Guys, could you take this to another thread? This thread is for the issue explained in the first post. Thanks.

Sorry, at least it's getting bumped with actual conversations :-)

Here I'll put you back on topic:


Hey URC, there are still many out there affected by the issues in post 1.

I think I'm going to email them again. And maybe call them too. I'm wondering if it would be okay to post the email of some URC folks here.

Getting tired of this. They don't even answer their email anymore it seems.

Here's the tech people I've been in touch with over email. Send them a word or two.
(Remember to be polite of course! Flames are not going to get us anywhere.)

You can also cc email_techsupport at universalremote dot com to ensure broad distribution.

Anyone knows the CEO and/or CTO's email (or even snail mail) addresses?

I'm not sure who any of those people are. Just tech support people (call center types)? That's going to get you nowhere real quick or in your case real slow.

Have you not contacted Eric Johnson, the man, the myth, the legend? His info is readily available on this board. This is the only person I've dealt with on a personal level for technical issues. It's been a while since I've needed his help (hopefully he's still with them). If anyone can start you in the right direction, it would be him.

Well these are the folks that answered me after a first email to email_techsupport.

I don't mind trying that Eric guy :-) Would that be ejohnson at universalremote?

You are a wise, wise man :-)

Just give him a call. Emails get lost/filtered/answered based upon importance.

There is an update available for the MSC-400, but it doesn't fix this issue.

Don't Shoot me! This is really not a big deal to us. In the past we have used a combination of URC, Xantech, and RTi to accomplish what the MSC400 does. Currently we are using IR and RS232 on Denon Receivers. THe IR Commands are done via IR and there is not ramp problem. The Volume Presets, Video select and Z2 Tuner channels can still be controlled via RS232. This is not that big of a deal, although it would be nice to control everything via RS232.

On our Lutron systems we have to use the RARS232 and the RAIR to achieve what we want to achieve. We use the RAIR to only adjust levels, and use the RARS232 to select scenes or adjust individual load levels. Unfortunately for right now we will have to use IR and RS232 to control the same piece of equipment. Many people I have talked to see this as a huge flaw in the URC control system, but if you a knowledgeable enough to use both interfaces, you can make it work correctly. It just really sucks for Lutron when you have to buy the RS232 interface AND the RAIR interface.

Mike

Looks like you don't mind jumping through all those hoops. Which you wouldn't have to if the MSC-400 worked as advertised. It even drives up the cost of your installs... and you still don't mind.

Well, more power to you.

I have been in the business long enough not to worry about doesn't work. If you have to jump through hoops to make something work correctly then that's what separates you from your competition. I agree the MSC400 should do the ramp and repeat but in the meantime, just use IR and RS232. What did you do before the MSC400?

I'm not an installer, just a HT buff. I programmed the MSC-400 myself.

Has this been resolved yet?

Not to my knowledge, but I wish..... :(

Same here - I can provide list longer than this post of items that don't work - so what? Other systems may work 100% but are 7 times more expensive, so if for time being I will add $10.00 IR emmiter to the setup - oh well...
As long as there is a workaround...
Recently I have worked on some of Key Digital units and turns out their RS232 manual had wrong commands. Instead of running and screaming, I have connected my laptop, run help command and received all correct commands. Stuff is wrong, doesn't work - sorry to burst your bubble - it happens. Solve it, make it work or make room for someone who will do it for you.

Do I beleive that unit should work? Yes. Do I cry about some issues. Well, sometimes..when I'm lonely..and nothing works...