I currently have a Genesis MX-900 remote, which my installer set up to work via IR a few years ago. We've been a little less than satisfied lately with the performance and are considering adding the MRF-350 base station to see if that improves performance.

A couple of questions:

1. Do you recommend adding the RF base station, and do you think it will assist in the remote's performance?

2. Is it easy to configure the MX-900 to work with the RF base station? I do have the MX-900 editor software installed on my laptop, and I have the remote's current configuration saved.

I appreicate whatever help you guys have to offer.

Thanks.

Your statement leads to an important question: What is causing you to be dissatisfied with the performance of the remote? If the programming, macros and setup are subpar adding an RF base station will not help you in the least. You'd just have the ability to control your system in a sub par manner...without pointing the controller at the equipment. So...more info is needed here from you.

1. Yes, we always use some type of RF with every controller. Not only because our equipment is never in view but also to make sure the steps in the macros are not missed.

2. Yes, that's one of the easier parts of the 'programming' process. Antenna location, antenna wiring, emitter wire routing, emitter placement...those are the things that you need to have dialed in properly or you'll make things even worse. This likely will be where you will run into some trouble with RF interference and/or missed commands or poorly executed commands due to improper emitter location/emitter output levels.

I'm no pro, but I would think the sub par aspect would be how the macros are set up.....

Thanks for the responses.

I am not an AV pro by any stretch of the imagination. However, I really don't think it's a macro problem. The remote worked very well for all our devices for the first 3 1/2 years. In the last year, the little IR feeds that stick to the front of our various devices, partifcularly the Direct TV receiver, have started to fall off with regularity. I've tried all sorts of things to keep them stuck, but nothing seems to work very well. Now, even when the IR feed is affixed to the Direct TV receiver, there seems to be a delay between when we press the button on the MX-900 and when the receiver responds. Also, perhaps because my wife got frustrated with the lack of response from the remote and not thinking that the IR feed might have fallen off again, she's mashed on certain buttons on the MX-900 to the point that a couple of the buttons no longer work. (I've ordered a new MX-900 which I figure will correct that problem).

Anyway, please let me know if you think I should add the MRF-350. Maybe, I should replace the IR device that i currently have instead. All of my AV equipment is set up in a closet.

Thanks again.

You can use hot glue to attach the emitters.

Also, the DirecTV software has changed and the last couple of versions do seem to react slower to commands so it may not be your remote or setup.

It seems like the original installer used device like Xantech Dinky Link or other manufacturer IR expansion kit.  Chances are this device has reached its end of life span.

Reward yourself with a new control system coupled with RF base.  You might get some kind of bonus from your wife by doing this also :)

P.S. MX-900 is a great remote and has been in service for quute awhile now.  I woundn't be surprised it will be a discontinued model anytime soon.

Thanks for all the advice. My current IR system is made by Proficient. I will probably go ahead and add the RF device and change out the emitter that goes to the Direct TV box.

Looking at my RF Control set-up on the MX-900 editor, everything is set to run on both IR and RF. So, when I add the RF device, will it work based on the existing set up, or am I will I need to do something else?

Set your RF ID in the software and change the dial on the bottom of the MRF350 to match. Do not leave it on 0 as that is for RF Sniffing mode to check for interference.

I would be good practice to set everything to rf only and assign the the specific ports to the specific device. I can happen that the directv box receives the rf code, and then a reflection of the remote ir given off by the remote.

I'm a little confused as to why someone would install an IR extender and not just go with MRF-260 or MRF-350?
It may have been few more dollars, and I literally mean few, but the performance difference would be huge.
Other than operating OEM remotes, there is no reason I can see to use IR extender when coupled with any URC/RTI equipment. 

Agreed. I recently installed a 70" Sharp for a client that had an existing system installed by someone else. They had a MX880 with a Speakercraft IR kit. The remote was programmed horribly, to the point it was unusable (turned everything to the wrong inputs, didn't power everything on...). We relocated the TV from that room to another room in which an IR kit would be needed, no universal, just a cable box in a closet. I wanted to relocate the Speakercraft kit and add a MRF into the existing system. The customer would not go for it. When I emailed him to confirm which way we were going to go, RF kit or gasp, another IR kit, he said he bought one for under $50 on amazon already. This same customer is bringing in a guy to do a professional calibration on his new TV. I just don't understand some people.