I just got a blu ray player, and need to reprogram my MX-850, which is 4 years old. Unfortunately, the computer I used to program it is long gone, and my newer laptops don't have a serial port connector. I got a USB to serial adaptor, but can't get the remote to connect. Outside of sending me the MX editor software, URC doesn't want to help me at all.

I need the remote to be RF controlled (all my equipment is in a closet behind my TV.) Our main use is for our two HD TiVo's, the secondary use would be for the blu ray player. I'm contemplating getting an HDMI switcher, since my Sony TV only has one HDMI input. My receiver is a Denon.

I really liked the macro ability of the MX-850, and the way it felt in my hand. I had it set up just like I wanted it.

Any suggestions? I'm open to another HTC remote, since I have the rf reciever/ir transmitter already, but considering their shoddy customer service, it wouldn't upset me to dump them. How are the Harmony's?

URC MX-850 is a professional product. They do not market directly to end users and they do not offer service to you either. Your service is to be provided thru the dealer who sold you the MX-850. They are the ones who failed you and they are the ones you should direct your anger at, not URC. URC's policy was in place before you purchased your remote. They gave you software, many companies with similar policies wont do that.

You wont be happy with Harmony now that you are used to MX-850's editor. The product itself looks capable but the configuration environment is limiting and it will drive you nuts.


What RF base station do you have? I think the 850 is an incredible remote. The only reason i wouldnt buy one today is that the hard button layout is a little dated. I dont mind the LCD soft keys but many opt for a color screen or touchscreen. URC has a few nice options. See whats compatible with your base station.

Before you replace the 850 try this.

Turn off your computer

Turn on your computer. Wait 5 minutes to make sure everything is loaded up.

Plug in the USB serial adapter.

Go to Start/Right click My Computer/Click Manage/Click Device Manager/Ports

Look for your USB Serial adapter. What COM is it set to? Change it to 1.

Close device manager.

Plug in your MX-850 loading cable to the USB adapter.

Plug in the MX-850 loading cable to the remote. (make sure the batteries are fresh)

Open MX editor.

Click Communications/Settings make sure its set at 1.

Click Communications/ Click Upload.

At this point you will either extract the existing file from the remote or receive an error. If you receive an error leave everything plugged in, close MX editor and open it again. Click Communications/Click upload. If you receive an error again leave everything plugged in. Close mx editor. Restart your computer. Once it loads open mx editor, click communications/click upload. At this point it will either extract the existing file from the remote or return an error.

I have had the best luck with windows XP. I have had issues with windows vista. I have not tried with windows 7. I have had issues with low batteries. A fresh set makes it work right away. The reason for all the seemingly redundant steps are 50% superstition 50% things that seemed to work. 100% of the time if i am on windows XP with fresh batteries following those steps i can communicate with an MX-850.

What brand USB adapter do you have? I have a radio shack model. Its 6' long and works with 99% of the hardware i connect it to. The new version is "gigawear" [Link: radioshack.com]

Thanks 39. I tried all the steps on both my Vista and XP laptop, but no go. My cable is a Gigaware. My RF base station is an MRF 250. Will that be compatible with the newer remotes, or remotes from a different manufacturer?

I'm interested to know if you have got any farther? I have a MX-850 (MRF 250 & Vista OS) and have had the same issue. I even tried adding new batteries, but still get the error.

Even if a new cable would restore communications, I find the 5 character LCD label too limiting for other members of the family. I need a remote that gives me the flexibility of the MX-850 but lets me label the button 'Watch HDTV' or 'Open Jukebox Menu' or 'Water Entry Shurbs', etc.

Also, I read on a forum the MRF 350 is a lot more dependable for sending the correct code to unit flashers than the 250. I can only control my Yamaha receivers some of the time, which is frustrating. So I am considering replacing that as well.

the MRF250 is a URC product, it won't be compatible with other manufacturers RF remotes.
i have programmed many 850's with my Vista laptop using a serial adapter, not an expensive adapter, just the first one i picked up in the store.
i even (thru persistence) got an old Marantz RC5000 working with my Vista laptop recently!
you CAN make it work, or spend a chunk of cash on a new solution.
regards mark