Hi all -
I'm redoing my parents system and had a few URC specific questions. Pretty basic system with hidden components. The last system that I did, the recommended combo was a URC MX-880 paired with an MRF-350 base station.

1. For a basic system is this still there preferred combination?

2. I notice that the 880 comes in 3 configurations: 880, 880i & 880z. I know what each stands for, but am a little more confused about what scenario calls for each RF system. Any comments?

3. I would like to have this room have basic RF based lighting control (one dimmer switch). I know that each of the above models (standard, i & z) are compatible with different RF systems. Which one is the most desirable and where is a good spot to secure a dimmer?

Thanks!!!
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Not sure what you mean by "preferred", but the MX-880 certainly does work well a basic system, as does most of the remote products from URC.

The 880 comes in two configurations: The basic MX-880 which uses 418Ghz RF, and the 880z which uses Zigbee RF technology which is better in situations where the environment is more prone to interference that 418Ghz would be more likely to suffer.

Zigbee uses a much higher frequency and is less prone to those problems. All other specs of the remotes are the same and look the same.

If you choose to use lighting, you don't need anything other than the dimmer with the 880. However, with the 880z you will need an RTX-1 transmitter which attaches to the MRF-260Z (note the Z base unit is needed for the 880Z as well). The RTX-1 is used to communicate with the lighting switches which do not use Zigbee.

The dimmer(s) will work from a radio frequency range which is ususally anywhere from 50-90 feet depending on the environment. Of course, where you place the base unit and the RTX-1 is where that distance should begin. You obviously want to place it in a central location and as close to the dimmer as possible in order to insure the commands get there.

Regards,
Vincent

Get the MX-880, MRF-350, RFX-250 and some Lutron dimmers and let her rip. Don't over think it.

The MX-880i or MX-880z are just on different radio frequencies... The differents, the MX-880 is the "standard" that works with Lutron dimmers. The Mx-880i and Mx-880z require adapters to work with Lutron dimmers.

Don't fuss with extra cost of adapters. Unless you have 2-3 neighbors using an MX-880, you should be just fine.