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Official URC R40 Thread - Page 5

post #121 of 177
2/23/13 at 4:22pm
So, I started over with only two devices. My TV and Cable. I programmed both manually, learning every key and was very meticulous to make sure every key showed "ready" and "saved" during the process.

I learned all of the TV keys and then tested the remote. All keys worked fine.

I then learned all of the the cable boxes keys manually.

After learning the cable box keys after the TV keys: Volume keys work, Mute does not work. Only channel - works, channel + does not. Menu and Info do not work, but Guide does work. "1" key works, "2-4" don't work, "5-0" don't work. All keys programmed into the LCD Main screen function correctly.
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post #122 of 177
2/23/13 at 10:58pm
Well, after doing another factory reset and starting from scratch AGAIN, it looks like all the keys for each of my devices is finally working.

Tomorrow I may try working on some Macros if they aren't as aggravating as it was just getting the keys to function properly.
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post #123 of 177
2/24/13 at 2:53pm
Disappearing Keys.........................

I had all the keys for all five of my devices working early this morning after re-programming them all from scratch. Checked all five devices and all keys that I programmed were working. Been gone most of the day. Fired up the TV when I got home. Guess what? The Channel Up and Channel Down keys weren't working. Re-programmed then AGAIN. Went to go to my DVR and the Up/Down and Sel Keys on the directional ring weren't working. WTF

I really want to like this remote. Even though the programming is not very straight forward from the Quick Start Guide, once you get the hang up it, it is easy. But, the problem with the "disappearing" keys is beyond belief. I am going to give it one more chance, then back it goes.

It is a well-built remote. It has alot of functionality and since you manually program it, it can program it to do anything you want. But, this "bug" with the "disappearing" keys makes this remote a POS.
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post #124 of 177
2/24/13 at 4:19pm
I do hope you learn to enjoy this remote. I really do like mine.

I'm behind you 100% though on the disappearing keys. I can't comprehend how URC can let this out the door with this bug. And continue to do so! I had the problem early on. I think the problem begins when starting out with the pre-programmed codes. They almost never cover everything the original remote did, and/or the keys are not where you desire them. Then keys are manually learned over the top of the programmed keys and the problem begins rearing it's ugly head.

The quick start guide is a joke and the internal menu prompts are difficult to follow at first. Don't they test these things on regular folks before releasing them to the public? I know there is absolutely no way my wife, mother, father, or most of my friends would ever be able to program this thing.

Having said that, I do believe it's a fantastic remote. Unfortunately it's going to be a fantastic remote for the select few that can get over the somewhat steep initial learning curve and poor documentation.
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post #125 of 177
2/24/13 at 7:12pm
It sounds like there is something wrong with your remote. I suggest you return and exchange for another and see if that helps.
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post #126 of 177
2/25/13 at 1:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by uberfarben View Post

It sounds like there is something wrong with your remote. I suggest you return and exchange for another and see if that helps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by curtlots View Post

I do hope you learn to enjoy this remote. I really do like mine.

I'm behind you 100% though on the disappearing keys. I can't comprehend how URC can let this out the door with this bug. And continue to do so! I had the problem early on. I think the problem begins when starting out with the pre-programmed codes. They almost never cover everything the original remote did, and/or the keys are not where you desire them. Then keys are manually learned over the top of the programmed keys and the problem begins rearing it's ugly head.

The quick start guide is a joke and the internal menu prompts are difficult to follow at first. Don't they test these things on regular folks before releasing them to the public? I know there is absolutely no way my wife, mother, father, or most of my friends would ever be able to program this thing.

Having said that, I do believe it's a fantastic remote. Unfortunately it's going to be a fantastic remote for the select few that can get over the somewhat steep initial learning curve and poor documentation.


Although I do think that there may be something wrong with my remote, as it continues to have "disappearing" keys, it is a known bug that URC has done nothing to fix. Put that with the most "embarrasing" Quick Start Guide I have ever seen. I did not use any of the pre-configured Codes and manually "learned" every key for all five of my devices. So, it was not my learned keys getting "stacked" on top of the existing codes. I think that this could be one of the best remotes out there but with the "bug" and not having documentation that an average consumer can follow to program the remote, URC has a great remote that only one in a few people will "put up with" on getting it to work properly.

Time for me to contact Amazon to get this POS returned and look elsewhere. Although, with the remote market where it is today, not sure what to try moving to...........
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post #127 of 177
3/2/13 at 12:17pm
How do I get it to learn from my 922 Dish remote???
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post #128 of 177
3/2/13 at 9:57pm
You don't.
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post #129 of 177
3/3/13 at 7:56am
I took the advice of mdavej when I found I couldn't use the Dish remote to learn from. I bought the RCA RCRP05B remote and learned from it.

