I am about to purchase the MX-500. I was wondering what the jp1 is used for. Is it to program the OFA? I have I have a OFA that I can use to "learn " functions to the 500. Do I need the jp1 or IRClone and 500e software? I guess my basic question is can I accomplish the same results by learning functions? Also, what is MX editor? Thanks for any help

MX-Editor works with the MX-700 and the MX-800. The 500 as it comes in the box does not have PC connectivity.

IRClone and the software is an aftermarket product developed by a couple of 500 fans who wanted PC connectivity. It's a great, intuitive tool and allows programming backups and sharing of device files between users. It's not necessary to have it though. It just enhances the ownership of the 500.

JP1 (which consists of a cable and software) is used to re-program OFA remotes to give them greater code-generating capability and also allows backups of settings in your JP1 capable OFA remotes. Again, not everyone needs it and it should be considered as an enhancement tool. (BTW, not all OFA remotes can "do" JP1 though. They need to have the 6 pin connector in the battery compartment.)

IMO, try using your OFA as is and if it does the trick, you set to go. Buying IRClone or using JP1 isn't necessary for everyone...

Thanks Han
I had a couple more questions (for now). When I program my OFA remote with the factory code, I get most functions to work. I then get the rest, like on/off by manually tring 001 to 260 on my OFA(for ones that aren't listed on hifi..). I haven't been able to find a toggle on/off for my Yamaha RX V740 rec. Does this mean one doesn't exist?
I do not see any files for that receiver either. Does that mean that the JP1 and 8811 wouldn't help much? When you download a file, do you get everything for that component or can you select just the on/off functions to send to the 8811. Do you then "learn" them to the 500. I guess I am not understanding the JP1 process.
Are all the Pronto type files listed in Remote Central able to be programmed into the MX 500 or the 8811 and then learned to the 500. The JP1 process sounds pretty complicated. Is it worth getting the IRClone and not the JP1. Will this still help get missing codes? Does the 500e editing software come with IRClone. Too many questions.
Thanks again.

This message was edited by elazybeth on 07/23/03 13:49.

Why don't you try searching the OFA forum with your specific brand name? That's how I found all the discrete codes that someone had neatly and graciously compiled for my Denon receiver.

This post will ramble a bit so be patient with me...

Not every component supports discrete codes for each and every function. In general, the known codes, along with basic JP1 info is at [Link: hifi-remote.com] So no, your Yamaha may not have just a toggle power function (note, I'm not saying it doesn't have one. I haven't had time to check.) I use a baby Yamaha in my 2nd setup and it uses discrete power on/off and I just went with it. (Truthfully, most users want the discretes, not the toggle. And to my knowledge, in general, Yamaha receiver codes are universal. Note not all of the functions are supported by every model. So if yours doesn't support a 70mm Sci-Fi mode, you can't use that code.)

That said, because JP1 allows users to be very creative with their OFA remotes, there may be lucky occasions where new functions are discovered (IOW, things that will function that the manufacturer never told us about.) In my own case, I recently discovered that my Denon receiver allows me to jump to certain volume settings. And I obtained those codes with some help from the JP1 gurus over at the OFA forum here at remotecentral.com. And yes, if you're lucky enough to get the codes into your JP1 remote, then you just teach them to your 500.

You mention downloading of files. I haven't been over to the JP1 Yahoo group for a very long time. Do you mean that there are device files over there for your equipment? If so, this route could work for you. But here at rc.com, the file download area doesn't have JP1 device files. For the MX-500, the files that are usable are the IRClone .m5 ones (of course) and with the help of Mr Solley's CCF to .m5 convertor, Pronto .ccf files. BTW, you asked if you can grab and use Pronto files for your 500. Yes, but only by using the IRClone and Mr Solley's convertor. As for the 500e software, it is a free download at IRClone. You need the IRClone box to make it work and an IRClone purchase code key to allow you to save files. But the software is available for download for nothing @ http://www.irclone.com

Next to last answer...I agree that JP1 is kinda tough to get a handle on. I only use it when I have to because I just don't get it. I had to be coached thru obtaining the Denon codes I recently wanted. I couldn't have done it alone. Still, I'm very grateful to the JP1 group and it's creators. IMO, they're geniuses!

Finally, my best advice is to start a thread and ask for help on the particular devices that you're struggling with. Do this before you buy anything extra. I would help more but this week is not good for me time wise.

I hope all the clutter in this answer helps...

Thank you for all your info. I have decided to buy the 500 and see if I run into any problems before I wory about JP1. I seem to be able to do everything now with factory remotes and my old OFA. I have found discrete codes for on, off and input selection for my components. Hopefully I will have everything that I will need. Do you think it is worth the extra $ to buy IRClone for programming ease and backuop. Is it very likely that I will ever need to reload all the programmed info again. Well, I guess if the remote got lost it would be nice not to have to start over. Thanks again.

Nancy,

As you're buying the MX-500 now, I think you'll have a good idea whether you'll want or need the IRClone in the future. Unless you have a destructive child (or husband) who's going to screw up your programming, a backup really isn't important.

David
www.BlueDo.com

I thought the same thing until I decided to make a couple of changes to my remote's configuration. I moved a few things around and by the time I was done I lost most of my learned functions and a good portion of my punch throughs. I don't have IR-Clone and I have only had the MX-500 for about a month. But I can assure you that since I spent all that time fixing what I broke, by accident accident of course, I will be purchasing IR-Clone as soon as it is available.

The other thing to consider is that if your remote gets broken or you accidently spill something on it and it quits working, you will be up that creek without a paddle unless you have a backup of your remote's configuration. To my knowledge, the only way to get a backup is to do it with IR-Clone or to purchase another MX-500 and clone your original to the second one and store it in closest or desk drawer for safe keeping. But purchasing a second IR-Clone for backup purposes only really doesn't make sense in my mind.

But then again, you may never have a problem. At any rate, it's something to consider.

I'm a big booster of IRClone. But with that in mind (along with what Mitch notes above) I got along fine without it for a very long time. So, while it has, IMO, a high value factor, IRClone not an absolute necessity.