Ach ... I am *done* with the MX-850 - I love this remote, but after grappling with the Invalid Answer-LimitedProgramLoadToRC [LPLTR-2] MX programming error five too many times over this past week (each time requiring a battery pull and hard reset) - with different remotes & different MXF config files - I'm not using this remote any more. It's too bad, because my clients love it, and I really like the fact that it has ten side-by-side LCD buttons and the form factor ... but it's just not worth it any more, since I get this error 4 times out of 5 when downloading a config - combine this with the slow programming, and I'm done.

The MX900 is a decent replacement (really fast download, and no errors ... yet), but I have a handful of gripes about this, and am wondering if URC would be willing to listen to some suggestions for enhancement?

1. Bring back SHORTCUTS, please!! Ability to copy & paste is great, but it's not a replacement ... for one thing, when editing a macro that's referenced in multiple places (e.g., SYSTEM OFF), it's *so much* better to have the macro in one place and then use the shortcut method to reference it elsewhere.

2. Another reason for shortcut support is when one device is using RF, but you want a reference on said device's page for an IR device (e.g., DVD device page uses RF, but contains references to display's commands, such as "pic mode" or "aspect ratio," and display is controlled using IR). When you copy and paste the display devices command to the DVD device, the command then becomes RF-based ... in order to enable this, you have to set the DVD device to use "IR & RF."

Weird problem you're having. Have you sent any of your configurations to URC or anyone else to try to duplicate? If it's not a problem with your PC, you may have exceeded some limit in your MXF file.

I'm surprised they'd drop shotcuts from the MX900, that was a very handy concept, and without it you can't control multiple MRF stations from the same screen.

Watch out for the dropped key problems with the MX900's too ...

Yes, on that last thread I'd sent some MXFs off for analysis, but iirc never heard back anything; then, one day, the problem was suddenly resolved ... I went from seeing it often to *never* ... however, it cropped up again (using the same laptop this whole time, mind you - and no, no significant software installs/changes during that time). As for suspecting the MXF file - I had thought perhaps this could be traced to a "corrupt" MXF file issue (since the first remotes I'd seen this on had been edited/updated _many_ times), but I programmed a new MX850 this weekend with a *from scratch* MXF file, and only three devices (Comcast 6412, Pio Elite display and Pio Elite DVD changer), and the problem occurred upon the very first download!


Yes, I hope URC is listening ... when the MX900 was first released I provided feedback re: why removing shortcuts was not a good idea, but all I heard back was "copy & paste replaces it." :(

Other CIs - if shortcuts are important to you, please add your comments to this thread?

How about using a 1 command macro? This is how I work around that issue.

Hmmm...macro caling a macro, I hadn't though of that ... will try it, thanks!

You really should cross check with a desktop, often notebook manufacturers cut corners on serial ports, plus notebooks have their own idiosyncracies:

If your laptop has any power management settings, put it in to full power mode, or even try tapping a key or clicking the mouse while the download occurs. It might be slowing down the processor after a period due to lack of inactivity, causing problems with the serial I/O. Run your notebook off A/C power if you're not already.

Try a brand new programming cable as well.

If it's worth your bother ... the key is to isolate the problem until there's no question where it's coming from.

I used to have to pull a battery from MX850s almost every time I programmed one.

Got a newer laptop (both were Dells) and problem disappeared.

Memory or processor speed issue???

I hear your pain, but I like the "Systtem OFF" punch through capabilities.

Also, I am sure there is an easier way (for complaint # 2) but why not just create a 2nd device of duplicate codes. One for RF and one for IR. Or you could just run a flasher to the TV.

It took me a while to get used to the 900 but now I am very familiar with it and wouldnt sell the 850 any more. Besides I had a client tell me that the 850 looked like the handheld fishing game..... you know the one were you push the button and cast.

I have a setup where the TV upstairs is controlled by IR, and the DVR downstairs is controlled by RF. Shortcuts and punchthrus make this pretty easy to deal with. Macros might be a work around, but that's a lot of hassle.

I can't just configure it for IR + RF since the upstairs and downstairs TV's are both Sonys.

i don't thin a macro to another macro will work. not sure though. how about importing the macro? this will give you a copy of the macro and just as fast as cut and paste.

am i missing sometihng?

Yes, if you just copy 'n paste a macro from another device it will be RF routed to the device you copied it to, not from the device you copied it from. Shortcuts don't have this issue. It's also not an issue if you can get away with turning on all the flashers, but that depends how your gear is zoned.

no so jon. I typically use the off button on all devices to be a system off. I create the macro once and import it to all the other devices. No problem with any routing

Jon - I am confused by what you are stating. I have always thought that the determining factor for RF or IR was based on the individual devices RF configuration and had no relevance on the macro placement.

Using a single step macro is the same as a shortcut. Importing or copy/pasting a macro achieves the same thing. Take a look at this thread. Copy/pasting a single command from one device to another causes the command to be fired under the "rules" of the device it's now a part of.

Mike
www.SurfRemoteControl.com

You always say things better than me!

I guess what I was trying to say is that if a "TV" was in IR mode and I used a power command for it inside of a macro for "system on" under the "cable box" (which was RF).... It would still send the "TV" command in IR. Is that correct?

Yes, the copy/paste function sees that command as a new command for the new device and takes on the corresponding RF/IR properties.