Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Home Theater Master MX700 for MSR.4

I had sent my MSR to Universal Remote to have them teach its codes to the MX-700 (same as MX-800?). Problem codes tended to be anything that 'toggled' values. They did this for me and returned the remotes with great sucess. The folks there did a good job of it with only one small complaint - They didn't bother to teach all of the MSR codes, only the DVD specific ones (I did ask for all and provided the MSR.4 datasheet but they knew I was having problems with the DVD functions). Luckily, between the DVD codes learned, the existing 500 series codes provided with the MX700, and teaching a few single state codes it all works now. I asked what special process they had to do and basically, they said that it was the same as what you & I would have to do. Point and learn. After spending (way too) many hours attempting to teach the toggle codes I gave up. They must have better skills at this then I.

I submitted the (DVD) file to Remote Central http://www.remotecentral.com/ today so hopefully it will be up soon. It will be under Meridian-DVD.

If the 800 series uses the MSR.4 codes then it should work too...

Rod.

Rod,

Thanks a bunch! If you are like me, you do not have RS-232 control of your Meridian gear. If you are also like me, you dislike the MSR remote. Way too big (I hate having to use both hands to operate it) and way too limiting (no learning capability). So what you need is an all in one remote.

I also dislike Pronto type remotes. I find a hard key remote such as my trusty Marantz 2000 much easier to use. I don't need to look at an LCD screen (since I quickly learn where my most used keys are), I can operate it by key touch in the dark while watching movies and I don't have to go to multiple pages to find the command I want. When I just had an 861, I had no issues.

About a year and a half ago, I added an 800. When I comms linked the 800 and 861 together, they would never work correctly. Basically, 861 commands were mostly okay but 800 commands worked very poorly. I tried everything I could over a year and a half to address this issue. I ended up just leaving the comms unconnected and in this manner, had no problem communicating.

When Rod posted, I decided I needed to give this a try. I acquired an MX-700, went out to the Remote Central web site, and downloaded his Meridian file. It was quite easy to download the file into the MX editor program and the program makes it easy to change the title and placement of LCD labels. Last night I had a chance to give it a try.

It worked! My 800 and 861 were commed together and the MX-700 controlled them perfectly! The extra step that Rod took in sending the MSR to Universal Remote was the key. I agree with Rod, I could never get learning to work. Now all you have to do is download his file into an MX-700 and it is done for you. Yeah!

A few other comments on the MX-700. It is quite powerful. If you don't know much about it, go to the Remote Central web site and read the detailed review on it. A major addition since the review was done is the ability to import CCF files into your MX-700. You can only work with learned CCF commands, but I have not found this to be a significant limitation. The CCF file library is huge at Remote Central (about 4000 components). I used it to great benefit with my Denon DTR-2000 DAT deck. I lost the remote for it some years ago in a move and did not want to pay high prices for a replacement. I found a CCF file for it, downloaded it into the MX editor and I now have full control of the Denon for the first time in years. Very easy to do.

The files for the MX-700 on the Remote Central site are a lot more limited, but I downloaded files for my Lutron Spacer and an RCA DTC-100 that worked great. The DTC 100 file gave me access to remote features not available on the supplied RCA remote.

One final item. The MX-700 has lots of macro ability and a really good method of writing them and documenting them in the MX Editor program. I have written several to improve the operation of my 800 and 861, they work well.

So once again, thanks to Rod for his efforts and his posting. Finally, a good hard button remote solution for the 800 and 861 (as well as other Meridian components controlled by MSR 4 codes).

" When I comms linked the 800 and 861 together, they would never work correctly. Basically, 861 commands were mostly okay but 800 commands worked very poorly. I tried everything I could over a year and a half to address this issue. I ended up just leaving the comms unconnected and in this manner, had no problem communicating."

I do the same w/my 598/568.2 combo using an MX500. After a lot of trial and error using the learn function on the 500, then disconnecting the comm. cord, I have reasonable control over the components.

I'll look into the MX700. It would be nice to be able to download some commands. I'm not a big fan of pronto remotes either. That's great news about being able to accept .ccf files.

Any suggestions on a good place to buy the MX700?

in the uk:
http://www.fpsgamer.co.uk/hcinema/remotes.htm

Chris

Universal Remote seems to have included the 598 into the updated IR database. No need to download the file from Remote Central unless you want the 'map' document.

With the info on being able to load codes from CCF files (thanks mwiebelhaus) I refreshed all my files for the MX-700 and there it was. Too bad for me was the lack of discreet power codes for my cable box....

Other then that, I've been using the MX-700 for many months now and think it is wonderful. One remote instead of a stack, excellent macro capability, and PC connection to make it easy to configure.

Highly recommended! Hey Meridian, how about adopting this remote? Well, maybe make it the MX-800 to get the RF capability too.

Intersting info.

After much struggling I have my MX-700 controlling the 800-861 combo BUT have had to leave off the comms link. Maybe V4 for the 861 will solve this problem?

Wish I had had access to those codes on the net some months ago. However I'm reluctant to download now as I understand it would wipe all the other stuff I've progammed in so I would have to go through all the other learning & programming again. Is this correct??

I realise I can save present settings and could always download again but my impression is that it is not possible to merge two files. Please advise.

And I second the complaint re the Meridian remote. It must take the prize as the worst available remote in among some pretty awful company. Members here have been bitching about it for years but Meridian seems to think it knows what is best for its owners and refuses to budge :-(

John

John,

Not hard at all. The MX-700 allows up to 20 devices. Simply set up a new device within MX editor and download the file into that device. Be sure to do a live update on the MX editor program before you start all this to make sure it is the latest. I would suggest you download Rod's mdx zip file and unzip it to get at a text file that documents which labels on the remote are which MSR commands. Then use the label editor to change titles as you see fit and move the labels where you want. After you are satisfied it all works, delete the old 800/861 device.

It sure is nice to have them commed together and working great. The MSR remote has been mothballed!

I would like to try Rod's MXD file but when I do FILE-OPEN the program asks me for a .MXF type file. How do you get the MXD file to open?

Alan

Alan,

Had the same problem as you did initially. You need to right click on the device in your MX editor file that you want to import a device from. The right click menu will give you an option of importing a device and it will default to an mxd file format. Just follow the screen prompts from there.

mwiebelhaus:

thanks for the help.

works great..

Alan