I've read countless threads on the Harmony 890 remote and can now say I'm thoroughly confused. I like the idea of the 890 but can't decide if it's right for me. Here's my setup:

2 DVD players
Yamaha receiver
Comcast DVR

All the above are just below the screen. I also have an Infocus projector ceiling mounted in the center of the room. Everyone of these devices work great with my current Harmony 550.

My issue is that I want to add an RF dimmer switch to my lighting. It has to be RF because the current switch is outside the doorway to my theater. I understand the 890 is RF capable, but will it control the dimmer switch without the RF extender? Also, do I need the RF extender with the attached IR wiring if all my devices are within line of sight? Finally will the 890 control my projector without the IR wiring from the RF extender? I'm not quite sure how long those wires are but it would be difficult to reach my projector from where the extender would need to be.

I'm hoping that I can use this remote because the price is really coming down. If it will work, is there a recommended RF dimmer switch for my lighting control? I have seen Z Wave switches and think I'd go this way.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give me.
Jeff

The 890 (and any other RF remote for that matter) will not control other RF devices. The RF in these remotes are strictly for communicating with the base station/extender. However, I think it will work for you as long as you do the following:

Put the RF extender with your projector and setup the remote to control it through the extender.

Configure all your other line-of-sight components to be directly controlled by IR.

Buy Z-wave switches that are compatible with the Harmony. I haven't used any of these switches, but just do a search to make sure the one you want works with this remote.

Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure if I needed the extender for the Z wave switch to work, or if it automatically would work through walls without the use of the RF Extender.

Your help is much appreciated!
Jeff

Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure if I needed the extender for the Z wave switch to work,
You didn't mention z-wave in your original post.

The 890 will work some Z-wave devices. I would check out cocoontech.com as there is some information there about the 890 and z-wave.

You didn't mention z-wave in your original post.

The 890 will work some Z-wave devices. I would check out cocoontech.com as there is some information there about the 890 and z-wave.

???

He mentioned it in his first post and I even addressed it in my reply.

I'm due to get an 890 this week to replace my HotLink Pro + 880 combo and will have to check out that site for z-wave info. I couldn't get the HotLink to work reliably with all the IR noise from my 58" plasma so I'm going to try RF.

???

He mentioned it in his first post
Oops. Didn't see the Z-wave mention. All I saw was the RF and as of yet, I don't really equate the two.:o

Thanks everyone for all the good details. I think I will go with the 890, and am looking for the right Z wave dimmer.

Jeff

can you plug the logitech rf extender directly into the yamaha remote in, rather than haveing the flashers on the front of the unit or having the rf extender in line of sight?>


logitech was clueless

The 890 (and any other RF remote for that matter) will not control other RF devices. The RF in these remotes are strictly for communicating with the base station/extender. ...
:confused:

This is not correct. The 890 will transmit RF to Control Zwave devices by transmitting RF directly to those devices. The RF Wireless Extender is not required to do so and will not serve to re-broadcast the RF.

can you plug the logitech rf extender directly into the yamaha remote in, rather than haveing the flashers on the front of the unit or having the rf extender in line of sight?>


logitech was clueless

Works fine for me with a denon receiver. Probably depends on your receiver. Check the manual for your yamaha.