right? To determine if you will do business together... they say no, now your just trying to move into the example above.

I might be way off on this, but give it a bit of thought.

Dave is in my area and I was going to give him a call if I proceed.


I am usually clear enough with them to aviod this.


I showed them a T3, T2+ and the emulator.


Sounds mighty familiar :)


I am with you all of the way on this.


No, you are right on. That is why I mentioned I may let it go. The only sticking point is that this is a reference from a hifi shop that is dabbling in installations and is looking for me to do their programming jobs (mostly with Naim and Arcam gear). I have a few in the cue for them now but I would like to make it work as a good initial showing.

Thanks for the thoughtful response.

If you do end up doing this job I have an IRF-6 (RF add-on for the old T2) new in box that I will sell you for cheap.

The new libraries should still work in the old editor (unless I missed something).

I only have one old programming cable and I still need that for emergencies, but I could draw up the pinout for you if you end up making your own. It is just a db9 to 3 pins that push in the bottom of the T2 and is very easy to make.

I'm a new generation rti custom installer/integrator. The one t2 i did with the irf wasn't bad. Good RF, good reliability in a basic system. I wouldn't be afraid of making the old remote work, I'd be more concerned about what other old gear you might be asked to work with. Took me a couple hours to figure out what parts i needed and to play with the software enuf to be comfortable. The basic one room project finished on schedule with no major complications. It is still RTI product :) Good Stuff. Sounds like you have more potential gain by keeping this customer happy than to walk from the job to me.

I find it's best to hand them a remote with your home screen graphics already loaded. Mine is set for a Comcast box, the most common in the area, so they can take the remote and change channels on the spot, use the logo/macros, and so on, long before any AVR and DVD stuff is set up.

If you only talk about it and don't put it in their hand, you are making a mistake.

Now on that topic, i have a customer w/ a t2 and irf6 as well, screen no longer lights up but still works a little. Maybe thre yrs old, i try to get them to upgrade and he said cuss words to me, saying $600 for a remote and now he has to pay it agian??? yeah right!!! stuck between a rock and a hard place...

Pesci,
Had a client in the same boat. T2 was on its way out. Demo’d a T-2C but he was leery and did not want to get burned again. I gave the client a discount on programming to make the leap of faith. The guy was extremely pleased with the end result and now is talking about having us replace his old plasma with a 65” flat panel when we get back from CEDIA.

Pesci

The backlight is easily repaired by resoldering the joint beween the main board and the touchscreen. I've saved many a "broken" T2 with this simple fix. Doesn't pay that well, but customer sees you as a hero.