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Total Control Software Question
This thread has 4 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Sunday January 23, 2022 at 11:15
drobins9
Junior Member
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January 2022
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Hello- I purchased a home a few years ago with the URC Total Control system. I have the rack in the basement with the controls and can use the remotes, mobile app, etc. As is the obvious complaint, I do not want to pay every time I make changes to my setup. I've made a few changes (dropping cable, relying on Sling through Roku, etc.) that I have relied on by reconnecting things in the basement and just "repurposing" some of the existing remote control scenes or whatever they are called.

I have done a lot of research, and if I understand correctly, it was possible for URC dealers to provide the software that would let me adjust my Total Control system at their discretion. The dealer for the people from whom I purchased my home was the prior owners' son, and he was unwilling to provide it.

I understand that for those who have had the software, upgrading it has stopped it from working. So, what I am trying to figure out is this:

Is it conceiveable that I could find a dealer who would be willing to sell me a component and provide an older version of the software (before it started locking people out) that would let me adjust my system?

I think the system is 7-8 years old. I know when I purchased the home about 3 years ago, he said it was not the most current system then. My remotes are MX-890s, and I use the Android app.

I am very technical, and have no concerns about working my way through it.

Alternatively, is there another, newer "professional" remote system that would make use of the existing wiring to the switches, TVs/IR blasters, etc., for which I could purchase the equipment and set up myself?

In prior homes, I have used the Logitech equipment, which was "ok," but that probably isn't realistic with the way this current home is wired.

Thank you for your advice!
Post 2 made on Sunday January 23, 2022 at 11:33
bobli
Long Time Member
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December 2002
263
Are you sure you have the Total Control system? Sounds more like the Complete Control system as you mention having MX-890's. The software between the two systems is different. The Complete Control system has been around a lot longer and, if the dealer was willing, the software could be given to the client. I'm a DIY and I've had some version of the Complete Control system software since 2004. Currently, that means the "Complete Control Program".
OP | Post 3 made on Sunday January 23, 2022 at 11:57
drobins9
Junior Member
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January 2022
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Hi- Thanks for your response.

In my research, I was thinking it was the total control system because everything is run by a rack in the basement with components like DMS-1200, DMS-AV, SNP-2, MRX-10, etc. It looked to me like the "complete control" was more independent remotes with maybe a component or two.

If I am mistaken and that could be the "Complete Control," then maybe and I'd appreciate direction on how to confirm. The system knows all the rooms in my home, I can use any remote in any room, etc. It theoretically controls lights, etc., but when I paid the person to reconfigure it, he only set that part up with one or two of them.

Update: Just checked my e-mail communication when I purchased the home in 2018, and he referred to it as Total Control. The work he did included "Update Total Control to 2.0" and "Add First Floor MBR to Total Control."

And it looks like my remotes are actually 1080- sorry. I was comparing to pictures online because the model number sticker fell off the one I had handy. I had picked up an 890, also, but think I ended up not using that because it was a different system. When I bought the house, I picked up a few extra remotes on EBAY (relatively) cheap and paid him to add them to the system, too.

Last edited by drobins9 on January 23, 2022 12:05.
Post 4 made on Monday January 24, 2022 at 10:16
bobli
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2002
263
Yes, MX-890's are used in Complete Control but, since that's not what you have, sounds like you do have Total Control. Can't help with that since, as a DIYer, I can't get access to that software.

Might suggest you post your questions in another forum as this is for URC's consumer remotes which are lower level remotes. You could try the Complete Control by URC forum, but the best place is probably the Custom Installers' Lounge where the professionals hang out. Probably the best place to get an informed response.
Post 5 made on Tuesday January 25, 2022 at 00:43
Brad Humphrey
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
February 2004
2,586
Yes, you have a Total Control system. And yes, you are screwed.

Total Control software is NOT to be given out to customers, unlike the Complete Control software.
In order to use Total Control software, a dealer has to login to the software with their dealer login. So it is impossible for a consumer to use it.

You have 2 choices.
1) Considering how much money is invested, you could try and find a URC dealer that will program things for you at a reasonable rate.

2) Pull everything out. You make it sound like you plan on making regular changes to your system. Well that's your problem there, most people don't constantly change things in & out of their system - why would you do that? If you just like constantly playing around with new things, then you need to pull that system out. It is never going to be viable for you, since you can't program it yourself.

That SNP-2 is obsolete, a modern streamer to replace with it's own app, would be what you are looking for (SONOS, MusicCast, HEOS, BlueSound, etc.).
That DMS-1200 can be replaced with any modern multi-channel amp. Or use a powered streamer for each zone, taking care of the amp & stream box at once.
That DMS-AV was a piece of crap to begin with (IMO). And is now obsolete. Any modern AV receiver will get you up to date.

And finally the controls. Unfortunately we are living in a time where something as simple as good remote for everyone is impossible to find. There are a few companies that are coming out with products now, to fight this ever escalating price & software BS of the major control companies from yesteryear. But none are really there yet.
Your best bet (and since you already have some MX-890s) is to register an account with URC (links are in other posts on this forum), and get a fresh copy of CCP (Complete Control Program). URC allows consumers access to the software by signing up with the serial number on the remote.


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