I am in the market for a new remote control. The Harmony 880/890 seem to be offering everything a majority of users are looking for from price to features (at least initially). However, I can't escape the impending doom and gloom reviews from 1+ year owners. They all keep talking about the cradle not recharging the remote anymore after 1-1.5 years. They mentioned everything from no recharging to intermittent recharging due to heavy footsteps jarring the remote a tiny bit out of skew.

I am sure these questions have been hammered away at endless already. I have also read an earful of negative feedback on a million and one online resources. So if you guys can shed some light on this topic that I might not find online elsewhere I would appreciate it.

Questions:
(For all the 880/890 users out there that have owned this remote a while.)


- Does this charger failure problem effect 100% of all owners? Or, is this a problem that only effects some?

- For those that have had the problem, how easy was it to get Logitech to replace it for you? (speak about experiences if you can) I had Logitech's flagship surround speakers fail on me once 2 years into ownership and they will willing and quick to replace them even with no receipt. All I had to mail back was the remote and within a week they mailed me a brand new speaker setup. I was impressed with Logitech customer service. However, some of the things I read about this remote make it sound like a totally different company. Makes it hard for me to believe after my own experiences.

- Is the problem the recharger base starts to fail after a year+ (cause outside of contact corrosion that makes no sense to me)? Or is the reality of the situation the battery dies after a year+? (This makes more sense if this is the case. However, is it possible to rip apart the remote and put in a new rechargeable?)

- Is there any mod users can do to avoid this base issue? If the largest problem with the base is the remote doesn't meet with the charging contacts very effectively, can't you solder or mod on some taller contacts that will never have a problem with touching the remote?

- Is the 890 any more or less immune to these issues then the 880?

- Would it be smarter to buy a refurbished model in hope they corrected any manufacturing problems?

Thx in advance everyone!

I have owned two different 880's. My first one's tilt sensor stopped working after 1.5 years for some odd reason, but the charger was fine. I'm on my second 880 (1 year) and haven't had any issues with it.

I have several friends who have owned them for 2+ years and have not had any problems with the charger base. In my experience, if you don't have any initial problems with the charger base, you won't suddenly develop them.

Supposedly, Logitech redesigned the cradle (http://www.remoteshoppe.com/index.php?itemid=82&catid=25) a while back. I don't know if the new design addresses the specific issue you're talking about, but I would guess that it does.

Supposedly, Logitech redesigned the cradle (http://www.remoteshoppe.com/index.php?itemid=82&catid=25) a while back. I don't know if the new design addresses the specific issue you're talking about, but I would guess that it does.

Thx for that link...actually I think it does address that issue. From what I found out tonight when 880 1st came out. They did a remote control redesign to the body right before final release (no clue why).. but did not redesign the base. The remote and the cradle did not pair up perfectly because of that last minute tweak. Thanks for that link though... thats evidence that Logitech later redesigned the base to match the new remote shape (which is info I didn't have)

I still see a ton of users on Amazon who later do updates saying there remote failed for various reasons. Which has me paranoid... but for the cheap price tag (125 bucks new)... not the biggest deal.

I went ahead tonight and took the plunge and purchased an 880 anyway. Wish me luck... I hope I get a good one! :)

If it's related to wear and tear on the hardware, maybe you could avoid putting it in the cradle when it still has a good charge left.

Mine is about two years old. My rocker buttons (channel up and volume up) take a bit of effort, but everything works fine otherwise. Still the best remote I have ever used.

Initially I had the cradle issue, but was able to get it to charge by setting it down in the cradle several times until it started charging.

Then the charges which used to last for several days, started lasting a day at best. Then it quit reposnding to anything.

So I replaced it with a URC MX-900 and couldn't be happier. The button presses on the URC make things respond so much quicker than they did on the 880.

...
I still see a ton of users on Amazon who later do updates saying there remote failed for various reasons. Which has me paranoid... but for the cheap price tag (125 bucks new)... not the biggest deal. ...
For anyone that is really worried about this cradle issue (and the button issues): there is always the 720, which has six soft buttons, compared to the eight on the 880, but it is a totally different design and does not seem to be reporting these issues. There is a whole thread on this model (with a picture in the first post).
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=681453

Costco have been selling it for $120 (Aug. 2007), but they don't always have it. Most other stores that carry it (Sears and Target possibly) usually sell it for $200. Amazon has been selling it for about $150 but their prices fluctuate quite a bit sometimes.

