I've been a very happy owner of the MX-500 for 2-3 years now. Now I'm in a situation where all my components are about 10ft away from the TV. This has caused difficulty with the spouse's use of the MX-500 because when macros run it's hard to have it hit both the TV and the components (e.g. switching from "cable" to "dvd").

My solution to this problem has been to locate a suitable RF remote. I'd also like the ability to get all the discrete codes for my equipment and I feel like the easiest way to get this is with a remote that can be fully programmed via computer. So, I've been looking really hard at the MX-850 + MRF-250/300. I'd like to pull the trigger on this but I have a few questions specific to my setup.

1. Would the MRF-250 or 300 make more sense? Components are in the opposite corner of the room from the listening position, about 15' away and TV is about 10' away from listening position. Imagine each as a point on a right triangle.
2. I don't think I can "blast" the IR commands from the MRF due to no suitable location for the MRF, but some of my components have an "IR Control" jack on the back. Can the MRF hook up to this to control the component or do I have to attach those sticky transmitters to the front of the components?
3. I don't want to have to use the sticky transmitter on the front of the TV. Can I just have the MX-850 control the TV directly or is there some other solution?

You suggestions are very much appreciated!

The MX-850 would be perfect for this!
The TV won't require a 'sticky', just leave the remote IR on for this(each 'device' is selectable in the MX-editor).
If the other equipment isn't in an enclosed cabinet, the blaster on the 250 or 300 would likely work without emitters. The blaster is quite powerful!
The prefered method would be to use the IR jacks on the back of your components.With the mrf-300, It's a 'plug-n-play'. The mrf-250 requires a little more work(soldering your own cords together, possibly adding a resister inline, etc).

Hope this helps.

Mike.

I agree with pilgram. The MX-850 and MRF-300 combo would be the perfect choice, based on the needs you described.

You are welcome to call me for a free consultation and this month's specials at: (914) 509-5360. I am always happy to help.



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

pilgram,

Thanks for the info. The equipment is not inside a cabinet. My difficulty lies in the fact that I don't have a very convenient location to put the MRF to utilize the blaster. Unless the blaster is so powerful that it can be placed anywhere in a room. Or, I wonder if I could place it on top of all the components and have the signal bounce around and get picked up that way. If that doesn't work, it sounds like it's more work to go for the MRF-250, which I'd be happy to avoid. It looks like the MRF-300 comes with 6 emitters. Are these somehow usable in the components' IR jacks or would I need to purchase these wires separately?

Damon, appreciate the offer. When/if I'm ready to pull the trigger I'll give you a call.

Just scanned ebay for this stuff. It looks like $325-350 for both MX-850 and MRF-300. I don't know if this is a good price or not since I haven't done much price hunting yet.

This message was edited by javajawa on 04/29/05 15:02 ET.

Both the MRF-250 and MRF-300 comes with 6 wired (sticky) emitters that you could use to control your equipment. If you wanted to use the MRF-300 to control the equipment directly, you would need to pick up some extra wires (with plugs on each end). FYI, unless you purchase from an authorized retailer, you'll get no warranty coverage from URC. None of the resellers on Ebay are authorized.

Mike
www.SurfRemote.com

Mike, good point! I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Yes, be careful. Just because you found lower prices on eBay, it doesn't mean you're going to get your warranty or good support. Universal Remote will not honor the warranty if purchased from eBay and the seller may have no clue about how to support the remote properly.

We (Authorized Dealers) generally have a better understanding of the product(s), which often means you'll get better service. For example, I was one of the Lead Tech Support Agents for Universal Remote Control, so I knew the remotes very well, prior to starting my company.

I hope this helps you to make an informed decision.



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

I'm still amaized with the built in blaster.
I've always ran emitters or cables to the IR jacks in clients homes as well as my own home.
Not too long ago, I bought one to run my garage/patio system.
I placed the RF reciever on top of my equipment stack (I figured I would run my emitters later as I was going to put them inside the components), programed the remote, and when I was testing my macro's, I realized that it was operating EVERYTHING off of the blaster!

My components and the IR reciever are on the opposite wall of the garage door, the TV 6' to the left, and I had the garage door OPEN! With the sun shinning in straight at the IR reciever!
Being a pretty good 'pool shark', I'm good at figuring bank angles.
I have no idea how the IR is getting to the compnents! Especially in direct sunlight!

I still recomend the 'wired' version but, damm! How powerful is this thing?!!



If that

With the MRF-300, pick up some 3.5 to 3.5 mono cables (about $4 at radio shack) and plug'em in. Your done!
As I said, the MRF-250 requires a little more work.