Universal Remote Control

Does the MX-800 work the system with the MRF-200 Base Station UNPLUGGED with all the devices set to IR line of sight operation (from the Program Menu, Step 9 RF Control)?
1. If learned codes are not working line of sight, try learning disconnected from the PC (see Stand Alone Learning in the manual)
  
  or
2. Use the pre-programmed code sets in the database (many users ignore the generic code sets, try them).
  
  Once ALL of your commands and macros work perfectly line of sight it is time to move to step 2. Don't skip step 1.
Plug in the power supply to the MRF-200 base station and test the RF
1. From the Program Menu, select step #9 RF Control
2. Set each device to RF Only operation
3. Select a specific flasher output for the most troublesome 6 devices. If you are planning to use the front blaster for some of your components, we will troubleshoot those later. Leave those devices set to all.
4. Save the file and download to the MX-800.
5. Turn on all of your A/V components.
6. Observe the MRF-200 base station, not the A/V components, and press a button with a command not a macro. Hold it down. The right hand status LED of the base station should stay lit while you press it. Release the button, the LED should immediately go out. If it stays lit or flickers, move the base station farther away from the components. Typically, 3 feet away is fine. The flasher cables are ten feet long for this reason. In some extreme cases, if the base station has to be moved farther away, you can extend the cables with any 24-gauge or better two conductor wire later.
7. Concentrate on getting the status LED to light with a press and go out with a release even if you have to move the base station outside the cabinet/closet with the gear.
Once this is working correctly, go on to step 3.
Test the MRF flashers with a component
1. Hook up one emitter to the base station (extend the wire if necessary). Make sure you plug it into the correct jack for the component you are going to test.
2. Test commands for that particular component while moving the flasher to different test positions. Start with the flasher about 3' away from the front panel. When a position gives 10 out of 10 commands good operation, note the spot and repeat the process with the same emitter (plugged into the correct jack) until you have noted the correct front panel spot for flashers on each component.
3. Route all of the flasher cables to the base station, labeling the plugs for the correct jack #. Reconnect and test.

The key elements are:

A. You must have reliable RF, before you test Flasher Positioning.

B. Engaging the IR routing of a device to a specific flasher eliminates the possibility of IR saturation from too many flashers doing the same thing. When operation is buggy, engage IR routing.

C. Even when only one flasher is outputting IR, the flasher can over power or saturate a component's front panel sensor. Sometimes, the flasher has to be mounted an inch or more away from the front panel IR sensor.

The MX-800 can transmit commands via RF to the MRF-200, which then sends out IR commands to the devices. You can use the remote anywhere within range (including through walls, from different floors, and from outside), but only with IR devices. The MX-800 and MX-700 can both control up to 20 devices. Each device can have up to 4 LCD pages of custom buttons plus all of the hard buttons programmed.

Will the MX-800 control my radio frequency (RF) devices or learn RF commands?

Although the MX-800 is an RF/IR remote, it only communicates to the MRF-200 via RF. It will not control or learn RF devices functions.

What can the MRF-200 do?

The MRF-200 is capable of controlling up to 20 different devices from the front IR Blaster or 6 devices from the plug-in IR Flashers. RF Addressing allows for up to 16 MRF-200s to be used in an installation. RF Routing allows for up to 6 identical devices to be used by routing your commands only to the device you select on your MX-800. The other identical devices will not receive commands.

PC Computer

Pentium II equivalent or better

Windows 98 or better

64 MB RAM or more

Serial port (or Serial to USB adapter if you computer only has USB)

CD-ROM drive

Internet connection (optional, but useful for Live Update downloads)

If I have more than one MX-800, will the MRF-200(S) recognize both of them if they are programmed the same?

Yes, the MRF-200 will recognize as many MX-800s as you program to work with your components and address to an MRF-200.

Can I use MX-Editor on my Mac?

Yes. PC emulator software, such as Virtual PC will allow you to use MX-Editor.

In the MX-Editor software, please follow these steps:

Click "HELP"
Click "LIVE UPDATE"
Click "UPDATE NOW"

You can also click on the SAT icon located on the far right of the Toolbar. If an update is available it will proceed to download. The blue progress bar will indicate that you are receiving the "Live Update" information. After, you can check the updated version number by Clicking on the "Help" tab and then clicking on "About", which will show you the version number of your software. Make sure to use the "Live Update" feature often and we are always updating the MX Editor software. The "Live Update" feature will allow you to update the software itself, the remote control firmware and the preprogrammed IR code database. Check the "Live Update" feature of MX Editor Programming Software each time you use MX Editor as we update frequently.
If an update is available, If there is no update, the screen will say "No updates available at this time". If you do get an update, you must close MX-Editor and restart it for the update to take effect.

My MX-Editor software and remote are not communicating. What do I do?

Typically, there are a few reasons for this problem. The number one problem we have found is the use of Active Sync or Hot Sync software that is holding on to the active com ports and preventing your PC from communicating with the MX-700. Some digital camera software or software for wireless docking stations, keyboards, or mice can also prevent communication with your MX-800. You may have to disable or even remove the software that is blocking communication with your MX-800.
Alternately, the MX-Editor and computer port may not be set to communicate properly, or you may have a bad cable connection.

Here is the best way to check to see if your settings are correct:

In MX-Editor click "COMMUNICATIONS"
Click "SETTINGS"
Write down the COM PORT NUMBER
Go to your Windows Device Manager (Usually found under "Control Panel", "System", then the "Hardware" tab)
Click the "+" next to "PORTS"
Find the port that has "(COM ...)" at the end of it and make sure it matches the COM Port number you wrote down in step 3
If the number matches, right click on that port and select "PROPERTIES"
Select the "PORT SETTINGS" tab
The settings should read as follows:

Reopen the MX-Editor software and test it by attempting to do a download to the remote (Full Download)

How far do the infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) commands go?

