Howdy - just found out that URC's MSC-400 started shipping recently; any CIs actually used one in the field yet, or even just demo'd one?

First/second/third impressions?

Not yet...although I'd be happy to do some beta testing ;)

Beta testing is done. The testers seem to be fairly impressed with the performance.

Mike at surfremotecontrol.com beta tested one of the units. Maybe send him an email and ask him how he feels about it. I'm going to send him an email right now with a link to this thread.

I know you wanted info from ci's, but I thought I'd throw this in anyway.

Greg

While not a beta tester I have played with one. Its pretty trick with lots of features. The big question is going to be how easy it is to get 232 codes into the software. That is the part I am waiting to see. We should have ours at the store soon.

I too have been watching this one, and will be ordering one in to play with. This will fill a hole for me in systems that need a little more integration than a Crestron, or for systems that grow over a period of time (I'm sure I'm the only one that has jobs like that, eh?) and get a bit out of hand for a single IR remote.

I've got the beta model installed in my theater room and it's worked flawlessly since a few minor problems were addressed in beta. Using RS232 with the projector, I input the commands into the software and they all work well. Tried the video and voltage sensing in beta without a hitch as well. The narrow band RF should be a huge help with areas of RF interference. While I don'y have that problem in my area, I'm probably going to be installing one this weekend (if I get them by then) at a customer who has had problems. The IF/THEN setup for variables is a nice feature as is the quick FAV macro tool.

There's a guide available on URC's CI site now (as well as the software) for those who want to check it out further.

Mike

Okay, so I haven't looked much into this product but what remotes can it handle? Will this work with MX-350 or third party remotes? Would be great if this could work with systems currently installed with MX-350s and MX-850 with MRF300 and need video or current sensing to shut off/on toggle devices. How does this compare with RP-6 and where can I go to see specs on it? The company web-site doesn't seem to have anything.

mrtristan

If you're a custom installer, just register on URC's site and then you'll have access to the manual which should give you a lot more information, as well as the software.

Greg

Any chance that the MX-850's would work with the MSC-400 in the future with a software update. I like the look and feel of these remotes, but would love to have the increased flexibility with the MSC-400 without upgrading remotes.
Thanks,
Chad

mrtristan,

The MSC-400 will work with all MX900's, TX1000's, MX-950's. It will also work with all new (build date of November 2005 or later) MX3000's. It won't work with older models such as the MX850 or MX350.

Jeff Wagner

Interesting ... so one actually _programs_ the MSC-400? Hmm...that raises a concern - so do I now have to do _two_ sets of remote UIs for every MX900/MSC400 combo I do? Haven't looked at the manual yet to clarify, but will do so later today.

I think I'm a bit slow today, can anyone post a link to this, can't find it on UR's site and sounds interesting

You download your devices from your MX remote programming into the MSC-400 program. Macros are created and saved in the MSC-400 and single trigger commands are created to use with the MX remote. Once you've created the files, you can easily use it with future installs. It is a little bit of extra programming, but well worth it in reliability.

The manual is not on the main site. It is in the Authorized Dealer / Custom Installer area of the web site.

You have to register in order to get the file. Are you registered?

Well I've sold tons of MXs and MRFs but unfortunately I have bought everything through AVA$