I'm upgrading from to an MX-880 from a 3-year old MX-850 system that drives 9 devices using two MRF-300's. I need the new 'narrow band' RF so I have to pick up a couple of the new MRF-350's for this. However, I note that the price for the two of these is about the same as an MSC-400, which has the same 12 IR lines as the two 6-line MRF's. I'm very comfortable with configuring and using the MRF-350's, but really don't know that much about the MSC-400, just that it being touted as a 'next generation' type of unit. So the input I'm looking for is if you think this unit would give me enough additional capabilities to warrant getting and learning to use it instead of the two MRF's?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Go for the MSC. 232, relays, video/voltage sense, triggers, standard rack width. Overall a superior product over having 2 MRF's.

Points of interest. Get the optional sleeved emitters if using ports 7-12 for IR. Six standard emitters inlcuded. One RFX antenna included, up to 3 supported w/o needing additional local power.

Get it.

Wow, thanks for the super-quick reply! You said that only six emitters would be included, but I'm going to need more than that immediately. Where would I get these sleeved emitters?

From the same place that you get the MSC. Part number is IRS6 or you can get the starter pack which includes the sleeved emitters, 232 cable, 2 voltage and 2 video sense cables.

I went ahead and ordered the MSC-400, along with the recommended additional starter pack. I look forward to getting all of this working together.

Thanks again!

Good luck.

What's the difference between a sleeved emitter and the standard emitters?

They dont get cold!

LOL, yep an Eskimo would be advised to use these for sure.

They are also intended for use on ports 7-12 of the MSC to prevent damage to the emitter. They can be used on 1-6 if you wish.

Some people might think "I'll just replace the emitter if it gets fried" therefore I feel I need to clarify a bit.

The sleeved emitters actually protect the MSC. The jacks for port 7-12 are tip/ring/ring/sleeve vs the std. emitter that is tip/sleeve.

Tip = IR
Ring = RS-232 TX
Ring = RS-232 RX
Sleeve = Gnd

What would happen if you plugged a standard emitter (tip/sleeve) into 7-12 is that you would short TX & RX to GND which wouldn't be a problem if you were sending IR on that port, but if you plug an unsleeved (standard) emitter in 7-12 and send a serial command it could potentially take out the RS-232 COM chip behind the port.

The tip (IR) is the same length on both of these plugs, but on the sleeved emitters, the area that normally contains the two rings is plastic (Non-conductive) and beyond that is the sleeve (GND). This way TX, and RX can not short to each other or GND.

So for the well-being of your MSC, use sleeved emitters on ports 7-12!

Eric, while I'm all for using the right parts and doing things the right way, where are you getting info. that standard emitters will damage the MSC? I know the MSC can burn them out if used on 7-12 but even the MSC FAQ in the control room states no harm will be done to the MSC. Just curious if you've seen this occur? And if so then the FAQ and training should be adjusted to reflect this.

I heard from 2 URC trainers and Eric Johnson that sleeved emitters are to protect the MSC itself.

we are all smart guys here, hold a sleeved emitter next to a serial cable TRRS 3.5. You will see that the tips are the same, but the two rings and sleeve all line up with the sleeve of the standard emitter thereby shorting the TX ring, RX ring, and gnd all together.

I will do my due diligence and verify this with URC tomorrow and post my findings.

Yeah I'm just interested in knowing for sake of knowledge, surely won't be 'testing' out the theory on any of ours.