FAQ - ResidentialFAQ - Residential

RF Operation is not consistent, how can I make it more reliable?

NOTE: ID "0" on the MRF-250 turns off RF addressing and will accept any incoming RF signal. This feature is designed to help detect any RF interference, in order to help troubleshoot and eliminate it. Selecting ID "0" will also turn off the front blaster, but all flashers will be enabled and non-addressable. The RF protocol has also been upgraded in order to provide better performance. There are three parts to troubleshooting: 1) Does the MX-3000 work the system with the MRF-250 Base Station UNPLUGGED with all the devices set to IR line of sight operation (from the Program Menu, Step 7 RF Control)? a. If learned codes are not working line of sight, try re-learning them (using 2 - learn ). or b. Use the pre-programmed code sets in the database (many users ignore the generic code sets, try them). Once ALL of your commands and macros work perfectly line of sight it is time to move to step 2. Don't skip step 1. 2) Plug in the power supply to the MRF-250 base station and test the RF a. From the Program Menu, select step #7 RF Control b. Set each device to RF Only operation c. Select a specific flasher output for the most troublesome 6 devices. If you are planning to use the front blaster for some of your components, we will troubleshoot those later. Leave those devices set to all. d. Save the file and download to the MX-3000. e. Turn on all of your A/V components. f. Observe the MRF-250 base station, not the A/V components, and press a button with a command not a macro. Hold it down. The right hand status LED of the base station should stay lit while you press it. Release the button, the LED should immediately go out. If it stays lit or flickers, move the base station farther away from the components. Typically, 3 feet away is fine. The flasher cables are ten feet long for this reason. In some extreme cases, if the base station has to be moved farther away, you can extend the cables with any 24-gauge or better two conductor wire later. g. Concentrate on getting the status LED to light with a press and go out with a release even if you have to move the base station outside the cabinet/closet with the gear. Once this is working correctly, go on to step 3. 3) Test the MRF flashers with a component a. Hook up one emitter to the base station (extend the wire if necessary). Make sure you plug it into the correct jack for the component you are going to test. b. Test commands for that particular component while moving the flasher to different test positions. Start with the flasher about 3' away from the front panel. When a position gives 10 out of 10 commands good operation, note the spot and repeat the process with the same emitter (plugged into the correct jack) until you have noted the correct front panel spot for flashers on each component. c. Route all of the flasher cables to the base station, labeling the plugs for the correct jack #. Reconnect and test. The key elements are: A) You must have reliable RF, before you test Flasher Positioning. B) Engaging the IR routing of a device to a specific flasher eliminates the possibility of IR saturation from too many flashers doing the same thing. When operation is buggy, engage IR routing. C) Even when only one flasher is outputting IR, the flasher can overpower or saturate a component's front panel sensor. Sometimes, the flasher has to be mounted an inch or more away from the front panel IR sensor.

Will the MX-3000 control my radio frequency (RF) devices or learn RF commands?

Although the MX-3000 is an RF/IR remote, it only communicates with the MRF-250 or (equivalent MRF base) via RF. It will not control or learn RF devices functions.

WHAT CAN THE MRF-250 DO?

The MRF-250 is capable of controlling up to 20 different devices from the front IR Blaster or 6 devices from the plug-in IR Flashers. RF Addressing allows for up to 15 MRF-250s to be used in an installation. RF Routing allows for up to 6 identical devices to be used by routing your commands only to the device you select. The other identical devices will not receive commands.

What do I need to program my MX-3000?

If I have more than one MX-3000, will the MRF-250(S) recognize both of them if they are programmed the same?

Yes, the MRF-250 will recognize as many MX-3000s as you program to work with your components and address to an MRF-250.

Can I use MX-Editor on my Mac?

Yes. PC emulator software, such as Virtual PC will allow you to use MX-Editor.

How can I get updated firmware and new codes for my MX-3000?

Click on the gold satellite button located on the far right of the Toolbar. If an update is available it will proceed to download. The blue progress bar will indicate that you are receiving the Live Update information. After, you can check the updated version number by clicking on the Help tab and then clicking on About, which will show you the version number of your software. Make sure to use the Live Update feature often as we are always updating the MX Editor software. The Live Update feature will allow you to update the software itself, the remote control firmware and the preprogrammed IR code database. If no update is available, the screen will say "No updates available at this time". If you do get an update, you must close MX-Editor and restart it for the update to take effect.

My MX-Editor software and remote are not communicating. What do I do?

Typically, there are a few reasons for this problem. The number one problem we have found has been forgetting to install Active Sync software, or not installing Active Sync software correctly. A correct installation and setup of Active Sync is needed for successful communication to take place between the MX-3000 and the MX Editor software. Another significant reason for communication problems between Software and Remote has been leaving the MX-3000 connected to the PC while software is being installed. In this case, the software will need to be removed and reinstalled with the remote not connected.

How far do the infrared (IR) commands go?

The MX-3000 can transmit IR signals up to 60 feet (20 meters). Your dealer can also offer you an IR repeater system that can allow you greater distance for your specific system.

I couldn't find a preprogrammed code that worked... Now what?

You can use the factory supplied remote control for your device and learn the IR codes into a file that you create in the MX Editor software. If you want to learn the entire factory remote quickly you can use the Next Button feature in the Learn IR dialog box. You can enable the Next Button feature by simply clicking on the button prior to learning.

Can the MX-3000 learn all my devices?

The MX-3000 can learn from almost any IR based remote control. The MX-3000 cannot learn from any RF only remotes or from some two-way interactive IR based remote systems. You can look in the Features section of www.remotecentral.com to see an article about special remote systems that use very high frequency for proprietary operation. If you are in doubt please contact us.