Does this remote allow you to program macros? (like turn on/off all your components with 1 macro button)

Does this remote allow you to program macros? (like turn on/off all your components with 1 macro button)
All Harmony remotes do that (and they all have the same basic abilities, regardless of price). The button layout and styling is almost the only real difference, except that:
- (1) There are two models that can use an RF extender (890 and 1000).
- (2) There is only one touchscreen model (1000).

Thx for the feedback and info everyone.

My remote should get shipped here by middle of next week.

Does anyone know if there is a way to tweak the GUI's icons with your own graphics? It would be a cool mod to put in nicer looking icons. I read you can upload your own images for backgrounds or whatever. If you can do that I wonder if there is a way to get inside the remote program and extract out the images and redesign them and inject them back in and recompile the lil remote program.

Anyone know if the GUI layout is part of the firmware or if it is visible somewhere in the folders via the USB?

I am sure it would be a good way to nuke your remote and void the warranty if it all goes south and locks up your remote. You would have to keep backups of the original internal remote software on the off chance you could still reboot your remote.

Does anyone know if there is a way to tweak the GUI's icons with your own graphics? It would be a cool mod to put in nicer looking icons. I read you can upload your own images for backgrounds or whatever. If you can do that I wonder if there is a way to get inside the remote program and extract out the images and redesign them and inject them back in and recompile the lil remote program.
- I've never seen any way to edit or hack the GUI icons. The background image is the only one that can be changed through the interface.

Here's my suggestion for you. If your remote has ANY issue during the first year don't hesitate to exchange it under warranty. Mine from 1.5 years ago developed a washed out LCD screen where it was hard to read the commands on the screen. I exchanged it after about 10 months from purchase and ended up with a nice fresh one. Logitech are very good about warranty exchanges so make the most of it. Actually the first replacement had an issue with the directional pad contacts not being very responsive so they sent me yet another one which worked fine.

This past week I ordered a 890 and sent back my HotLink Pro IR distributor and sold my 880 on craigslist for $110. I had a ton of calls for it at that price and almost makes me want to order a batch of Amazon refurbs to resell for $125 or so :)

Anyway, the 890 works great and took hardly any time at all to setup since I had the 880 already in my account. Things seem to work better than my 880 did alone or with the HotLink Pro. I think my problem was my 58" plasma was throwing out a bunch of IR noise, but now all my components have a direct link to the RF extender and the TV has the extender right under it controlled by the IR flasher. It works great and my line-of-sight issues with my new cabinet are gone. I'm still finding myself pointing the 890 at the components even though there is no IR emitting from it.

Ya lol... when I bought my ps3 blu ray remote (which is blue tooth) I kept aiming at the ps3 like it was doing something. Even knowing full well its bluetooth! Old habits are hard to break.

I agree about Logitech being good about honoring their products. I will keep an eye on the performance and return it without hesitation if problems arise. At least a universal remote is something we can all live without (at least for a 2-4 week period until the new one arrives) :) So, I don't have a problem turning it in at 1st sign of trouble.

I have the 890 and havent used it since I installed Vista a few months ago. I had bought a new TV at the time as well and I couldn't program the remote because the software didn't work. Guess I'll give it another go before I post it on ebay.

When the LogicTech website works properly the remoste is ok to set up but still even at that it has it's issues. I have 2 890 remotes in my house and every so often they jam up and need to be re-programed and it is a lengthy process. If your internet provider has any type of firewall forget about an easy program of this remote.

I have the 890 and havent used it since I installed Vista a few months ago. I had bought a new TV at the time as well and I couldn't program the remote because the software didn't work. Guess I'll give it another go before I post it on ebay.

I use Vista to program the remote and have no problem at all. Just go to the website and download the latest software and forget about what came in the box.

All Harmony remotes do that (and they all have the same basic abilities, regardless of price). The button layout and styling is almost the only real difference, except that:
- (1) There are two models that can use an RF extender (890 and 1000).
- (2) There is only one touchscreen model (1000).

That's actually not true. You used to be able to do this, but Logitech undid the "macros" function in March or so of this year. So, no, presently you cannot press one button and have it do multiple things. That said, the outcry from harmony owner's has been so loud that supposedly the next software/firmware update will re-enable macros (this was originally supposed to be in the July release).

