This might be a dumb question, but can I make an 880 into a quasi-890 by using an 890 RF converter system?

In reading a bunch of 890 threads, I haven't been able to figure out if the "RF" converter just takes an IR signal, converts it to RF and then reconverts it back to IR through the emmitters just like my old RCA "cones" or if the converter actually transmits a signal that could be used by a z-wave light switch, etc.

Can someone please enlighten me? I may be able to automate some things if the latter is the case. In other words, is the 890's RF capability more than transferring IR signals and can I "home brew" the system with an 880 remote and 890 RF bits. Are my old RCA cones doing the same thing without me knowing? :eek:

No, the 880 doesn't have the RF transmitter. The 890 is an 880 with an RF transmitter (and zwave). The RF base will only work with the 890 and 1000 since those two Harmony remotes include an RF transmitter.

You might try an IR repeater which would be compatible with any IR remote. Look for something such as the HotLink Pro.

Thanks for the help. I did some more digging and I see now that the IR extender is just that and that the RF is built in the control. I will have to wait for the Harmony Two to get the RF feature.