Remotes

[Nemo128]

Currently using a Harmony 890 Pro that is on its way out. The buttons are starting to respond less or not at all, the motion sensor is completely shot.

Simply put, I like the Harmony way of programming the remote. I also love the state memory.

What other remotes are out there which offer at least state memory and full RF use? I say full RF because I don't want an IR remote which I use with an IR repeater setup. If I must I must, but I'd rather not.

Also, state memory is a must. I hate remotes that don't remember what to turn on and off.

I've looked at URC stuff but it's hard to figure out what they do and don't do completely from reviews and their website.

 

[adk highlander]

Hey Nemo,

I have a ton of URC gear and can help with any of the CCP based remotes.

The software is not wizard based so you have to add each piece of gear and program all of your macro steps manually. You create your "state" by the use of either variables (when using rf/ir base stations) or if you use their master system controller (which does RS232 as well as IR) it can track state by the use of video and voltage sensors.

Each remote in their line MX-780, MX-880, MX-980, MX-1200 all have slightly different levels of variable control and the level of custom graphics you can use.

I know you are a computer guy so I do not think you will have any issue programming these but it will take a bit longer than a Harmony.

If you want PM me and I can post some of the pdf manuals for you to look through to get an idea of how the software works and if it will do what you want.

 

[Nemo128]

Thanks adk, I'll think more about URCs. My only concern was WAF, and I read that URCs don't do state memory. The problem is not all of my components have voltage or serial outputs.

But I'm just over Harmony remotes now. I've always felt that URCs were built with much higher quality than Logitechs, but the WAF is super-high with Harmony.

 

[colin.p]

OT Rant

Which brings me to a peeve that I have with Harmony/Logitec remotes. Why don't they last? I have an old RS 15-2116 remote that I programmed years ago with a JP1 cable, that still works fine and all buttons work. It just is a pain to program, especially without a parallel port. However, I have worn out a Harmony 659 that was used for not more than 2 years, that the most used buttons quit working. The RS is going on 10. I now have a 650 that is quite nice, but I wonder if the stupid thing will even last the year.

However, I guess Logitec can't/won't make a rugged remote as there wouldn't be as much incentive to buy another one. Oh well, when the 650 quits working, I will go back to my old faithful.

 

[Hi Ho]

Thanks adk, I'll think more about URCs. My only concern was WAF, and I read that URCs don't do state memory.

URC does one better. Much better, in fact. Discrete on/off commands eliminate the need to remember the state of each component and make operation much more reliable. Instead of the remote attempting to "know" whether a component is on or off and sending a power toggle command it sends an "ON" command that ONLY turns the unit on or an "OFF" command that ONLY turns it off. If the unit is already on nothing happens. Nothing gets out of sync. Unfortunately not all products have discrete commands but many do and there are workarounds for those that do not.

It is very easy to add "state memory" using a simple variable in the CCP software if needed.