How many of you (for better or worse) use your remote with the IRF-6 Module?

I use two IRF-6 modules: they feed IR emitters/an IR distribution block/some RS232 devices in my HT

each IRF-6 has been modified to a BNC bulkhead connector which has solved any RF reception issues

We install IRF-6's with virtually all T-2's we sell, and while overall we've had good luck, we do have several installs that RF has been problematic.

I most often use the RF interface. While it's not reliable, it still give you a great way to adress emitters for multiple DSS boxes or use with multi room system where client prefers remotes to keypads.

I use an IRF-6 for drive RS-232 and IR emitters.

Have recently done the mods to it which has certainly helped, but not solved the problems with the unit.

Richard

I use the RF6 and have modded it as per your instructions however it didn't increase my range a whole lot. Granted I haven't tried extending with a RG59 cable yet. Been too busy. I've been using the MX800 and while the programming is not as powerful as RTI, the RF range blows it away.

Don’t use RG59 Use RG-6, sometimes you can just put the antenna right on the IRF-6 but for most applications the addition of an extension cable is needed to really reap the benefits.

I am almost done with the T2 mod instructions, and will let everyone know when they are available. I just did an install on a yacht last Monday that had an MX 800 RF setup on it already. The T2 /IRF-6 Mod combo completely blew the MX 800 away by a factor of about 3 times. Further the boat owner said “the RTI is way way easier for everyone on the boat to use than the MX800” .

I have 2 T2s and two IRF-6s. Based on prior experience with other RF remotes, I wanted to ensure good reception. Fortunately, I got it on the first try. Here’s what I did:

1. Placed four antennas in different locations and orientations throughout a large stone house.
2. Used BNC to F connector adapters to directly couple Radio Shack 15-1170 Inline Amplifiers to each antenna.
3. Used RU-6 coaxial cable back to the power injectors for the Radio Shack 15-1170 Inline Amplifiers.
4. Combined the output of the four amplified antennas with a common four port RF splitter/combiner.
5. Used an F connector to BNC adapter to connect to unmodified IFR-6s.

Reception is just about perfect from anywhere in the house.

I suppose if you used your radio shack antenna solution with a modified Box and T2 you could control your system all the way from your neighbors house. If I get some extra time I will give this a try.

The only I.R. I use is the power, input and a few other rarely used functions that go directly to the Mitsu WD65000. Every thing else goes R.F. to the IRF-6. I just moved my home office to a room further away from the IRF-6 (unmodifed) and need to hold my #2 T2 up in the air to get commands to work. Maybe it's time for the antenna mod on my system or a third antenna to cover the back of the house. Any problem hooking up all those antennas to the IRF-6? Overload the reciever input or somesuch?
KDM

Powered inline amplifiers for GPS and TV or satellite systems are available; does anyone know if these are safe to use inline to a IRF-6? The bandwidth seems correct but I don't want to smoke my IRF. KDM

The IRF-6 is a pretty stout little unit, I have never heard of anyone blowing up their box using an antenna amplifier. I would try to keep the gain as low as possible though, who knows what could happen to the receiving chip over the long haul.

I just got my unit back from a friend and have programmed my T2 for the bedroom, but for now it is just IR. In the past I had the unit in my main system with the IRF-6, but the RF was not 100% and I had null spaces. I am now thinking of trying the described mods to the IRF-6 to increase reliability. Is there a FAQ on how to perform the Mod? How involved of a process is it? I really do like the T2 now that I have it back, but with the RF issue it will never make it back into the main system.

Thanks,

Mike

The IRF-6 mod is not all that difficult and helps quite a bit in most instances

[Link: mastertheaterbuilders.com]

I have never modded an IRF-6, but since I used them in single room systems and got the antenna away from the rack, they worked fine.

I like the RP-6 A LOT better