New to this forum, and am looking for some general advice and help on setting up my Home Theater and Rec Room area for AV and Lighting control.

System Hardware to be controlled:
Onkyo Reciever
PS3 - Blueray
Panasonic AE3000 Projector
6 Seperate Zones of Lighting

Controller - URC MX-980
MRF-350 with RFX 250 Module for RF control
Audio Authority BlueBeam for IR to Bluetooth control of PS3

Looking for help and suggestion about lighting control specifically.

I am confused as to what to buy. What is the simplest setup and switch combo. Should I be looking for the URC MRF Dimmers or will this lead to issues with scene control and seperate zones. Is there another solution which the MX-980 will be able to control. I have Cat5e running to all my lighting switches so I could utlize that to control some other type of lighting via RF350 to IR etc.

Some have suggest X-10 not sure what the simplest solution for me would be. Cost is a concern as the Lutron RA are pricey and am wondering if using the MRF350 I could do some other control system.

Please help

That's easy. Buy URC switches and dimmers. The 980 RF talks directly to them and you can zone them out however you want with RF ID #'s. Everything else in your setup should be good as well so long as discreet power and input commands are supported by the Denon and Panasonic.

Thanks for the info... any idea of where to find the best deals on the dimmers?

Woot just had URC dimmer for $19.95 each but I think you just missed it by a few hours. Oh well...I say wait around for the next best deal of the century.

You might want to call an authorized dealer to insure you get one with a warranty.

[Link: universalremote.com]

I live in Winnipeg MB, Canada

I dont think there are any dealers.

Anyone have some model #'s so that I can find them online.

I need 6 dimmers.

Looking for a good deal

Also, you need to have a neutral wire present in the box if you use the URC on/off switches.

When you say neutral, since I am not an electrician, but have a basic understanding, are you refering to 14-2 vs 14-3 wire in the box. Do I need a 3 wire?

As well, I read this post and am wondering if the X-10 will be a cheaper solution given I have the MRF-350 and a Mx-980. If so some help as to what to buy for the X-10 would be appreciated.

----------------------------------
"dormie1360
Long Time Member

You could always do this.

Buy an X10 INFRARED MINI CONTROLLER IR543....Ebay has them for around $10.

You can also buy and X10 dimmer switch while you're there. Plug the IR 543 controller into your wall where you have your RF Base station/MSC-400 plugged in. Run an emitter from the RF Base to the controller. Install your dimmer. Use the X10 codes in your URC database. Now you have RF control for about $30. Depending on your home X10 may not be 100% bullet proof but I've had good success with this arrangement. YMMV

You are limited as far as light settings.......basically on and off at what ever ramp speed you set on your dimmer.

Regards,
John "

I also found the Lutron Wireless Dimmer (RF) and am wondering about the Lutron Radio RA Dimmer packages.

Can the Maestro or the Radio RA Lutrons dimmers work with what I cam trying to do. If the MX-980 can be programmed to control almost any RF device why couldn't I program it to handle these dimmers?

Cheers

The MX-980 'speaks' RF to the MRF-350 base-station and to URC-branded light switches & dimmers (which are made by Lutron, but not the same as RadioRA), not to any/all RF devices, of which there are legion. You might search the forums for the Big Thread on the subject.

Surely there someone in Manitoba who sells URC--right?

No one in Wpg sells or carries URC. Not even sure what is really available in all of Canada.

Anyway.. what BIG THREAD are you refering to. I enjoy reading the posts and try to only ask questions when I cant find an answer.

I could really use some help on this one...

I am sure the MX-980 must be able to control other RF dimmer switches.

Anyone???

You can also look in to the Leviton Vizia RF
[Link: leviton.com]

The 4 button Scene and Zone controllers have a IR window and can be controlled with any universal remote.

[Link: leviton.com]

I have never had a problem with the Leviton Vizia RF that I have installed
(and chose this for my condo)

I have also used the URC Lutron on installs with great results.

Neither one is going to be dirt cheep but both will work 100 %

You could call one of their Canadian distributors and ask them if they sell a dealer that is close.

[Link: universalremote.com]

the original poster has worn out his welcome in the custom installer lounge... he will get no more professional help..

he is an ungrateful asshole!!!!

Just one last important bit of professional help


If you have to ask THIS, you reeeeeally should hire a pro.