Google it for more info.

--Mav

That's actually not true. You used to be able to do this, but Logitech undid the "macros" function in March or so of this year. So, no, presently you cannot press one button and have it do multiple things. That said, the outcry from harmony owner's has been so loud that supposedly the next software/firmware update will re-enable macros (this was originally supposed to be in the July release).

Google it for more info.

--Mav

The question mentioned macros for turning devices on and off and setting inputs etc. Harmonys do do this, they just call them "Activities" rather than "macros".

That's actually not true. ...
The original question was somewhat ambiguous:
"Does this remote allow you to program macros? (like turn on/off all your components with 1 macro button)". All Harmony remotes DO let you do what the poster asks, without question. In fact, they arguably do it better than other remotes since you do not even have to program the macro yourself: the software does it all for you. They do NOT, however, allow macros on buttons other than the activity buttons that achieve this intended result (although this feature may be brought back apparently). Again, in the context of the question, they DO EXACTLY what he asked for ... flawlessly. They not only turn on/off all components as required, but also set all inputs/outputs correctly and adjust surround sound settings etc. too.

There is a real life example in this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11524282#post11524282

O.K., true, but I read his question differently. I thought he was asking if you could assign macros to buttons (and used the power on/off as an unfortunate serial example -- since it's true for the example but not for the larger question). So, in the interest of full disclosure, he should know that, at this time, the ONLY single-button multi-device response he's going to get is when he selects an activity or shuts the system down. Other than that, he, and the myriad other Harmony 890 owners (like me) are fubared unless or until a software/firmware update is released that re-enables the feature.

--Mav

Mav, I think enough has been said. The answer to the question as asked is "yes", not "that is actually not true". The example in the above link is clear as to what is possible. If you feel that it might be helpful to elaborate on what is not possible, and in what circumstances that capability would prove useful, please do so. Thnx.

I still disagree with you reading of the question (I think the answer to the "question as asked" is "it depends -- yes for on/off, no for everything else"), but no matter; you read it one way, I read it another; no biggie. I bet he didn't even know that the answer to his example was "yes" and the answer to what I considered to be the primary question was "no". Oh well, ambiguous questions yield ambiguous answers.

As for elaboration, let's try this. It's clear that a macro of sorts is applied when an activity is selected and the power off button is pressed. It would also be helpful to have macros assignable to the individual buttons mid-activity (e.g. whilst watching a DVD). For instance, lets say you're watching a movie in your HT. You have your DVD Activity "macro" :) set to turn on the DVD player, Display, Amp, etc., and to kill the lights; now, you get 30 minutes or so into it and realize you need to go to the bathroom, so you pause the movie; but, the lights are still out, so you have to fenagle you way to the lights softkey (if you've programmed one) or to the lights device to turn up the lights; alternatively, if you could assign macros to the pause button, you assign the pause command and the lights up command to the pause button in the DVD Activity -- pretty handy. Another example is if you're like me and like to fall asleep with the TV on, but are oftentimes too lazy to get off your kiester and turn off the lights; you could set a softkey in the watch tv activity to "Sleep" which, when pressed, would shut out the lights, set the sleep function on the TV (even if this requires multiple keystrokes), set the sleep function on the Receiver (even if this requires multiple keystrokes). Or, if there's a particular function in, say the TV menu, that you use all the time, but hate having to navigate there all the time, and would rather just assign a softkey, you could assign the keystroke sequence to the softkey. The possibilities are really endless. That's why people were so irrate when Logitech removed this capability in March.

--Mav

I still disagree with you reading of the question (I think the answer to the "question as asked" is "it depends -- yes for on/off, no for everything else"), but no matter; you read it one way, I read it another; no biggie. I bet he didn't even know that the answer to his example was "yes" and the answer to what I considered to be the primary question was "no". Oh well, ambiguous questions yield ambiguous answers.

