Hello All,

I'm redoing my Home Theater/Sports Bar TV's, and all the new TV's (4 of them) have rs 232c inputs. My current setup also used rs 232, but the TV's have the old 9 pin connectors. I've been looking at some threads here, but I'm not quite clear on what I can do here. Any help is always appreciated.

I use CCP, and will be using MRX-2's to run the system. Since I have 5 devices to run, if I can avoid having 3 MRX-2's (daisy chained) I'd love to simplify. I've read a couple of threads here where IR units like a MRF-350 have been successful using mono to stereo mini plug adapters connected to the rs-232c input.

Here are my questions:

Can I connect the mrx-2 to a rs-232c input from the IR output on my mrx-2?

Is the mono to stereo adapter the best way to go? One of the threads suggested only putting the plug half way in on the sending unit, but that seems super janky to me.

Am I using the IR database in the software to program, or am I using the serial codes?

I can always use the serial outputs, but it would be great to only have one mrx-2 instead of the three I would need to accomplish that.

3 of the Tv's will probably be Samsung Frames (32"), the other TV is still in flux but more than likely it will be a 75" Sony Mini LED.

Thanks in advance for any help, and if I left out any information, please let me know. This is an amazing community and as someone who really likes to build stuff, I don't know where I'd be without these message boards.

-Derek

??? You seemed to be very confused about RS232 vs IR.

RS232 is a serial data connection. It has 3 lines (RX, TX, and GND). It works in a similar way a network jack would work.

IR is "Infrared" and is used to transmit data wirelessly thru IR light. The electrical signal for this IR data can be transmitted over wire with 2 conductor. When you see a 3 conductor jack for IR, that is meant for an IR receiver. The 3rd line is power to work the IR receiver.

These two things are "NOT" the same or compatible.

So there is no connection from an MRF-350, that you can connect to a RS232 port. The MRF-350 doesn't have any RS232 ports. It only has IR outputs.

Now about your MRX-2. It can be used in a Complete Control (CCP) and it can also be used in a Total Control (TC) setup. In a CCP setup, it only works IR - the serial port is only available for use in a TC system.

So can you explain how you are using RS232 currently on a CCP system with an MRX-2. When that simply is not possible.
Unless you forgot to tell us you are currently using an old MSC-400 to do RS232 serial with your CCP setup. Unfortunately, that old MSC-400 (and a few old keypads) were the only way to do serial control in CCP. URC doesn't currently have anything that supports RS232 anymore in CCP lineup - as far as I know.

Hello,

My MRX-2 has two serial ports. I use those to control serial connections such as my Mcintosh MX-151 and my tv's which had the old school 9 pin serial inputs.

I understand the difference between IR and RS 232, so maybe I read this thread wrong. [Link: remotecentral.com]

URC training classes = you can not use the serial ports on the MRX-2 with CCP.
Literature for the MRX-2 = serial ports only work in TC and not CCP.

So I would love to know how you are able to use the serial ports on the MRX-2 under CCP. What interface are you using that allows you to do this?
Maybe there is a trick I don't know about with those? I only install basic systems for my customers with the CCP remotes.

That thread you linked to, clearly explains the difference between the jack for RS232 connections and the jack for an "IR input". They were working with a Sony TV that had both jacks on it (post #11 explained that). Most TVs do NOT have those jacks. The Samsung Frame only has an RS232 connection (no IR input jack).

Okay, the tone of these responses has been a little too hostile, so I'll figure this out on my own. Thx.

Hostile?

I asked how you are using the RS232 ports on an MRX-2, under CCP. Because everything I've ever read or learned from URC says that shouldn't be possible. I'm curious how you accomplished this, as it would be useful to know.

And I clarified about IR & RS232 ports on TVs, because your original statement sounded like you were confused about that (or are).


[edit]
I played around in CCP and I see where on some old devices (MX6000, KP4000, etc.) I can select serial ports and codes to send from the MRX-2. No current remotes will allow this of course.
I also see where phones & tablets can be set to use those serial ports, not sure if that can still be used on a new setup. Might order an MRX-2 and test that out, again URC said that's not supported (anymore?)?

Where's Duct Tape when you need him? :)

the mrx2 serial ports can be  used in CCP, but only with network remotes.  (KP4000, iOS/Android App, MX5000, MX6000)  The RS232 can't be triggered with the IR/RF only remotes.

it may be safe to say that it no longer is supported since all those products have been discontinued. (i think)


edit:  noticed your edit after i posted lol

Yeah I went looking for the old CCP app in the app store and noticed it's been completely removed (unless its hidden somewhere).

So no way to use RS232 in CCP for any new setups or newer systems.

yeah, they stopped supporting the app and had to pull it from the app stores since it was out of date.