I guess after reading this that I should simply try a new RF receiver, but if anyone sees a pattern or has solved this sort of thing, please let me know. I have done at least a dozen of these systems with no problem once set up. Here's what I originally wrote:

Okay, it's not that I don't want to visit this client every once in a while, it's just that I would like to not have ONE RC5200/RF system that causes ALL of my RC5200/RF service calls and headaches.

This system has a Yamaha A/V receiver and a Yamaha DVD Changer, a Mits VCR, and an Adelphia (Motorola?) HD cable box. The program works well, and has been verified in IR mode.

But everything does not always work. Last time I was there, I could stand about seven feet from the Marantz RF receiver, and the commands for the Yamaha A/V receiver would not work. Closer or further, they worked. At another distance, not the same, the DVD-A sometimes did not respond. This happened both with codes I learned and with codes from the Yamaha web site.

That is the problem. It makes macros unreliable, and for reasons I don't want to take the paragraphs to write about, a Xantech CC12 is used as an IR switch, so when that does not respond, IR goes to the wrong place.

I have tried all four frequencies and several IDs. There is no RF alarm, or network in the house; FM comes in well. We don't try for OTA because she is in a canyon. I have oriented the receiver in three different planes.

I thought it might be interference from the HD box, about six inches away, so I unplugged it. No change. All I can think of now is to extend the wires on it and raise it a couple of feet above the equipment. That will look stupid, but if it works, it works.

Any clues?

The reality is that Marantz (and Philips which obviously Marantz more or less repackaged in their name) are notoriously poor in their RF operation. IMO, they aren't worth a dime if RF is important to you.

The HTM series of remotes by universal electronics apparantly know how to do RF. Their 3000 series, the 650, the 850, etc ALL work flawlessly in RF. Marantz and Philips can't cop out and blame the environment, if the Universal remotes work so well.....

Well, okay, so now I know that the answer to the problem with my Chevy is to buy a Ford. Anybody out there know how to fix a Chevy?

By the way, I just looked outside and it dawned on me that we have four Fords...and they all run damn well. The 1985 Ranger that we are selling under the title "Piece of Shit Truck" works great unless you need it to shift into third...and we don't need it enough to fix it.

Ernie,

You "Do" know why this problem is so unique don't you?

Lyndel

No. I'll bite.

Why?

A certain laptop come to mind?

One of these day's, we gotta talk on the phone, just to have a few laughs.

Lyndel

I'm pretty sure the laptop is not involved. The problem seems to happen when I am not there, myself, so I know it is not technician magnetism that affects the system.

And yes, I am still laughing.