You can find this remote at just about any store for under $15. I even used this to learn the color buttons. I don't use them as favorites buttons, but as the red, green, blue, and yellow shortcut buttons.
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post #130 of 177
3/15/13 at 11:24am
HI guys I just joined the forums. Great stuff here to read. I just finished my home theater. I have an elite projector screen, samsung blu ray player, benq video projector, old sony 5.1 receiver, component switcher. Now as I understand the remote had a built in dbase? so that means I just type in the model number of my device and its programmed? I am very new to this and have no experience with a universal remote. Only hear of harmony and how easy they are but all roads lead to the R40 and its seems like what i want.
is programming really that hard? also what specific IR dimmer switches can I use with the R40? for instance can I use this switch?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-IR-600-Watt-Single-Pole-Digital-Dimmer-White-MIR-600THW-WH/100399015#.UUNm-qyReH9

thanks for all the help in advance.
and the "disappearing keys" only is when using preprogrammed codes?

so when the remote is finally programmed will every key on my original remote correspond to a key on the r40?
or do i only get basic functions off of my original remote if i was to use learning function..which it seems everyone is saying?
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post #131 of 177
3/15/13 at 12:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by newbieny View Post

HI guys I just joined the forums. Great stuff here to read. I just finished my home theater. I have an elite projector screen, samsung blu ray player, benq video projector, old sony 5.1 receiver, component switcher. Now as I understand the remote had a built in dbase? so that means I just type in the model number of my device and its programmed? I am very new to this and have no experience with a universal remote. Only hear of harmony and how easy they are but all roads lead to the R40 and its seems like what i want.
is programming really that hard? also what specific IR dimmer switches can I use with the R40? for instance can I use this switch?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Maestro-IR-600-Watt-Single-Pole-Digital-Dimmer-White-MIR-600THW-WH/100399015#.UUNm-qyReH9

thanks for all the help in advance.
and the "disappearing keys" only is when using preprogrammed codes?

so when the remote is finally programmed will every key on my original remote correspond to a key on the r40?
or do i only get basic functions off of my original remote if i was to use learning function..which it seems everyone is saying?
It's not quite that easy. You chose the type and brand of device and it will try several codes. You find one that seems to at least power on and off the device and then you can see what buttons are programmed correctly. It rarely works well with this method. Most of us have to manually program most buttons using the learning function. It's tedious, but once it's done and seems to work, you can then program any macros you want. Some have found that programming one button can cause another one to lose it's programming.
Myself, for most of my devices, the database code got me most of the way there and I programmed the rest manually.
The nice thing is, unlike those remotes that program using a computer, you can do all of this on the fly. Find a button you wish you had handy? As long as you have the original, you can program it in less than a minute.
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post #132 of 177
3/16/13 at 5:20am
excellent. thank you for the quick reply..now to see if this will work with an IR light dimmer from lutron as I see the harmonys do
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post #133 of 177
3/29/13 at 4:14pm
Did it work with the Lutron?

I think more users need to complain to URC about the dropping keys bug. It has to be a problem with their firmware in this model. If they would fix this bug in the R40 I would buy lots of them and it would truly be "my favorite remote".
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post #134 of 177
3/30/13 at 4:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by AVfile View Post

I think more users need to complain to URC about the dropping keys bug. It has to be a problem with their firmware in this model. If they would fix this bug in the R40 I would buy lots of them and it would truly be "my favorite remote".

It's fixed and is now a known problem at URC. Call them up and say you have a buggy R40 that needs to be replaced. More than likely the rep won't know what you're talking about so tell them to check the serial number. I just received my replacement today. It was brand new in the box and works perfectly.

EDIT: The firmware version of my replacement remote is 1.19. Unfortunately, I didn't check the version of the old one before sending it back.
Edited by ToBeFrank - 3/30/13 at 4:33pm
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post #135 of 177
3/30/13 at 6:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by uberfarben View Post

I suggest you don't use the built-in device codes. They are mostly generic for each brand and add buttons that may not work for your devices. If you have the original remotes for your devices use them to program the R40. I also suggest that you use the Harmony 550 to Learn the discrete codes such as power on/off for your devices. There might be several discrete codes available for your devices that may not be on the original remotes. They will make macros work much better.

This is not my experience at all, both with my original R40 and now the replacement. I started with built in codes for my tv, receiver, dvr, bluray, xbox, and roku. They all work great and they also include the discrete power codes in the display buttons. The only buttons I've had to learn are the discrete input selections for my tv.
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post #136 of 177
3/31/13 at 8:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToBeFrank View Post

It's fixed and is now a known problem at URC. Call them up and say you have a buggy R40 that needs to be replaced. More than likely the rep won't know what you're talking about so tell them to check the serial number. I just received my replacement today. It was brand new in the box and works perfectly.