As for elaboration, let's try this. It's clear that a macro of sorts is applied when an activity is selected and the power off button is pressed. It would also be helpful to have macros assignable to the individual buttons mid-activity (e.g. whilst watching a DVD). For instance, lets say you're watching a movie in your HT. You have your DVD Activity "macro" :) set to turn on the DVD player, Display, Amp, etc., and to kill the lights; now, you get 30 minutes or so into it and realize you need to go to the bathroom, so you pause the movie; but, the lights are still out, so you have to fenagle you way to the lights softkey (if you've programmed one) or to the lights device to turn up the lights; alternatively, if you could assign macros to the pause button, you assign the pause command and the lights up command to the pause button in the DVD Activity -- pretty handy. Another example is if you're like me and like to fall asleep with the TV on, but are oftentimes too lazy to get off your kiester and turn off the lights; you could set a softkey in the watch tv activity to "Sleep" which, when pressed, would shut out the lights, set the sleep function on the TV (even if this requires multiple keystrokes), set the sleep function on the Receiver (even if this requires multiple keystrokes). Or, if there's a particular function in, say the TV menu, that you use all the time, but hate having to navigate there all the time, and would rather just assign a softkey, you could assign the keystroke sequence to the softkey. The possibilities are really endless. That's why people were so irrate when Logitech removed this capability in March.

--Mav

The Harmony remotes aren't marketed to have that ability. It should have been looked upon as an added bonus when it was sort of enabled previously and again when it is added in the future as an actual macro feature. When the new software is released with the macro functionality included and the remotes are promised to work with that functionality then any complaints will be valid. If the OP wants a remote to do what you gave as examples then he should look elsewhere (URC) or wait for the new Harmony software. However, I think a Harmony remote will do what he needs out of the box.

Brian, I don't know about whether we should have thought of that as a "bonus". When I bought my remote, I did so knowing and partly because it had this ability -- not as a bonus, but as a key feature; when Logitech subsequently disabled it in a software "update"/downgrade, I was a tad irrate (as were many other folks). Macro functionality is a pretty "standard" function on mid- to high-end universal remotes. IMO, it doesn't need to be specifically marketed in order for the consumer to have an expectation that it will be in a $400 remote -- it was there to begin with and was disabled subsequently. It's analagous to if I bought M$ Office Pro, and then 2 months later, Excel was disabled. There would be justified public outcry over that just as the somewhat smaller outcry over Logitech's crippling of its own device was justified.


No matter though because supposedly Logitech has "committed" to re-enabling the feature . . . . although, when is still somewhat of a mystery. We'll see.

I appreciate the input guys.. didn't mean to spark a debate here. Macro is a blanket term... telling the remote to execute my predefined series of commands.

I realize this can cover a gambit from turn on 15 device in order one after the other with the press of one button. Even more complex macro's like; tell my DVD player to hit play, tell my receiver to turn on THX ultra DSP, tell my tv to set screen size to full pixel, tell my receiver to crank volume up to 100, etc etc. I realize this whole gambit is covered in the term macro. I did not mean to be so vague, but I appreciate some clarity telling me the higher commands are not working for macros on this remote.

So I am a little confused after that string of responces... I just want to clarify...
Can I turn on multiple devices with the touch of 1 button (as defined by me)?
Can I turn off multiple devices with touch of 1 button (as defined by me)?
(I know they have to be set to different macro buttons, I just want clear confirmation.)

No more commands other then simple on or off are of interest to me (at this time). I have heard firmware is coming elsewhere on this forums and has been promised all summer long with no delivery. I will look forward to that tweak when it comes. If this remote cant macro turn on and off with hit of a button I will be disappointed to say the least, I would have assumed a remote with all these bells and whistle could pull off something so simple from 1st day of release... especially when much less universal remotes have macros.

Thx in advance for your help... i actually get my new remote in the mail from UPS within this next coming hour... so I suppose I will have all these answers 1st hand. However, if you can still clarify I'd appreciate the input.

The Activity is the actual macro process. When you go to each Activity, it will turn on any devices needed for that Activity. You can also add additional commands on the start or end of the Activity. However, once you are in the Activity, you cannot perform any other macros.

There is an "Off" button that will turn everything off when you are done.

...
So I am a little confused after that string of responces... I just want to clarify...
Can I turn on multiple devices with the touch of 1 button (as defined by me)?
Can I turn off multiple devices with touch of 1 button (as defined by me)?
(I know they have to be set to different macro buttons, I just want clear confirmation.) ...
Woots ... I understood your concern completely the first time. The answer is yes, and yes. You should be delighted. Just take the time while you're waiting to note down all your equipment:
- brand name
- model number (not the s/n)

Example:
receiver = harman/kardon AVR147.
DVD player = oppo DV-980H
etc. etc. ...

