Did you make sure the remotes you are learning from contain brand new batteries? This solved some problems I was having with learned commands not working.

I did reach the Linn people but they still haven't sent me any files, though they promised to do this. The issue is that Linn products (unlike those made by Marantz, Krell and others who also use RC5 codes) "track the toggle bit" of RC5 codes, which forces learning remotes to memorize two different IR commands. The SL9000 has this capability, but the MX700 and MX800 depend on the RC5 codes in the database, in order to optimize the learning speed of all normal commands (the SL 9000 forces the user to learn every code twice to accomodate devices like the Linn).

I'll give the Linn people another call tomorrow.

Best Regards,

-Eric

Eric Johnson
www.hometheaterpro.com

1-800-247-7001

Ahh, makes sense. Although, I wish the MX-800 was implemented the same as the SL-9000 since the learning process typically only happens once in a blue moon (I've on average only learned codes on my SL-9000 once every year!).

I'm not sure I understand why URC felt the learning process needed to be "optimized" on the MX-800 (by popular demand? for OEMs?).


Thanks Eric, appreciate the effort. Any luck so far? Perhaps I should push Linn from my side (as a paying customer)? What exactly should I ask them for?

I had the same problem on my Levinson equipment, and have run into the same problem on other high-end gear, particularly with volume (Loewe, Enlightened Audio Designs, Genesis, etc.) EVERY TIME I was able to learn the flaky command in Niles IntelliFileII, view multiple learns of the same command, determine what was different each time, and modify the command (typically paring off the beginning or end of the command to varying degrees). Once properly modified, The command then learns into any remote I have tried from IntelliFileII (MX-1000, 800, 700, 500, All Pronto, IntelliPad, Xantech, Crestron, Etc.)
If your dealer can get their hands on the Niles IntelliFile system, they should be able to work it out for you. Sounds like you have invested enough in your system to justify your dealer going the extra 100 yards.

Ian,

Interesting. Unfortunately, I don't currently have access to any dealer that has a Niles IntelliFileII system.

Since you mentioned this, I've been exploring the web for similar (affordable) systems that does something similar, I wonder if Xantech's DD4 Dragon-Drop-IR software system would do the job - [Link: xantech.com]

Any ideas?

(ps: Not sure how long before I decided to chuck the MX-800 and move to one of its competitors - whats the closest?).

The problems Ian has solved with the IntelliFile IS NOT the problem you have. Xantech's drag and drop software will program a Xantech remote or keypad to correctly issue a toggling bit (alternate two different commands with each button press). However, the MXEditor software will still learn only one of the two bit patterns if you teach it from a Xantech remote or a Niles IntelliFile.

The competing remotes that can learn two commands to alternate between pushes of the same button are:

1) Xantech
2) RTI Theater Touch
3) Lexicon 700T
4) Pronto (better to hard code, learning RC5 is buggy)
5) AMX
6) Crestron
7) HomeTheaterMaster MX3000 (not shipping yet)

Regardless of whether you buy another remote or stick with your MX-800,I would suggest that you call Linn and ask them for a document listing the RC5 system and command codes for each button on your remote. They are not responding to me. With most of the systems mentioned above, you get more reliable RC5 toggling bit transmission if the RC5 code is hard coded, not learned.

Best Regards,

-Eric

www.hometheaterpro.com
Phone 1-800-247-7001

This message was edited by Eric Johnson on 11/01/03 12:54.

Thanks Eric, appreciate the response.

I've sent in a request to Linn to provide me with the RC5 codes. Lets see how far I get as a customer.

In the mean time, what do I do once I get these codes? I wasn't aware that the MXEditor supports direct editing of these codes into the database.

(ps: I'm drooling at the MX-3000, looks like the ultimate solution).

Send the code list to me and I will have it hard coded for you since MXEditor does not support hard coding in the released version.

Best Regards,

-Eric

Eric Johnson
www.hometheaterpro.com

Phone 1-800-247-7001