Using new batteries the MX-700 and the MX-200 SideKick can transmit IR signals up to 60 feet (20 meters). Your dealer can also offer you an IR repeater system that can allow you greater distance for your specific system.

You can use the factory supplied remote control for your device and learn the IR codes into a file that you create in the MX Editor software. If you want to learn the entire factory remote quickly you can use the "Continue to next button" feature in the Edit and Label buttons dialog box. You just enable the "Continue to next button" feature by clicking on the third icon from the left located in on the Toolbar in the Edit and Label Buttons box. You can also search the "Files" section under "MX-700" of remotecentral.com to see if anyone posted IR codes for your device.

Can the MX-800 learn all my devices?

The MX-800 can learn from almost any IR based remote control. The MX-800 cannot learn from any RF only remotes or from some two-way interactive IR based remote systems. You can look in the "Features" section of remotecentral.com to see an article about special remote systems that use very high frequency or proprietary operation. If you are in doubt please contact us.

Are there any buttons that will not learn?

On the MX-800 remote control every button except PAGE, MAIN and FAV can learn an IR code or Macro. The PAGE button is used to scroll through pages on the LCD screen. The MAIN button is used to return to the Main page on the LCD screen. The FAV button is used to enter the Favorites memory section of the MX-800 and to display up to five pages of Favorite commands.

No, you can use your saved file and easily learn a code again or delete any button that is incorrect and create a new one. You saved .mxf file will allow you to try several different button configurations and always have your master file available as back up.

How can I reset my MX-800 to factory default?

You can open a new 20-device configuration in the MX Editor software. First click the icon for "New Configuration" or click on "File" the select "New" Now choose 20 devices and apply that choice. Now select "Download" using the icon on the Toolbar or by clicking on "Communications" and selecting "Download". Now choose "Partial Download" in the Download dialog box. After you complete the Partial Download your MX-800 will be reset for the 20-device factory default mode.

Does the MX-800 library include "discrete" device codes?

Yes, when available from the manufacturer we add discrete IR codes to the device IR code list. We usually place those available discrete IR codes on the LCD screen buttons, many times on page 3 or page 4. Note that some devices never have discrete IR codes available or may have some functions that are toggle only even though some other commands are discrete. You may want to search the "Files" section of remotecentral.com or look in the "Discrete Hunter" forum on remotecentral.com for more codes. You can also use other remote control systems to learn specific discrete IR codes into your MX Editor software for use in programming your MX-800.

Macros are a string of commands that you create to perform complex actions with the touch of a single. You may need to have twenty IR commands sent to power on all of the devices in your system, just by pressing one button. You would create a series of macros to make it muck easier to operate your system. A common example of a macro is one that is based around an activity, like "Watch a DVD movie" You can easily develop macros that will allow you to have one touch control over specific devices as well. The memory power of your MX-800 allows each button to include a 190 step macro. You can read the section about macros in the MX Editor Programming Manual or watch the movie about macros in the MX Editor Tutorial. We feature a section in the MX Editor Programming manual that addresses the subject of long macros and offers some suggestions.

How are macros useful?

Some of the question 14 answers this. Macros are very useful in allowing you to use one button to control complex actions in you home. You could have macros that are based around specific activity or a specific device. Macros allow you to save time and avoid confusion when operating your system with your MX-800.

How can I program Macros and Favorites?

You can program Macros and Favorites by using the Macro and Favorite Dialog Box in the MX Editor software. You can read the section about Macros in the MX Editor Programming Manual and you can watch the movie in the MX Editor Tutorial to see examples of a macro.

Yes you can create macros for each device that allow you to change inputs and other settings of your system. Refer to the Macro section of the MX Editor Programming Manual or watch the movie about macros in the MX Editor Tutorial.

My LCD Screen stays on all of the time. Will that quickly drain the batteries?

No, our engineers designed your MX-800 so that you will get from 3 . to 5 months of battery life with one set of AAA batteries. The LCD screen remains on at all times and does not draw very much power.

Do I have to reprogram the remote when the batteries die?

No, your MX-800 has a non-volatile Flash memory that will last up to 10 years even with dead batteries. You will also have your saved .mxf file for you remote, available to use if the memory in your remote is damaged and needs factory repair.

No the text display is limited to upper case only with a limit of five characters per button. You can use the PC keyboard to obtain some special character symbols.
[ = PLAY
] = REVERSE PLAY
= UP ARROW
' = DOWN ARROW
@ = FF ARROW
* = REW ARROW
% = PAUSE
; = STOP (Square block)
! = !
# = #
$ = $
^ = ^
& = &

Can I mix commands from more than one remote to a single device on my MX-800?

Yes, you can use preprogrammed IR database codes along with learned IR codes from any number of factory remote controls. You can also use other remote control systems to learn IR codes into your MX Editor Programming Software.

Does the MX-800 have backlighting?

You can activate your backlight by pressing the "Light" button located on the side of your MX-800. Your battery life is affected by Back Light On time you select. The factory default setting for the backlight is 10 seconds. You can select a custom time from 1 to 99 seconds. The longer the Back Light On time the shorter the battery life. Most people choose 10 or 12 seconds. You can experiment with the backlight time. The time selected is the length of time that the backlight stays on AFTER the last button press on your remote.

No, you cannot directly enter any HEX IR codes into the MX Editor software. You can use another remote system to send IR codes into the MX-800 and learn those codes with your MX Editor software.

Is the MX-800 capable of importing .CCF files from competing manufacturers?

Yes. The latest version of the MX Editor is capable of reading .CCF files so you can import learned functions.