This might not be the most precise place for this post, but here goes.

Situation: Two (or more) identical components, in this case the Kenwood Sovereign Entre Hub, which is a digital audio server that, among other things, controls the Sovereign DVD changers. It was supposed to control three, but only controls one. I like it enough to consider adding another (I'm on my second changer).

I know that I can use a Xantech IR router to distinguish between the identical IR signals, but I'm wondering if there's an easier way around things. I've got the RC9200, and I don't use its RF capability. I don't know if that offers any work-around, because my assumption has been that you have to go all or nothing, i.e., all components RF, or all IR.

If anyone's got a different suggestion, I'd like to hear of it. Thanks for the time.

Nick

Nick,

It's not a one or the other type thing. You could control one of these devices with IR and the other with RF. This would obviate the need for the Xantech (unless you want it for other reasons).

Certainly using RF and IR control requires some additional time and effort in laying out your ccf. Whether or not it's worth it, is a decision you'd have to make. I don't think that there is any substancial advantage using either method, other than perhaps cost. But yes, it is possible.

Jim L

You know, I've never even unpacked the RF extender that came with the RC9200. I always assumed that if you wanted to use it, you had to put Stick-ems connected to the RF receiver on all your components, and somehow only transmit an RF signal. I'll start to look it over.

However, if it can be done like that, without going the IR router road, I'd much prefer it. If anyone thinks they can provide a facile description I'd love to hear it.

Since I already have a functional IR layout on the RC9200 for my Entre unit #1, I assume I would simply copy that layout to another device, and somehow program that device alone to receive RF? What I want to avoid, if possible, is going into the setup menu of the RC9200 each time I want to change back and forth.

But . . . I'll start reading the manual on the RF stuff. But if anyone else has done it, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks, Jim, and anyone else.

Nick

Nick,

You set the method of transmission (RF/IR) in device properties. The problem (if it is a problem) is that the source codes (not aliases) must be in a device that is set to RF. If you copy your IR layout, and then set this copy's device properties to RF - it'll work ONLY if the actual IR codes are in the copied device.

The extender passes the signal in two ways. Through the corded emitters, and functions as an IR blaster as well. This may be your biggest problem. The blaster's IR transmission may control your first unit as well. IMHO the best solution would be to use the emitters on the second unit, and then tape over or otherwise mask the IR window to prevent it from receiving IR from the blaster.

Jim L

If I'm reading you right, I may be in luck. The 2d Entre Unit would be in a separate cabinet, no glass doors, although in the same room. That would prevent the blaster from emitting an IR signal that would confuse the other unit.

So . . . I would set the "new" device to RF in its properties, while it would be IR for all other devices. So if I'm pressing buttons on the device set to RF, no IR signal comes from the RC9200; and if I'm pressing all other buttons, no RF signal comes from the RC9200.

If I'm right so far . . . that only leaves the issue of the source codes for the new device being in RF. By copying the layout, I only meant that. . . the layout. I would have to create new commands that would transmit the RF, but . . .how does that get done? The Entre's original remote is IR. Is there a way to "learn" the RF codes from a remote that has no RF output?

Boy, if you can tell me that this is do-able along these lines, I will become one happy camper. Thanks for your help, Jim.

Nick

Nick,

You've got it right, only RF (from the RF device) or IR (from all other devices, not both, will be transmitted. As far as codes go, no need to learn the codes in RF, the remote transmits the IR codes via an RF frequency which is rebroadcast by the extender in IR. Just make sure you either:

A) learn the codes directly onto the buttons in the RF panels - or

B) if your codes are learned to buttons on dedicated (code only) panels, copy these panels into the RF device and then re-alias the RF unit to these codes. This is the best way IMHO.

It is also possible to set up "mixed" (RF and IR) macros on your home panel (or elsewhere). It would just depend on which device you alias the action list commands to.

Jim L

Nicholas,
I am working on a system right now with four identical LCD TVs above a big tube TV.

The IR is run through four ports of a Xantech CC-62, which is six IR-controlled DPDT relays that can be turned on, off, toggled, or turned on momentarily. There is a 100 ohm resistor in series with each LED so that all relays can be turned on at the same time, as in shutdown, for instance, and still work properly.

The CC-62 is pricy, and you have to watch this site for me to upload the commands for them, but the bulletproof solution.

oh, yeah -- if it is just two components, the much cheaper CC-12 (only one relay) can be used.
Relay off = component 1
Relay on = component 2

Those codes are coming to the site soon (actually I have not checked to see if they are here or not; they are code groups 60 for the CC62 and 50 for the cC12).