Child + Harmony = New Harmony

[Nemo128]

Title says it all... anyway...

I need to find a remote. I love the RF of my Harmony 890 Pro, so RF is a must. I want something that no matter how hard it is to program, it's easy to use (high WAF is a must). I would like something DURABLE... as latest experience has shown that it is now a necessary attribute in my life.

Looking for ideas, don't really have a budget since I'm willing to pay for good stuff. I'd rather stick to a normal remote form, so things like the Harmony 1100 are not desirable.

Thanks.

 

[hizzaah]

Why not get another Harmony? I wouldn't recommend the new Harmony Touch, but the 900 would be decent remote.

Refurb model is only $200..
Logitech Harmony® 900 Universal Remote Control

URC remotes are pretty popular on here as well

 

[STRONGBADF1]

You'll probably want a URC. I don't know much about them but my understanding is that Harmony is good for people who want it to be as simple as possible (Me) and URC's are for people who want more control and don't mind some programming to get it. URC has a better reputation for quality. Not that Harmony's are bad, just not on the level of URC.

PM BMXTRIX... I believe he is this forums guru on remotes.


Happy Hunting!

 

[Nemo128]

I'm considering the URC MX-780, I'll try to hit up BMX and get his thoughts.

 

[Hi Ho]

The MX-780 has proven to be reliable and quite durable. It is the most popular remote at work because of it's features and price point and I have installed many of them.

If you want one that is a kid proof as possible then look at the MXW-900. It is water resistance and ruggedized for outdoor use.

 

[Nemo128]

I'm not sure if that's quite necessary, just something that can withstand the occassional drop. I will look into the MX-780, looks like I'll need to drop at least $400+ to get that done.

 

[Hi Ho]

Amazon.com: MX-780 Universal Remote Control: Electronics

Amazon.com: Universal Remote Control MRF-260 Addressable Narrow Band RF Base Station: Electronics

The biggest sticking point is getting your hands on the software.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Amazon.com: MX-780 Universal Remote Control: Electronics

Amazon.com: Universal Remote Control MRF-260 Addressable Narrow Band RF Base Station: Electronics

The biggest sticking point is getting your hands on the software.

+1. Logitech got nothing on URC in terms of reliability. URC remotes built like tanks, not like 90's ford cars (logitech stuff)

You'll need CCP software to program MX-780/MFR-260. PM me if you can't find it.. I might know someone who has it

You'll find CCP is not nearly as intuitive as Logitech software, it really designed toward custom installers, but good news there some pdf docs explaining the basics of programming it - not great but ok i guess

 

[BMXTRIX]

I pick up the MX-850 remotes myself on eBay. They aren't as flashy as the other URC remotes, but they integrate directly with Crestron through Crestron software programming only, which makes it super easy to program for me.

I have a number of URC RF base stations if you need one PM me a price you will offer. I don't use them at all, but some I've won have come with one. None have come with IR emitters, but you can pick those up on eBay/etc.

I have two kids and have several (3 or 4) that I've used since they were born. They are 7 & 9 now and neither has failed on me.

 

[Nemo128]

What do you guys think of the URC RF20 aka RFS200?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

What do you guys think of the URC RF20 aka RFS200?

I have it now. Cheap and super reliable. But Imo pain to program due to lack of pc programming. Would be bad choice if any of your equipment does have a dedicated on/off commands... (like many cable boxes) .. Also RF20 remote is not addressable and always transmits both ir and rf, but battery life is more than sufficient (several months on rechargeable 4x AA)

I also have used MX-900 and a mrf-350, but I'm ashamed to say I still haven't done it's programming...

Buying used URC remotes from ebay is not without caveats... My remote was in noticeably worse condition than described by seller ...

 

[Nemo128]

Right now I'm just gonna try to fix my 890 Pro. Not sure I want to jump into a nearly $400 setup plus programming. I used to have patience for programming, not as much these days.

 

[Nemo128]

Figured you guys would like an update.

I bought a Harmony 1100 and immediately regretted it when I first used it. I will never stray away from a wand-type remote with hard buttons again.

Now I am in the process of getting a URC MX-780 and an MRF-260 base station. I'll let ya know how it goes.

 

[giliakareo]

They are 7 & 9 now and neither has failed on me.