I've just purchased my MX-500 and have just begun to try to program some macros. I think I have the same problem that a number of others seem to have, because of the fact we don't have discrete power on/power off/video1/video 2/etc. functions available. It would appear my macros will only work correctly if everything is acutally turned off and all the inputs are at a certain point when I begin. But how do I make certain that is the case? From reading some of the other comments, it would appear that the only solution is to buy a One For All remote and learn these necessary discrete codes from it (that looks complicated). Is that really so, or is there some sneaky way to accomplish this otherwise? I hope so. Thanks for some advice.

Bob

Bob -- That is the way to do it, tho you could get a Pronto and do it too. The OFA/RS solution is good because the cost is low and there is a LOT of information available. It is NOT a complicated process at all. Go for it and enjoy!

Craig

Thanks Craig, although I'm somewhat disappointed that I have to go buy another remote et al. to get the job done. Of course, I was hoping for some tricky way to do it with what I have. I guess I'm still a little puzzled as to why an inexpensive? (I haven't checked this out yet) remote like OFA would have all this good stuff in it, and yet it's not available directly with the MX remotes.

I'm glad to hear you say that it's not complicated; however, I'll have to wait and see for me. after I look into this a bit more, I have the feeling I'll be back here seeking some more helpful advice. by the way, I can't believe how helpful this site is; both in selecting a remote and then helping to get everything going OK. thanks again, Craig.

Bob

If you have the ability to select the inputs from a menu via the number keys, you don't need the discrete codes. I have my MX-500 set up using the System macros to get around my lack of discrete input and picture size codes. The M1,2,3 macros are simply two-step <[tv]Input-[tv]"1"> or similar. It may sound like a waste to use these for such a simple task, but it's something that I always need and can use from any device.

The back-up is that each of my device's main LCD page can control the receiver's audio inputs, and if I needed to, I could copy the TV's "Input" and "Pic Size" buttons there, too. Not as elegant as it could be, but it works, no second remote required.

I just received my MX500 yesterday. I too, had this problem. I got around it for my DVD player and receiver this way: My receiver turns on when it receives a command like, for example, switching from one input to another. My DVD player will turn on if you send the 'open door' command. So, in my macros, I don't hit the power buttons. Instead I send two 'open door' commands to the dvd player .4 seconds apart, and I select the DVD function on my receiver. The door doesn't actually open because the second press sends the close command before it can open. But, the player and receiver turn on if they're off, and stay on if they're already on.

The TV was another problem. Normally, if you go to the input function, there's no way to select the input you want directly; you have to cycle through the list. However, if I first send a command to change the channel on the tv, then when you switch to the input, it's ALWAYS starting from the same place, so I can program my macro with a set number of input key-presses to get to the desired setting.

However, with all that said, I would still like to find the actual, correct code that would do what I want directly. I'm not against buying a cheap remote such as the one mentioned (the AFO??), but before I do, can someone explain how I go about getting the codes into that remote? I know how to get them from one remote to the other, but how does the cheap one learn them in the first place???

Thanks in advance

On OFA remotes in addition to device codes(4-digit), they also accept Advanced codes(3-digit). Advanced codes are codes for individual functions( play-142, PIP-089), these are preprogrammed into OFA/RS remotes, so they generate it themselves. Take a look at the code lists at www.hifi-remote.com. On all other universal remotes you punch in a code, whatevers mapped is all you get. Not with OFA remotes, so it's learning remotes's best friend.

Anyone on here today that could give me advice on the OFA/RS method of putting discrete codes into my MX-500?

And please don't tell me to go to www.hifi-remote.com. I have printed everything from that site and it's not that clear. Also, they keep referring to the Radio Shack 15-1994 which from all my visits to Radio Shack, appear to be obsolete. I bought a 15-2104 last night and cannot see how I can enter discrete codes in to it and transfer to my MX-500 so taking it back today. I don't want to have to mess with the JP-1(I think it is) interface.

The main discrete codes I'm interested in are On/Off for my Pioneer Juke Box DVD player, JVC 8000 receiver and JVC VCR. My new Mits HDTV has the capability of entering a code into the remote itself and it switches to discrete codes(I found this on www.hometheaterspot.com) so I was able to learn those codes to my MX-500. Works great.

By the way, thanks to all of your good comments about the MX-500 which helped me make my decision to buy it. I love this unit and so does my wife.

The 1994's manual is the same as the 2104's. Check this thread, half way down the page are the instructions for entering Advanced codes into remotes 1994, 2104, 8811,and alot of others;

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Edmund,

Thanks for responding back. I found those instructions on hifi-remote.com however, the instructions there and in the thread you advised me to go to says in the second step: Hold down the SETUP key until the light blinks twice! There is no "SETUP" key on the 2104. When I took it back today I noticed there was a 2114 that had a "Setup" key. It's only $9.95 so would it work and would it have all the Advanced codes and would I be able to enter discrete codes if it didn't have those I need, without using the JP-1?

On the 1994 or 2104, the "P" key is the "SETUP" key. If the advanced codes to give you the commands you're looking for exist, you don't need JP1. However, you need to find the setup codes for your equipment first to determine if advanced codes are available.

Mike
www.surfremotecontrol.com

Mike,

I printed out all the codes from hifi-remote.com so hope the codes shown will work with my equipment.

So the following instructions will work, to enter a code? What is the sequence to delete it if it doesn't work.

To enter advanced codes;

1. tap device key
2. hold down SETUP until the red light blinks twice
3. press 9-9-4
4. tap the SETUP for one blink and release
5. enter 3 digit advanced code
6. tap the desired key, the red light should blink twice


Sorry to sound so ignorant but I am quite new at this. If I do it once I will understand and have no more problems but sure would like help getting started.

Thank you for responding to my note.

Mike,

One more question for now, when you refer to "Advanced Codes" is that the same as "Discrete Codes"?

Thanks...

Advanced codes are UEI's (the maker of One for All, Radio Shack and some other remotes) name for codes that send out a single command, and can be programmed to a specific button. This is different than the setup codes, which set up the entire remote to control a specific device.

A discrete code is one that give you a specific function that may not be on the original remote. A prime example of a discrete code is Power On and Off. Most remotes have a single power button that toggles on and off as you push it. A discrete "On" command, will only turn the equipment on, which is what you want in a macro that's created to do that in a sequence of other commands. An advanced code may give you a discrete command.

Remember, to use advanced codes, you must first program the device button with the appropriate setup code, then find the corresponding list of advanced codes for that setup code.

Hope that makes sense!

Mike,

Yes, making more sense all the time. I'm going to have to sort this out in my mind and get an RS15-2104 and just start playing with it.

Do you think a RS015-2114(I think that's the number) will do the trick? It is ten bucks cheaper than the 2104. I'm not concerned about the cost but why give them ten bucks if I don't have to.

Thanks for all your help.

No, the 15-2114 is not a UEIC made remote, therefore will not accept advanced codes. The only RS remotes to accept advanced codes are 2103, 2104, 2116, 2133.