In reading through some of the threads that appear to ask some of the questions that I have about Pronto Professional, I have finally just decided to start a thread to hopefully point me in the right direction less painfully. So here we go:

I currently have a 6000 and 7000 that I consider myself to be fairly proficient at programming thanks to countless different configurations that I have gone through over the years. Now I am very interested in "stepping my game up" and purchasing a 9600. Can someone give me their impressions on the learning curve in comparison to Pronto Edit NG for the 7000. Like I said, I believe that I know that software like the back of my hand (basically taught it to myself with some trial and error) but after attempting to read through the threads in relation to Pronto Professional, I am having a helluva time trying to figure out what people are talking about. Now, I'm sure there must be threads that compare the 2 software packages but what I am looking for is something detailed that maybe explains the terminology differences as well as any design/layout or functional differences all within the same thread or post.

One question in particular that I have is: right now I am using several RF extenders. They are mounted in key locations so as to send IR signals to my components that are out of sight. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears that the extender for the 9600 requires the use of ir emitters and does not actually send an IR signal (wirelessly) out to the components. This is okay for some of my equipment but I have a whole-house Leviton Vizia RF lighting system that responds to my IR commands directly from my extenders. It is just not possible to run a wire from the extender to the IR receiver of my Vizia controllers because it would have to run up the wall to the junction boxes where my light switches/controllers are located (in plain sight) Now am I interpreting this wrong or am I SOL in this regard?

Anyway, I appreciate any responses as I am sure this is the 1000th time someone has asked similar questions.

I have just a second tonight as other duties call but here goes...

PEPV1, the earlier editor for the 9600 was based on the NG editor and there were many similarities. PEPV2 is a .NET based editor package and was a complete redesign. You are forced to keep IR codes in the database, links no longer really exist (you have Common Macros in the latest version of PEPV2). Expect a learning curve with PEPV2. Use PEPV1 to import your PCF and get the IR codes converted into database codes for use with PEPV2. See the sticky threads about not removing PEPV1 posted by Peter D.

You can purchase high-powered IR emitters that will likely be able to control your equipment. The Pro RF-Extenders are wi-fi/network capable and no longer operate using direct RF. They use wi-fi. So, you will be replacing all your extenders as well.

I will certainly give that sticky a read. Thanks for once again replying to one of my questions Lyndel.

Out of curiosity, why did they change over from V1 to V2? In my opinion, it seems strange to completely change the editor when most current Pronto users are already so familiar with the old NG editor (I would suspect that the majority of their sales would come from current Pronto owners who are looking to upgrade). Not that I am really that heartbroken over it since it will probably be fun to start over with completely different software; however, why fix it, if it isn't broken?

Well, I better get back to my research......since it is only about a month until my birthday and most likely a new 9600 : )

V2 is conceptually very different than V1 is that it completely separates data (e.g. codes) from functions (e.g. activities). Some people (like me) find that this provides a much more stuctured and efficient environment to work in.

I definitely hear what you are saying. Haven't had a chance to research how V2 works just yet, but if it separates the data from the activities, I guess it does make perfect sense. For me, it would have been quite normal to continue to create "phantom" devices and pages that contained only codes for referencing later (links). Thanks for your input.

Yes, instead of phantom devices and link pages, in V2 you set up equipment as components in a database.

Download the latest Pronto-edit Pro 2.4 Program and try it on your computer. If you think it is difficult, stick with what you have. The newest version will not import a con-fig from your remote. You will need to Start with a new con-fig from scratch. Not to hard once you start . There are templates and wizards to get you started. If you absolutely need to use your old con-fig download Pronto-edit Pro version 1 . That will convert your old con-fig to the new format. If it is just one or two codes that you need from your old remote you can always learn them with the new remote.

When I replaced my 3000 with a 9400, I wound up changing so much of the graphics and additional hard buttons in the editor. There was not much left of the original con-fig . Try and use the library that comes with the new Pronto-edit Pro .

If you read about the Prontoscript in the forums don't worry about it. It is not necessary to learn. It adds the bells and whistles to the remote. It gives you the option of two-way talk between the remote and other things. It also has the ability to give you remote the ability of better animations and games. Try my Project-Boredom versions 1 & 2 in the simulator of Pronto-edit Pro 2.4. You do not need to learn any Prontoscript to use it.

Yeah, after reading through much of the available material I had given some thought of just trying the program myself. I'm not sure why I didn't go that route in the first place. I remembered reading that to tap into the horsepower of the Pronto Professional editor, you had to become certified as an installer. That was what prompted me to start this thread in the first place. I expected that I would be able to figure out how to use the new editor after some practice with it but I was worried that I would have to take tests and such to be able to use all the capabilities of the remote. Basically, I just want to be a recreational, independent programmer of my own system. I have no interest in becoming "certified" as an installer.

So, will I be able to tap into the majority of the 9600's capabilities (sans prontoscript, which I am still not quite sure I understand fully about) by just downloading the program and using some good old-fashioned practice? And as far as prontoscript is concerned, can someone give me an example of its use in practice? I know that I have come across "Pad One" for Windows MCE here and there. Is that an example of prontoscript?

Philip's language is a bit odd with regards to this. Basically, you can take a reasonably simple online test and, when you pass (you can take it as many times as you want until you pass), they classify you as a "certified installer". This main advantage of this is that it gives you access to various prontoscript scripts. In no way, does it mean that you have to become an installer!


Yes.


See my first para above. Alternatively, go to the files section on this forum and there are a few prontoscripts there that you can download and have a look at.

Thanks for your help Guy. It is much appreciated.

We seem to have had a recent influx of rather polite people :)

Hi, just to add, I upgraded from a 7500 to a 9600 and I think you'll find getting the core functionality quite straight forward ie no pronto script. It took far less time than learning the original NG software. I don't know ps, and I have mine up and running, with an RFX9600 also.

So, I'd jump in :-)

I downloaded the software yesterday and plan to try out a few of the contest entries today. Out of curiousity mpr (or I guess anybody who recently acquired one), where did you buy your 9600. It appears that Ebay is the only option out there on the web.

I purchased mine at J&R but they stopped carrying those remotes . Try DATAVISION. If you live in the New York Area you can walk right in.[Link: datavis.com]

Thanks, I'll add it to my list. Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near New York so it would have to be a web purchase.