I recently upgraded a customer who required rs232 two communication to an MRX1. That said, The RFX250 works fine for RF control but I'm curious if it makes more sense to use the MRX1 with the RFTX1 for future installs? I noticed the specs on the up and coming MRX10 only has an input for the RFTX1 and not an RF in to support the RFX250.

Tony

The RFTX1 is not a receiver like the RFX250, it is an RF transmitter to be used to send RF signals to the URC lighting for remotes that do not have RF like the KP-4000. The new upcoming remotes are not going to use the current RF system that is why the MRX-10 does not have an input for the RFX-250.

The new remotes and MRX-10 are going to use Wifi (or URC's version of wifi) to communicate between the bases and the remotes for 2 way communication. The RFTX-1 will be used to transmit to the URC lighting. It should also be possible to use it to send RF to current base stations.

Bob

And if you are not direct with URC or don't plan to be, don't even waste your time about using the Total Control products, they won't be available through distribution.

Thanks Bob. I assume the MRX10 should work with the MX5000 and MX6000 since both remotes support wifi. They both seem to work with the MRX1 (so far).

I don't believe so, there is a version of the MX5000 that is stripped down to work with the MRX10, MSRP of $899, but Total control and the rest of the URC line are going to different systems from what I've been told.

They both do work with the MRX1, but won't with the MRX10 or any of the rest of Total Control.

I really want to know the idiot that suggested they build a new line of equipment that doesn't talk to any of the existing stuff. If that's not bad enough the head honcho's thought this was a good idea??? Goodbye URC hello Crestron and RTI.

Something useful (like an all weather wand remote) would be good URC. RTI has one.

To be honest, I have to agree with you. Not to mention their support is pretty useless. The MRX 1 seems to work fine with the mx5000 and mx6000. There's no reason for them to abandon these remotes for the MRX10. Considering they have no other 2 way rs232 solution it makes no sense.

= URC

The MX5000/6000 and KP4000 will work with the MRX10. The difference is that the programming will reside in the MRX10 processor and the trigger codes and graphics will reside in the 5000/6000/4000. The programing will be done at the MRX10 level which will send the triggers and graphics to the controllers. They will be backward compatible. This is what I was told by my inside sources at CEDIA.

I hate to tell you but I heard the same thing at CEDIA but URC tech support is saying it will not work with the mx6000/5000. Not that the tech at URC seemed to know what he was talking about but there is obviously conflicting information which needs to be cleared up.

I know I'm not a dealer, and I only I use the MSC-400 but...

The folks at URC are the same geniuses who didn't make the MSC-400 rack mountable (without having to use a custom rack shelf with a cover). I mean really, it would almost cost the same to produce if you made rack mountable. Nothing like costing an installer more time with having to order and install a custom mount.

They are also the same geniuses who never fixed the RS232 command repeat twice on single press issue with the MSC-400. Yes, there are situations where the press/hold work around is not feasible.

Honestly, if I was a dealer/installer, for any sort of complex job where someone wanted a color touchscreen or anything more complex than just IR control, I'd dump URC and go with a real automation company. Control4 isn't the best, but their stuff works and costs less than Crestron.

Tech support is correct. There will be a variation on the MX5000, called the TRC-1280 that works with Total Control.

[Link: customretailer.net]