Hello:

I have an MX980i that I would like to pair with an MSC-400. Do I need to use the "i" version of the MSC-400? or do I only need the RFX-250i? In other words, does the "i" version need to be consistent with all three devices?

Thx.
John

you only need to replace the rfx250 with an rfx250i in order to make the msc400 work with the i series remotes.

Thanks for that reply. That's what I had presumed as well. I've got the 250i with the 980i using a normal 400. However, I can successfully "test" the commands with the 980 connected via USB to the 400. When I detach the 980 and use it remotely, it doesn't work.

Still diagnosing what is happening but any suggestions as to what I should try would be helpful.

Thanks,
John

by the way, I think I get the award for time stamp of the century:

1/11/11 at 11:11

John,

I presume you've got you're pc connected to the 400 not your 980?
Your 980 would also be connected to your PC for testing; but is only useful for checking line of site IR.
You need to download to both the remote and msc-400(Windows XP) to check out your programming ?

Programming a msc-400 is a two step process.

Your remote and msc-400 are programmed independently of each other.
You 1st program your remote's pages, buttons etc. and then program your msc-400 with your devices, macros etc. The buttons you create on your remote trigger smart macros you create in the msc-400. A smart macro may be a simple button press or multiple lines of logical if/else statements.

If you want help on this site you'll have to give more info?
A list of what you're trying to control (devices) and how you plan on controlling it (serial or IR from the msc-400)?

Programming serial devices are done after all your IR programming in the msc-400. You'll have to drag the serial devices and triggers in the msc-400 to buttons and pages on the remote. Then download your programming to both the remote and msc-400.

If this is your first time; I'm probable about as clear as mud at this point!!!!!

It really isn't that hard once you define your objectives and brake things down logically! Keep things simple initially and build from there........

Good Luck!

Karl

Hi Karl:

Thanks for the kind note. I've gone pretty far in setting up both my 980 and msc-400. I had done exactly what you suggested (i.e., setting up each independently) and I've still got the issue I described: I can run the Macros from the PC to the 400 and they run beautifully. However, when I try to run the trigger macro from the 980 independent of PC control, it is very inconsistent and not each button operates properly (I've checked RF interference and I'm good there).

Here are the devices I'm controlling:

Halcro SSP220 (Pre/pro)
DVDO Edge Scaler/Video Switch
Pioneer PRO-920HD Plasma
TiVO Premiere XL
Oppo Digital Blu-Ray Player BDP-83
Marantz DVD Changer VC6001
Popcorn Hour C-220
Apple TV (Version 2)
Wii
Sony PS3

Thanks,
John

p.s. Happy to email you my CCP file . . .

John,

It sounds like RF issues to me????
Are all your devices set to RF?
You may want to try changing your RF ID # under the msc-400 properties?

Also,
More info will get others in the forum to help?
I'm no pro.....just a DIY'er like you!!
How is each device controlled? (Serial or IR and port number would help!)
And are the problems consistent with both serial and IR?

IR emitters can also cause problems if located poorly.
Repeat button settings in your Msc-400 should also be set correctly for each device.

Break down your system to diagnose your problems.
IR devices created in your remote are imported into the Msc-400 during programing. If those devices are working fine; you may start looking at your serial devices????
Try creating IR devices first and get everything to work properly. Device by device.
Then create serial devices and test those before moving on.
You may find it's a problem with one or more devices?
You can build your macros after every button works properly.

I've found CCP has the wrong serial codes for some devices. I've had to create some of my own using the manufacturers codes.

I've had to work hard on my system to get it to work the way I want.
I've got hours and hours of time into my configuration.
I know why pros don't like to give away their work. It takes an understanding of your equipment and how they interact together; as well as knowing CCP inside out!
Most installers program equipment they sell just to save them time in the field.
(repeatable devices)
Most people just don't want to pay for extensive programming! It costs to much for the average system.

Keep trying before you pm your file to me!!!
It's worth it to know your own system!
Like I said: "I'm no pro"!

Good Luck!

Karl