You'll need this to get going. Also, ignore any CDs in the box: just use the web based software. Good luck and enjoy!

I got to say this remote is giving me everything I wanted out of the macro end and then some. Those activities are very very customizable! I like how it will turn on my xbox 360, turn on xbox 360 channel on receiver, and flip the input on my tv.. all with one button... this was the best case scenario I what I needed this remote to do for me macro wise.

Thx again everyone!

PS: I love that I can upload my own tv channel icons for my favorites channels... this is also what I wanted... tv channel logos :D

I couldn't be happier... this remote is going to own for me... until it breaks... I kid, I kid!

I got to say this remote is giving me everything I wanted out of the macro end and then some. ...
I couldn't be happier... this remote is going to own for me... until it breaks... I kid, I kid!
Glad to hear it! Enjoy (and don't worry so much about the breaking: I am not convinced that percentage wise the number is all that scary. Probably about 1% of owners or less, so you might get lucky!).

this may be in the wrong thread, but i don't see a dedicated one for the 890, so . . .


i know and understand why the 880 doesn't control the PS3 (without the nyko add-on, that is) but my question is for the 890 owners in the house. does IT run the ps3 properly, or am i better off just buying the 880 & nyko ps3 dongle for less than the 890?

cuz i'm getting itchy to lose the SEVEN F#¢KING REMOTES that are laying around my living room right now . . .

...
i know and understand why the 880 doesn't control the PS3 (without the nyko add-on, that is) but my question is for the 890 owners in the house. does IT run the ps3 properly, or am i better off just buying the 880 & nyko ps3 dongle for less than the 890?

cuz i'm getting itchy to lose the SEVEN F#¢KING REMOTES that are laying around my living room right now . . .
The 890 cannot do anything the 880 cannot do. It just uses RF to operate an RF base so that devices can be hidden or out of line of sight. That's all. The PS3 is bluetooth, not RF or IR. There are no bluetooth remotes (try pointing your cell at it and see what happens!). So you should probably stick with the 880, 670 (cheaper), 550 (different style) or 720 (different style, available at Costco for $120 if its in stock). Just choose your prefered button layout (or get the 890 for RF). Pricing for all of those ranges from about $75-$150 (check amazon.com, avoid Best Buy and Circuit City unless they have a special discount and/or you want to help them pay the rent and/or have shares in either one).

I do encourage you to "lose the SEVEN F#¢KING REMOTES"! It is a truly liberating experience ... and you won't break OEM remotes that cost $150 to replace (when you can even find them).

I would like to offer a suggestion to anyone who was never able to get the upgraded recharger base. For me I was out of warranty by the time I realized that I had a problem and that Logitech was offering a solution. I had to open up the base and add some folded paper underneath the contacts inside the base. When I did this I eliminated ALL my recharging woes. There are 4 screws underneath 4 rubber pads. Then just use a thin screwdriver to pry the sides off of their locking tabs. Fold some paper and stick it under the contacts, reassemble and enjoy a great remote!

The 890 cannot do anything the 880 cannot do. It just uses RF to operate an RF base so that devices can be hidden or out of line of sight. That's all. The PS3 is bluetooth, not RF or IR. There are no bluetooth remotes (try pointing your cell at it and see what happens!). So you should probably stick with the 880,


kex, that's what i thought, but couldn't find the right info anywhere.
danke . . .

kex, that's what i thought, but couldn't find the right info anywhere.
danke . . .

The 890 does do Z-wave which the 880 doesn't do, but that's it other than the 890 being silver and the 880 being black.

The 890 cannot do anything the 880 cannot do. It just uses RF to operate an RF base so that devices can be hidden or out of line of sight.

With the 890, do I need a logitech RF base or will any RF base setup work?

With the 890, do I need a logitech RF base or will any RF base setup work?

The Logitech base. Pretty much any RF remote needs its same brand of RF base.

O.K., true, but I read his question differently. I thought he was asking if you could assign macros to buttons (and used the power on/off as an unfortunate serial example -- since it's true for the example but not for the larger question). So, in the interest of full disclosure, he should know that, at this time, the ONLY single-button multi-device response he's going to get is when he selects an activity or shuts the system down. Other than that, he, and the myriad other Harmony 890 owners (like me) are fubared unless or until a software/firmware update is released that re-enables the feature.