EDIT: The firmware version of my replacement remote is 1.19. Unfortunately, I didn't check the version of the old one before sending it back.

Did you have to ship back the original remote? Also, how do you check the firmware version?
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post #137 of 177
3/31/13 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToBeFrank View Post

It's fixed and is now a known problem at URC. Call them up and say you have a buggy R40 that needs to be replaced. More than likely the rep won't know what you're talking about so tell them to check the serial number. I just received my replacement today. It was brand new in the box and works perfectly.

EDIT: The firmware version of my replacement remote is 1.19. Unfortunately, I didn't check the version of the old one before sending it back.

Thanks, this is great news! Do you know when the new firmware was released approximately? I'm wondering if any existing stock at my local dealers would need to be sent back.
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post #138 of 177
4/2/13 at 8:46am
I'm trying to confirm this via e-mail with the Canadian distributor. Can anyone else confirm that this bug is fixed and is there a date/code on the retail box to look for?
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post #139 of 177
4/2/13 at 9:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AVfile View Post

I'm trying to confirm this via e-mail with the Canadian distributor. Can anyone else confirm that this bug is fixed and is there a date/code on the retail box to look for?

I would also love a confirmation or some explanation from ToBeFrank regarding firmware versions.
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post #140 of 177
4/2/13 at 7:12pm
I contacted URC support and I have been asked to return my remote for replacement. I bought this unit in Toronto, Canada in January 2013. The firmware version on my remote is 1.15. I guess the replacement will have version is 1.19. Shipping both ways will cost just under $30.
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post #141 of 177
4/2/13 at 7:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by uberfarben View Post

I contacted URC support and I have been asked to return my remote for replacement. I bought this unit in Toronto, Canada in January 2013. The firmware version on my remote is 1.15. I guess the replacement will have version is 1.19. Shipping both ways will cost just under $30.

Again, how do you check the firmware version? Not seeing it in the menu or on the sticker in the battery compartment or on the packaging.
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post #142 of 177
4/2/13 at 8:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kisakuku View Post

Again, how do you check the firmware version? Not seeing it in the menu or on the sticker in the battery compartment or on the packaging.

Actually it is in the onscreen menu - under System > System and Battery > then select System Info.

Mine is version 1.14 frown.gif
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post #143 of 177
4/2/13 at 8:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWalters View Post

Actually it is in the onscreen menu - under System > System and Battery > then select System Info.

Mine is version 1.14 frown.gif

Thanks a lot, I guess I've been having an extended brain fart as I didn't realize that was a sub-menu accessible with a soft button. Mine is 1.14 as well, so I guess I should swap just to be safe although I haven't noticed any unlearned buttons.
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post #144 of 177
4/3/13 at 10:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by uberfarben View Post

I contacted URC support and I have been asked to return my remote for replacement. I bought this unit in Toronto, Canada in January 2013. The firmware version on my remote is 1.15. I guess the replacement will have version is 1.19. Shipping both ways will cost just under $30.

Thanks this is helpful as I am probably going to the same retailer (Canada Computers in Ottawa) today. I was wondering if it is possible to identify the version before buying. The Canadian distributor very promptly and courteously replied to my emails but didn't think it would be an issue. I think they want us to buy them all, rather than recall inventory, and one by one request an exchange at our initiative and shipping expense.
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post #145 of 177
4/5/13 at 9:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by uberfarben View Post

Shipping both ways will cost just under $30.

That's an ender for me: I'm actually a bit disappointed that they charge so much--especially when it's a "warranty" issue.
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post #146 of 177
4/5/13 at 9:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stanton View Post

That's an ender for me: I'm actually a bit disappointed that they charge so much--especially when it's a "warranty" issue.

I just got an RGA # from URC and was told that I just need to ship the remote to their NY state facility at my expense and that return shipping will be covered by URC. I'm sure extra shipping charges are only applied to non-CONUS returns.
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post #147 of 177
4/6/13 at 1:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kisakuku View Post

I just got an RGA # from URC and was told that I just need to ship the remote to their NY state facility at my expense and that return shipping will be covered by URC. I'm sure extra shipping charges are only applied to non-CONUS returns.

Who did you contact at URC about getting this learned key bug fixed ?
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post #148 of 177
4/6/13 at 3:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWalters View Post

Who did you contact at URC about getting this learned key bug fixed ?

Called (800) 901-0800, was transferred to tech support and gave them the serial # from a sticker inside the battery compartment.
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post #149 of 177
4/6/13 at 3:33pm
Does the unit still have to be under warranty for them to do the replacement? Thanks.

Jay
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post #150 of 177
4/6/13 at 4:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jerndl View Post

Does the unit still have to be under warranty for them to do the replacement? Thanks.

Jay

I was not asked to provide proof of purchase, YMMV.
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