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Need a new remote or can I use what I have already?
This thread has 10 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Thursday January 19, 2012 at 16:26
ThaDraGun
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I have:

Harmony 520
MX-650 with MRF-350 Base Station & RFX-150 Antenna Module

Must have:

Componets are downstairs, tv is upstairs so I need to be able to use it through the floor. Easy to program myself and must be able to learn buttons/components. I have some things that wont be on the regular code list. (eg. sonicview receiver)
--
I know both are old, so upgrading might be the best option but I wound rather not have to pay lots to get a new remote if I dont have to. If I must, its gotta be less then $300.

I like the Harmony. Very simple to setup and looks ok too. I would have no problems using this remote other then its not RF.

Mx-650 I will use if I can get it working, but I dont really like the look of it that much. Maybe because Im used to the Harmony. I have never used the MX-650 before because the people I bought our house from left it behind with their home theatre setup. I have absolutely no idea how to setup it up. The previous owner said they had to go to a pro to set it up everytime. If I use it I need to be able to start from scratch and program it myself, how I want it. Some people say it can be programmed by PC, others say it cant?

Would a Remote Control Repeater Kit be a good option? Like this: hxxp://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-Acoustics-40430-Infrared/dp/B001BLTDZA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327008169&sr=8-1

Then all I need to do is feed the IR receiver through the floor and then I can use my Harmony? or it doesnt work that way... or not very good?
Post 2 made on Friday January 20, 2012 at 08:11
hdtvluvr
Long Time Member
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402
I use:

[Link: amazon.com]


You will also need a MONO audio extension cable to extend the IR receiver to the connecting block in the room below. 

if you have a Plasma TV then look for a unit that is plasma compatible.
OP | Post 3 made on Friday January 20, 2012 at 15:12
ThaDraGun
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On January 20, 2012 at 08:11, hdtvluvr said...
I use:

[Link: amazon.com]

You will also need a MONO audio extension cable to extend the IR receiver to the connecting block in the room below. 

if you have a Plasma TV then look for a unit that is plasma compatible.

Thanks,
Are the IR blasters (I think thats what they are called) compatible between all the different kinds of units? Im just wondering if the ones that come with the MRF-350 Base Station would work with that. More to stick to the components..
Post 4 made on Friday January 20, 2012 at 21:30
hdtvluvr
Long Time Member
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402
The IR flashers on the unit I linked to use 3.5mm plugs. The MRF-350 also uses 3.5mm plugs. An IR Balster is the big area on the front of something like the MRF-350.

I would get the MX-650 working and use RF. There wouldn't be any extra wiring. There is a learning curve to programming the 650 (or any remote) but once you get started it's pretty easy. You can not use a PC to program the 650. You can set up macros so that the power on button will turn everything on and go to your mostly used device page. Power off can turn everything off and take you back to the main page. Any buttons on the Main page can be set to turn on another component (DVD for example), change output of AV receiver and goto the device page.


I'm sure you have a manual for it but in case you don't here is a link:

[Link: universalremote.com]
OP | Post 5 made on Friday January 20, 2012 at 22:47
ThaDraGun
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On January 20, 2012 at 21:30, hdtvluvr said...
The IR flashers on the unit I linked to use 3.5mm plugs. The MRF-350 also uses 3.5mm plugs. An IR Balster is the big area on the front of something like the MRF-350.

I would get the MX-650 working and use RF. There wouldn't be any extra wiring. There is a learning curve to programming the 650 (or any remote) but once you get started it's pretty easy. You can not use a PC to program the 650. You can set up macros so that the power on button will turn everything on and go to your mostly used device page. Power off can turn everything off and take you back to the main page. Any buttons on the Main page can be set to turn on another component (DVD for example), change output of AV receiver and goto the device page.

I'm sure you have a manual for it but in case you don't here is a link:

[Link: universalremote.com]

Thanks, there was no manual left behind for it. They said to just take in to get programmed. No way am I doing that.
Post 6 made on Friday January 20, 2012 at 22:58
hdtvluvr
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Let us know how you make out.
OP | Post 7 made on Thursday January 26, 2012 at 09:59
ThaDraGun
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Huge pain to setup but I got it working. Pretty much have to learn every button.

Thanks for the help.
Post 8 made on Thursday January 26, 2012 at 13:54
hdtvluvr
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402
So the built-in device codes didn't work for the components you have? I can see possibly learning a few buttons but not "pretty much every button". Did you refer to pages 37 - 52 in the manual?
OP | Post 9 made on Thursday January 26, 2012 at 14:37
ThaDraGun
Lurking Member
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Sorry should have explained more.

The codes do work, but when you enter a code the MX-650 will add the pages for the device and it will add the buttons. The problem is, you cannot rearrange the order of the buttons and you cannot delete specific buttons. The only thing it allows you to do, is change the text. I thought changing to no text would get rid of the button, but it still keeps its function. So I either had to keep it how it was, a complete mess, or do it all from scratch. No way my wife could use the controller if I kept it how it was.

So entered the device code, that put the basics in, then I deleted all the text on all the buttons and removed all the pages except for the first page. Then I typed in each button in the order I wanted, added the extra pages as needed, and then learned the buttons. Looks neat, all the unused buttons are gone and its very easy for my wife to use.
Post 10 made on Thursday January 26, 2012 at 22:07
hdtvluvr
Long Time Member
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Glad you got it all to work. I think you made the best choice between the 2 remotes.
Post 11 made on Wednesday February 8, 2012 at 08:25
Staberdearth
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February 2012
4
I am glad that you're cheaper Logitech remotes actually work! My $399 dead Logitech 890 sits (both of them) like dead prostrated soldiers. Can't even use them as bookends!


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