What are you using for control?

[jhteam30]

do you have the remote commands for the Mx 850 to operate the Mza 4.7 integra? Or the hex codes? If you do could you email them to me or post them. I have 2 integra 4.7 but do not have the codes and cannot find them.

 

[jhteam30]

Integra 4.7 commands for Mx850

Do you have the integra 4.7 ir commands for the Mx 850 remote? Or the hex codes and I can build what I need in the hex editor. Thanks

 

[adk highlander]

Do you have the integra 4.7 ir commands for the Mx 850 remote? Or the hex codes and I can build what I need in the hex editor. Thanks

I have one better for you. I have an .mxf file that has the commands already in it. I will PM you a link to the file. With only 2 posts I know you cannot PM but I'm not sure if you can get one.

EDIT: PM Sent with link to file.

 

[adk highlander]

The MX-980 I am using for the theater has fully cusomizable graphics.

Just for fun here are a few screen shots of different pages in my remote:

I have changed the standard watch and listen buttons to Theater and zone 2.

Page 1 of Theater is for using the TV display and Page 2 is for the projector.

These are the first pages of my Blu-ray and DVR activities. I'm using similar background for all of the theater pages. Kind of fractal based images and others that kind of go. Not too busy so you can always read the buttons.

Channel favorites with the logo's. I didn't know how much I would use them but for I do use them and they look nice.

One more of the DVD for TV page.

The MX-980 is far and above the best remote I have ever own. The feel of the remote is solid and well balanced. Screen graphics are very good, it can be customized to do almost any function and the key action is acurate and I have yet to not have it respond to a command the first time I press the button. Even the 880 which is great can miss a command if you don't push the button in the middle.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Thank you for commenting BMX that is one incredible setup. I felt I could not consider looking into a crestron system based on there not being a bit DIY areana for their gear. I don't have the resources to get into this level unless I was doing all the programming.

It is possible if you know the right person to get the software relatively easy.

Is the language used to program crestron based on any kind of standard or is it completely their own? Is it all command line based or do you have a windows environment like ccp?

Crestron has two programming environments. SimplWindows and Simpl+, both of which are programs you run in Windows. SimplWindows is not a line based code, but a logic based code. Much different than C++ or other line based programming where you type in code. But, the logical end result is the same, and it works very well for most control functionality.

Simpl+ is more like C++ and allows for lines of code to be programmed into the system. It handles serial interfaces and text parsing for complex devices far better than SimplWindows. But, Simpl+ integrates seamlessly into SimplWindows to allow for all types of serious programming and integration efforts.

Touchpanels are programmed in VTPro, which also runs in Windows as a standalone program. You layout the panels using whatever graphics and buttons you want and it isn't much more difficult than most other software. The specific touchpanels will affect the level of graphics which can be used, but I have everything from my handheld URC MX-850 remote (no graphics) to hard button 12-key Decora keypads, to my iPod Touch and 8" and larger touchpanels in my home.

The big thing about a good remote is that WE do not need them. We know how to use our equipment.

The remote makes it so my kids also know how to use it, as does my wife, in-laws, and friends. Plus, they can use it with little to no fear of them breaking something or messing up a setting.

 

[krzywica]

The only thing that stops me is that I'd still have to get up to turn the amps on.

Not at all





I will be watching this thread closely!!

Thanks for putting all the time into describing the ins and outs of your automation experience ADK. This is a huge help as I have been trying to decide what to do with my cluster......

I would want at least 4 zones and have all my gear centrally located in my equipment rack in the basement. Right now I am using a simple IR repeater and multiple remotes which is a stop gap solution that works pretty well for the time being. I am in search of a cost effective elegant solution and don't mind if I have to do a lot of work programming if in the end its stable and cost effective.

Lemme know if you have any questions about building a media server when the time comes....been running one for several years now.

 

[adk highlander]

It is possible if you know the right person to get the software relatively easy.


Crestron has two programming environments. SimplWindows and Simpl+, both of which are programs you run in Windows. SimplWindows is not a line based code, but a logic based code. Much different than C++ or other line based programming where you type in code. But, the logical end result is the same, and it works very well for most control functionality.

Simpl+ is more like C++ and allows for lines of code to be programmed into the system. It handles serial interfaces and text parsing for complex devices far better than SimplWindows. But, Simpl+ integrates seamlessly into SimplWindows to allow for all types of serious programming and integration efforts.

Touchpanels are programmed in VTPro, which also runs in Windows as a standalone program. You layout the panels using whatever graphics and buttons you want and it isn't much more difficult than most other software. The specific touchpanels will affect the level of graphics which can be used, but I have everything from my handheld URC MX-850 remote (no graphics) to hard button 12-key Decora keypads, to my iPod Touch and 8" and larger touchpanels in my home.

Cool. That sounds like an interesting programming environment. I'm sure it would be nice for you to use one piece of software and be able to do system controllers and touch panels in one environment at least from a workflow standpoint. It is easy to get lost or loose variables when going back and forth like that.

The big thing about a good remote is that WE do not need them. We know how to use our equipment.

The remote makes it so my kids also know how to use it, as does my wife, in-laws, and friends. Plus, they can use it with little to no fear of them breaking something or messing up a setting.

Exactly. My wife and kid just want it to work. They don't want buttons on the remote that they never use or don't understand. I'm am so happy with the performance of RF and RS232. It is just rock solid.

 

[adk highlander]

I will be watching this thread closely!!

Thanks for putting all the time into describing the ins and outs of your automation experience ADK. This is a huge help as I have been trying to decide what to do with my cluster......

