I have been playing around with my RS 2116 and a (borrowed) JP1 cable to se if I can use it to simplify the setup for my MX500.

Today I spent quite a bit of time looking at IRclone information, which is very similar to JP1. Looks like it is much simpler (although a bit more expensive) to just move directly to the IRclone piece to set up the MX500. (I can always use the 2116 for the stray discreet code). Aside from being visual and simple, IRclone looks to provide benefits for saving time and understanding what is actually in the remote without doing manual programming.

The questions:
1) Is my logic correct? Once I get past the investment, I see alot of upside and little ownside for using IRclone.

2) The IRclone site shows some software (CCF2MX-2 and pronto2irclone) that appear to be utilities for for converting/using Pronto codes. Is that the case?

If someone could expand on #2 (difficulty/simplicity of using the software and converting codes), I would appreciate it. The pronto file section of the forum is much more robudt than the MX500 section.

My reasons for chasing this are as follows:
1) I just added a new Denon DVM-4800 CD/DVD player to my setup and this brings two issues - 1) adding all of the codes to the MX500 and my macros need to be redone.

2) I've had the MX500 for 7 moths. While I love the thing, I know there is much more functionality available than I am taking advantage of.

I hope I am explaining this correctly. IRclone appears to be a terrific solution and I just need a nudge from some satisifed users/experts to go after it.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Ray

Ray: If the $$ isn't a serious issue, then yes, IR Clone will make life with your MX-500 better. If nothing else, you would have a backup of your setup. So if your remote gets stepped on (or whatever), you can download your old setup into a new one and you're ready to go.

The utilities do indeed allow you to browse and use Pronto codes. They have a bit of a higher learning curve to them but you've got lots of great help here at rc.com...

I've had and used IR Clone for several months and I have found it to be an excellent tool. Really handy, as you pointed out, when changing gear and needing to polish up a few commands.

Ray,

I am biased as I designed and sell Irclone. But I have used it quite a lot this year. I made the transition from cable to DirectTv and I have purchased a bunch of new equipment in the process.

I use the MX-500 as both an activity based universal remote and to control individual units. To do this I have created a library of each of my units, both new and old. Using the editor I then copy whole remotes or individual keys to a specific scenario, like family room or bedroom, and I can create individual remotes for these locations. I can also make tweaks to my hearts content to get things right. Over the last year I have been able to keep the activity based functions of the MX-500 pretty consistent so that the family hasn't had to learn the new remotes. I think that is pretty cool and one of the major benefits of using Irclone-MX amd MX-500.

I have one MX-500 and two MX-600s. One of the MX-600s is used in the garage so that when I am out there I can use either the equipment in the master bedroom or family room to watch TV. This has saved on at least one DirecTv receiver in the garage and the monthly charge for that. So after about a year or so the MX-600 will have paid for itself. So you can see that the Irclone allows you to create quite a versatile system of universal remotes from the same set of individual remotes.

Mike

This message was edited by Mike C on 11/28/03 12:58.

Thanks to both of you.

I did alot more research after posting my initial note and, coupled with your input, I ended up ordering an MX500/IRclone package from Blue Do. My daughter's soon-to-be fiance gets the MX500 and I'll keep the IRclone.

I downloaded the software and played with it a bit. pretty elegant and will allow for some serious macro building. I'm sure there will be a learning curve, but it looks pretty intuitive. Nice work on this thing Mike - looks like a labor of love!

If I have picked up on this correctly, I can copy/move discreet codes from uploaded packages on this site or find, convert and use them from the pronto files. That will solve alot of time consuming issues. Can't wait 'til the order arrives.

Mike - based on your comments, I realized I can take my Denon DVM-4800 5 disc changer, which plays CDs and DVDs and make 2 devices on the MX500 specific to the medium I am playing. Also can take my Denon AVR-1803 and set up a separate device that is based on the tuner for AM/FM use only. Between the tools and the help of the community here on the forum, should work pretty well.

Mike-as an aside, does the number of remotes you own have anything to do with your wife making you watch TV in the garage? :)

Anyhow, thanks again. I'm sure I'll pop in for advice once I start working with everything.

Ray

That is true, don't forget to download CCF to MX Tool - Version 2 from [Link: irclone.com]


Make sure when you do this to make full use of the punch-through capability of the MX-500. When using the editor make sure you set the punch-throughs as the last step, especially if you have been moving devices around.


Nothing quite so exciting, although my garage does get used for some weird things. An hour of TV helps when using the exercise machine.

Mike