Are there any buttons that will not learn?

On the MX-3000 remote control every button except PAGE and MAIN can learn an IR code or Macro. The PAGE button is used to scroll through pages on the LCD screen. The MAIN button is used to return to the Main page on the LCD screen.

If I make a mistake in programming or learning to a button, is it hard to correct?

No, you can use your saved file and easily learn a code again or delete any button that is incorrect and create a new one. Your saved .RCC file will allow you to try several different button configurations and always have your master file available as back up.

How can I reset my MX-3000 to factory default?

You can open a new 12-device configuration in the MX Editor software. First click the icon for New Configuration or click on File the select New Now choose 12 devices and apply that choice. Now select Download using the icon on the Toolbar or by clicking on Communications and selecting Download. After you complete the Download your MX-3000 will be reset for the 12-device factory default mode. Alternatively, you can press and hold the MAIN button for five seconds, when you do the screen will change to the SETTINGS screen, press and hold the Factory Default button on the setup screen for three seconds, then answer Yes to the RCSetup prompt.

Does the MX-3000 library include discrete device codes?

Yes, When available from the manufacturer, we add discrete IR codes to the device IR code list. We usually place those available discrete IR codes on the LCD screen buttons. Note that some devices never have discrete IR codes available or may have some functions that are toggle only even though some other commands are discrete. You may want to search the Files section of Remote Central (www.remotecentral.com) or look in the Discrete Hunter forum on www.remotecentral.com for more codes. You can also use other remote control systems to learn specific discrete IR codes into your MX Editor software for use in programming your MX-3000.

What are macros?

Macros are a string of commands that you create to perform complex actions with the touch of a single button. You may want to have twenty IR commands sent to power on all of the devices in your system just by pressing one button. You would create a series of macros to make it much easier to operate your system. A common example of a macro is one that is based around an activity, like "Watch a DVD movie" You can easily develop macros that will allow you to have one touch control over specific devices as well. The memory power of your MX-3000 allows each button to include a 255 step macro. Please read the section about macros in the MX Editor Programming Manual.

How are macros useful?

Macros are very useful in allowing you to use one button to control complex actions in your home. You could have macros that are based around specific activity or a specific device. Macros allow you to save time and avoid confusion when operating your system with your MX-3000.

My screen stays on all of the time. Will that quickly drain the batteries?

Battery life will be drained if the MX-3000 is not not charged frequently, If having the screen on all the time is a feature that you need to have, the MX-3000's charging station should be your best friend. If having the screen on all the time is not an option you want, you can adjust the MX-3000 backlighting settings manually from the MX-3000's setup screen. (Please refer to your MX-3000 Owners Manual on instructions to change remote settings)

Can I mix commands from more than one remote to a single device on my MX-3000?

Yes you can create macros for each device that allow you to change inputs and other settings of your system. Refer to the Macro section of the MX Editor Programming Manual or watch the movie about macros in the MX Editor Tutorial.

How can I change the MX-3000 backlighting settings?

The backlighting settings can be changed by pressing and holding the MAIN button for five seconds. When you do, the screen will change to the Settings screen, On this screen you can press the Backlighting button to access the options.

Can I manually enter Hex into the MX-Editor?

No, you cannot directly enter any HEX IR codes into the MX Editor software. You can use another remote system to send IR codes into the MX-800 and learn those codes with your MX Editor software.

Is the MX-3000 capable of importing .CCF files from competing manufacturers?

Yes, using the latest version of the MX Editor, you can import graphics and learned .CCF commands to the MX Editor software.

Can the MX-3000 be used with the MRF-200?

Yes, If you have an MRF-200 you will not have a problem with using it with an MX-3000. The MX-3000 can be programmed to communicate with the MRF-200 just like the MRF-250.

How are the MRF-200 and MRF-250 different?

The MRF-200 version 3.0 and MRF-250 version 1.0 are not different, They both offer Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) sniffing on address 0, as well as support for controlling up to 20 different devices from the front IR Blaster or 6 devices from the plug-in IR Flashers. RF addressing allows for up to 16 MRF-200 or MRF-250 to be used in one installation, IR routing for identical devices is supported on both the MRF-200 and MRF-250.

Why are the navigation keys (VOL +/- CH +/-) on the left hand side of the remote?

The navigation keys for VOL and CH were added to the left hand side of the MX-3000 so that the the 4 way cursor keys for navigation of menus and on screen guides could be on the right, where they are more useful for most users.

What are the limitations on Graphic Files? Sizes? Sound Files? Types?

Graphics files can be no larger than 320 X 240 Pixels. Supported file types are: GIF, Animated GIF, BMP and JPEG. Sound files can be no larger than 512KB. The only supported file types is WAV, the WAV file must have a Sample Rate of 8BIT and also an Audio Sample Rate between 11KHZ - 22KHZ.

Where can I find additional templates? (ALIEN/WOOD/GEL etc.)

Additional templates can be found in the MX-3000 folder under Samples.

Will battery life be shortened if I leave the MX-3000 on the charger while using?

No, the MX-3000 uses a Lithium Ion battery (memory-free), which allows you to charge the MX-3000 as long as you want without any negative effects.

What is the full screen size as measured in Standard Resolution?

The screen size of the MX-3000, measured in standard resolution, is 320 X 240 Pixels.

How do I change the remote settings?

You can change the remote settings of the MX-3000 by pressing and holding the MAIN button for five seconds. When you do, the screen will change to the SETTINGS screen. If you do not press any button on the SETTINGS screen within 30 seconds, the MX-3000 will time out and automatically return to normal operation.