--Mav

Actually as of the latest software you can do limited macros ("Sequences") in the customize buttons area of the Activity setup...

--Galvin

Actually as of the latest software you can do limited macros ("Sequences") in the customize buttons area of the Activity setup...

--Galvin

True, but as of the date of my post, that was not true. Fortunately, the day after that, Logitech finally came through.

--Mav

Hello:

Just to throw in my $0.02.

I have 2 890's, 1 1000 and 1 880. I love them all but the 890's are my favorites (they won the top spots of the HT Room and the Family room). The 1000 was relegated to the master bedroom and the poor 880 is in one of the other bedrooms.

The initial programming can be a PITA because it takes a little while and having to update the RF extenders every time can be a pain when you have then installed and tucked away.

However, once they are are set up and running they are great. I even bought them as gifts for some family members (and I am sure at least one is wasting away somewhere unused).

I have not experienced any charging issues with any of the models. My only issue was a cracked screen cover on the 880 because it got dropped.

Splotto

I have both an 880 and an 890. Both work very well.

My 880 is used with a fairly simple setup: Monitor, AVR, Sat HD DVR, DVD, CD, VCR (aka dust collector). I have not had any real issues with the remote in the past 2 years. It does occasionally become difficult to get the remote to charge in the base. However, I can easily fix this by cleaning the contacts with rubbing alcohol. I have to do this about every 6 months..... not a big deal.

My 890 is used in a complex set up: 4 identical HD Receivers, 1 HD DVR, 1 main plasma, 4 LCDS, AVR, CD, BR DVD. The RF extended is very useful for this setup because I can control the identical HD receivers independently. I have used this set up for about 1 month and has worked great.

I would not hesitate to buy either remote again.

...
My 890 is used in a complex set up: 4 identical HD Receivers, 1 HD DVR, 1 main plasma, 4 LCDS, AVR, CD, BR DVD. ...
Holy cr@p! ... dare I ask ... what is a BR DVD?! And ... do you have at least one eye for each screen ... and which planet/galaxy/universe do you hail from anyway (here on Earth, most people only have two eyes, or ocular visual data input devices, in case you hadn't noticed)?

Holy cr@p! ... dare I ask ... what is a BR DVD?!

I'm guessing he's refering to Blu-Ray, which is one of the 2 high definition DVD formats.

Holy cr@p! ... dare I ask ... what is a BR DVD?! And ... do you have at least one eye for each screen ... and which planet/galaxy/universe do you hail from anyway (here on Earth, most people only have two eyes, or ocular visual data input devices, in case you hadn't noticed)?

By BR I did mean Blu-Ray, as opposed to HD DVD.

I use the the other 4 TV's mainly when watching sports, especially football on Sunday's (NFL Sunday ticket). Most sports have a lot of down time. So it is fairly simple to keep track of multiple games, especially big plays, at one time. My wife and I are both big football fans.

With the 890, I can't control the 4 LCD's indepently since I am using the RF assignments for the 4 HD receivers. This is not a big deal for me as the LCD's are normally either all on or all off. The IR beam is wide enough that I can use the 890 power all 4 LCD's on or off at the same time. I would go to a URC remote if I wanted to operate both the 4 HD receivers and each of the associated TV's indepently. The 890 does the job as costs about 1/3 the price.

Sorry if this is the wrong thread but I couldn' t find this answer via a search anywhere.

I am building a HT which will have a MidAtlantic rack system for my AV equip (for anyone who may not know, those are open racks with no door at all in the front).

I bought the 890 because my rack will be located on a side wall and there will be a bar to the rear and left of the room. I need to control the equipment from anywhere in the room even though I will have almost no direct line of sight.

I personally dislike using the stick on emitters in an open rack so I am thinking of building a small shelf which will overhang the front/top of the rack onto which I will mount the RF receiver upside down. (Okay, long winded set up)

Here's my question: How far should the shelf overhang the top of the rack in order for the RF receiver to be able to "hit" all of my components? The rack is a total of 29" tall and it will have various components throughout that height. In a related question, do the IR emissions emanate from the tip of the receiver? the side? the top?, other?

Last question, I didn't know until I perused this forum that there is an 890 Pro. Can anyone confirm that the standard 890 uses Zwave signals? I bought some dimmers assuming this remote would control them natively but now I am not sure.