I would want at least 4 zones and have all my gear centrally located in my equipment rack in the basement. Right now I am using a simple IR repeater and multiple remotes which is a stop gap solution that works pretty well for the time being. I am in search of a cost effective elegant solution and don't mind if I have to do a lot of work programming if in the end its stable and cost effective.

Lemme know if you have any questions about building a media server when the time comes....been running one for several years now.

I'm glad if my growing pains can help people get to what they want and not go the scenic route like I did.

If I were you I would keep an eye on ebay for a MSC-400 like I have now. I picked mine up for less than $150 bucks which was a huge steal. Especially considering what I paid for the remotes it was my best bargin. Then you can add remotes as you can afford them (just need to make sure you get one that works with the CCP softare). Getting the software will be possible with friends from around here and with your backgound in computers hooking it up will be a piece of cake.

I will be taking you up on the server offer. I'm hoping by mid summer I will be ready to start buying some hardware.

 

[krzywica]

I'm glad if my growing pains can help people get to what they want and not go the scenic route like I did.

If I were you I would keep an eye on ebay for a MSC-400 like I have now. I picked mine up for less than $150 bucks which was a huge steal. Especially considering what I paid for the remotes it was my best bargin. Then you can add remotes as you can afford them (just need to make sure you get one that works with the CCP softare). Getting the software will be possible with friends from around here and with your backgound in computers hooking it up will be a piece of cake.

I will be taking you up on the server offer. I'm hoping by mid summer I will be ready to start buying some hardware.

Excellent man I will certainly keep an eye out for an MSC-400 as what you have seems to be EXACTLY what I am looking for.

Looking back what URC remote would you buy for your main HT? If price was no object....

 

[adk highlander]

Excellent man I will certainly keep an eye out for an MSC-400 as what you have seems to be EXACTLY what I am looking for.

Looking back what URC remote would you buy for your main HT? If price was no object....

The 980 is nearly perfect but I would have went with the MX-5000. It is still a wand remote. The 5000 has 2-way IP based control so you would get volume and power feedback as well as cover art etc. from your music server. It also has haptic touch feedback so you know when it registers you touch on the screen.

The MX-6000 is the top of the line but I don't want to have to use both hands because then I would have to put my scotch down.

 

[Hi Ho]

I don't have nearly as elaborate a system as some of you in this thread buy I use a URC MX-900 with an MRF-350.

1) How did you go about choosing a control system?

My employer sells and installs URC products and I was very impressed by them. I get the products cheap and I have full access to the software.

2) Did you do all the programming yourself or hire a pro?

Did it all myself. I don't program officially as part of my job so my first attempt was pretty sloppy. I recently completely reprogrammed my system in CCP and it is much cleaner.

3) How many zones do you have?

Three, if you include the wireless headhones as a zone.

4) Are you using, IR, RF, RS232, IP or a combination?

RF, through RF-350 with blasters on components that lack IR inputs.

5) What would you like to add next?

An MX-980.

6) How easy is it to expand?

Very simple. I can program a new device in a few minutes.

7) What do you dislike?

Nothing really. I have no qualms with how the system works. Anyone can use it. One button operation is great.

I have no variables and my macros aren't terribly complex. Thankfuly, every one of my devices has discrete codes for just about every function needed.

 

[adk highlander]

I don't have nearly as elaborate a system as some of you in this thread buy I use a URC MX-900 with an MRF-350.

1) How did you go about choosing a control system?

My employer sells and installs URC products and I was very impressed by them. I get the products cheap and I have full access to the software.

2) Did you do all the programming yourself or hire a pro?

Did it all myself. I don't program officially as part of my job so my first attempt was pretty sloppy. I recently completely reprogrammed my system in CCP and it is much cleaner.

3) How many zones do you have?

Three, if you include the wireless headhones as a zone.

4) Are you using, IR, RF, RS232, IP or a combination?

RF, through RF-350 with blasters on components that lack IR inputs.

5) What would you like to add next?

An MX-980.

6) How easy is it to expand?

Very simple. I can program a new device in a few minutes.

7) What do you dislike?

Nothing really. I have no qualms with how the system works. Anyone can use it. One button operation is great.

I have no variables and my macros aren't terribly complex. Thankfuly, every one of my devices has discrete codes for just about every function needed.

Excellent Hi Ho thanks for posting. The MX-900 is a solid remote. It has the same key layout as the 980 so when you do upgrade the feel will be the same. That is very cool you were able to get the software and do it yourself as well. I really think the CCP software is quite good and easy to learn. It is not a wizard system so you need to know some basics but not so complex it takes hours just to create a macro.

 

[krzywica]

The 980 is nearly perfect but I would have went with the MX-5000. It is still a wand remote. The 5000 has 2-way IP based control so you would get volume and power feedback as well as cover art etc. from your music server. It also has haptic touch feedback so you know when it registers you touch on the screen.

The MX-6000 is the top of the line but I don't want to have to use both hands because then I would have to put my scotch down.

Wow the MX5000 looks incredibly sexy! Not to mention the processing it packs just in the remote itself. As I assume these are for professionals only and as such it is hard to get pricing....but whats a good way to go about finding a "good deal" and knowing when you found one?

Also its a little disconcerting that the warranty is only 1 year and ONLY if purchased from an authorized dealer....hmm....thats quite the stingy warranty period for a professional automation product.

 

[dapack69]

1) How did you go about choosing a control system?

Other peoples recommendations and ease of you.

2) Did you do all the programming yourself or hire a pro?

I did it myself as its webbased.

3) How many zones do you have?

Currently have just 1.

4) Are you using, IR, RF, RS232, IP or a combination?

Just using IR right now.

5) What would you like to add next?

N/A

6) How easy is it to expand?

Very easy, just need to add a function, plug the remote into the computer and it's there.

7) What do you dislike?

The price.