I have questions on how to connect a MRF250 or MRF300 to the below components. I have put in parentheses the labels next to the 3.5 serial jacks on the back of each component. Trying to see if I can avoid taping the flasher on the front of the equipment since all of my equipment is on a stand and not behind a cabinet.

Hughes Directv DVR ( Control out serial and a Control out IR)
Denon 3803 (Serial control)
Escient DVDM100 (IR)
Mitsubishi TV VS60703 (IR/G Link )

I know in most cases these jacks are used for external controllers such as Creston, but I was wondering if there were jacks on the back of equipments for use with remote controllers. I don't believe the jacks on the back of the DVR and Denon can be used but I want to be sure. For the TV the manual talks about the IR/G jack being used for TV Guide Plus, cable box and VCR so that jack probably sends out an IR signal instead of accepting one.

Bigdm

Bigdm,

With the DirecTV DVR, I believe the outs are specifically to control other devices. It would require an IR in, in order to be controlled by an external IR source.

For any of your components with IR IN, you can plug striaght in with the MRF-300, but would need to put a resistor inline if you use an MRF-250.



Thank you,
Damon DG
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Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Programming

Damon, based on your reply that means that I can use the IR ports on the back of the Escient and Denon receiver. I believe the TV IR port sends a signal out so I can't use that either.

Thanks
Bigdm

damon


is it superior to use a plug rather than an IR flasher? in my case, they are in a closet, so im not worried about how it looks - but im curious if there are performance advantages [speed, reliability etc]


cb

CB,

In most cases, if you create the most direct connection, your performance will be more consistent. The more "steps" you eliminate, the more potentially problematic factors you eliminate as well.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Programming

I have a new MX-850 (love it!) and a MRF-250. So would these cables plug into the same place that the flashers do? If so, are these standard cables or are they proprietary to HTM? Where can I find them?

Also, what would I look for on each of the following components to determine if they accept IR signals in this manner?

HD/Tivo HR10-250
Denon 3805
Denon 3910
Samsung HL-P6163W
Linksys Media Extender
Audiosource Amp 200
Panamax 5100
X10 IR543

My equipment is fully in-view in my home theater.

Rgds,
Andy

Andy,

The Tivo and Denon components have IR connections. I'm not sure about the others though.

In order to connect direct from the MRF-250 to a component, you will need a 2.5 mm male to 3.5 mm male mono cable. I believe you also need to connect a resistor to the line.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Programming

why a resister? and where can one find these cables?

just out of curiousity! thanks..

cb

CB,

The resistor is necessary because of the way the MRF-250 was designed. It was not originally intended to plug directly into other components, but it can be by using this modification. You might want to double check with Eric Johnson for more exact details.

Xantech offers 3.5 mm male to 3.5 mm male cables that are specifically designed for this purpose, but if you use it with the MRF-250, you will need to splice and attatch the 2.5 mm male plug on one end (which comes with the MRF-250 flashers). I'm sure Radio Shack would carry their own version of the 3.5 to 3.5 as well.

Since I don't know your level of experience, I'd like to simply advise you test the cables to make sure you have the wires lined up properly before you solder and connect them. I'd hate to see it cause any damage to your equipment.



Thank you,
Damon DG
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Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Programming

damon


i'm fairly competent, but i'm just an end-user so i dont really know that i want to go this extent. i was planning to buy a 3rd RF-IR interface at some point - i suppose i'll just make that an MRF-300 and avoid the whole issue.

thanks very much for the information!

cb

CB,

Yeah, I know what you mean. When you're ready to get your next one, feel free to give me a call or e-mail. I'd be happy to help you out.



Thank you,
Damon DG
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Control Systems Consulting, Sales & Online Programming