Any help you can give from your experiences is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have an mx-500 and i was able to get an 880 and while it was easy to program it was the worst remote I ever owend, So I sold it for more than i paid for it and got an mx-850 and I never looked back.

Sorry if this is the wrong thread but I couldn' t find this answer via a search anywhere.

I am building a HT which will have a MidAtlantic rack system for my AV equip (for anyone who may not know, those are open racks with no door at all in the front).

I bought the 890 because my rack will be located on a side wall and there will be a bar to the rear and left of the room. I need to control the equipment from anywhere in the room even though I will have almost no direct line of sight.

I personally dislike using the stick on emitters in an open rack so I am thinking of building a small shelf which will overhang the front/top of the rack onto which I will mount the RF receiver upside down. (Okay, long winded set up)

Here's my question: How far should the shelf overhang the top of the rack in order for the RF receiver to be able to "hit" all of my components? The rack is a total of 29" tall and it will have various components throughout that height. In a related question, do the IR emissions emanate from the tip of the receiver? the side? the top?, other?

Last question, I didn't know until I perused this forum that there is an 890 Pro. Can anyone confirm that the standard 890 uses Zwave signals? I bought some dimmers assuming this remote would control them natively but now I am not sure.

Any help you can give from your experiences is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I think you might not be clear on how the RF extenders work.

The RF extenders are an RF receiver with IR emitters attached via a wire (4 connections, 2 emitters each, 8 devices).

You run the wires to the devices and the IR nodes stick to the device (via peel off sticky). You mount each emitter over the IR receiver on your device.

The RF extender converts the RF signal from your remote to IR codes issued by the nodes.

So you can mount the RF extender anywhere on your rack (I have a middle atlantic rack as well). I mounted mine up near the top in the rear. I ran the IR cables down the back and they emerge above/below the device it controls.

If your rack is tall and you have devices near the bottom, the IR cord might not reach. All my IR devices are middle to top of my 44 space rack so it wasn't an issue.

Also, set up your remote and make sure it's working for a few weeks before 'mounting' it for good. When you make changes to the remote you need to connect the RF extender to your PC to sync the changes so you will need access to it. One solution there is to have a USB hub on the rack and run the extenders USB cables to the hub (but only one could be attached when you sync). That way only the hub needs to be accessable.

Splotto

Thank you Splotto. Excellent tip on the USB hub.

But I thought that as an alternative to using the stick on emitters you could just place the RF receiver to the front of the components. I thought the receiver itself transmitted IR signals The (albeit very sparse) instructions seem to imply that.

If not, your setup will work fine for me. Thanks again.

Thank you Splotto. Excellent tip on the USB hub.

But I thought that as an alternative to using the stick on emitters you could just place the RF receiver to the front of the components. I thought the receiver itself transmitted IR signals The (albeit very sparse) instructions seem to imply that.

If not, your setup will work fine for me. Thanks again.

Great. Good luck.

Splotto

Thank you Splotto. Excellent tip on the USB hub.

But I thought that as an alternative to using the stick on emitters you could just place the RF receiver to the front of the components. I thought the receiver itself transmitted IR signals The (albeit very sparse) instructions seem to imply that.

If not, your setup will work fine for me. Thanks again.

The RF base unit IS an IR flasher. I have mine right under my TV's IR sensor and all the individual emitters to my other components. In the software you can assign your component to be on emitters 1-4 and/or the flasher.

Now I'm not sure where exactly it flashes from, but I have the rounded nose portion slightly protruding from the front plane of my TV and it seems to work. Your plan of a shelf may work. Worst case is that you have a new shelf and you end up running stick-on emitters.

The RF base unit IS an IR flasher. I have mine right under my TV's IR sensor and all the individual emitters to my other components. In the software you can assign your component to be on emitters 1-4 and/or the flasher.

Now I'm not sure where exactly it flashes from, but I have the rounded nose portion slightly protruding from the front plane of my TV and it seems to work. Your plan of a shelf may work. Worst case is that you have a new shelf and you end up running stick-on emitters.

Wow. I had no idea. I am going to have to play with mine now and see if it works better then the stick on.

Both my 890's control multiple devices so I may not be able to locate it in order to take advantage of it but I will check it out.

Thanks for the info.

Splotto

My plasma is located far from my components cabinet and I would rather not have a stick-on IR transmitter on my plasma.

Thanks.