A novice question:

How do I connect MSC-400 to the Monster PowerCenter HTS3500 and control switched outlets? I have the voltage sensors but need software help in configuring the two.

Also, I am having a difficult time "dragging triggers" from the MSC-400 to the MX-3000.

Thanks in advance!

Figured out the drag-and-drop but not the PowerCenter. Any one have experience with that unit combination?

There are two relays on the back of the MSC400 that can be used to send 12V triggers to devices that support them. If your powercenter has a 12V trigger input, you can connect a relay to it to trigger the switched outlets.

Sean

Thanks! Actually, last night, while playing with the unit, I was able to do just that. I had to interpose a 12V Wall Wart into the middle of the trigger to make it work – and it did! I didn’t come up with the 12V idea on my own. My old Niles Intellicontroller, that I have replaced, was already set up this way. The control units are labeled similarly on the Niles and MSC-400.

Interesting -- so the relay doesn't have power, it just acts as a simple switch? There's a 12V unswitched power port on the back as well that could probably be tied into the trigger instead of the wall wart to simplify the wiring.

I am by no means a professional installer – just a regular Joe who is trying to set up his own Theater with decent components and tying them all together. This was the way that Niles had it incorporated so I tried it with URC and it worked. I am not sure as to how to use the MSC’s power to supply to the trigger. I could not find ANY literature on this topic what so ever and URC customer support did not even want to really try to help me with this once they found out that I was not a licensed installer, despite the fact that I purchased the unit from one of their authorized retailers. It would be nice to have a complete access to the resources available to most people in order to make the most of these units.

Yes, unfortunately there isn't a standard manual for the MSC400, no matter who you are (or what you do!). There are training sessions, but with no manual there isn't a good reference.

Could you elaborate a bit on what you did (how it was connected)? I know it is hard without drawing a picture!

The jack that is inserted in to the back of the PowerCenter is a basic 1/8” mono type jack. Its cable has to basic wires. One of the wires was spliced and connected to one of the wires of the 12V wall wart. Therefore, you have one free wire from the mini jack and one from the power adapter.

The jack goes into the back of the PowerCenter and the two “free” wires, one off the jack and one of the 12V adapter, go into the MSC relay switch. There are three poles on each of the two relays. One of the wires goes into the NO connector and the other into COM connector. Then, you simply assign a command in MSC and there is an audible click of the switch inside of the MSC.

I know this is rather confusing, but one picture is worth a thousand words. If you want a bit more information or pics, I don’t mind taking a few pics and making them available – just not tonight already…

Hope this help to some. I know I could not find any info on this anywhere,

Lev

Okay, I get it. It is like hooking the power directly to the trigger, then inserting the msc relay in between one of the lines to break the circuit.

Like this:

+ --------- msc --------------- trigger
- -------------------------------^

Exactly!

I am glad your problem has been solved, but as a dealer, I would ask "why isn't your authorized retailer helping you?"

By biggest fear is that if something does not work I would not be able to "fix" it myself. I was thinking of getting an installer, but I think that in the end the system came out OK! Everything works and I get the satisfaction of knowing exactly how!

I love to tinker and constantly customize the equipment, probably even more than enjoying its content... I am sure that the reply will not make sense to most, but to some - they will know exactly what I mean...

Plus, asking for help on a Forum is research. Asking for help from an installer is a sign of weakness.

You know, like asking for directions on a road trip. I won't do that either, but I also won't buy another car without a nav system. Same thing!