Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 218 IR Operation

Has anyone managed to get the IR input working on a 218?

I have tried a Xantech receiver modified to the non standard Meridian pin out as will as the IR output from a Logitech hub without success. I need the IR to work as Logitech do not support the IP protocol and have said they won’t do it.

The local distributors have not been able to help so far.

Colin - Is the 218 totally standalone- what products are you using with it? I'm trying to establish if you need an independant IR.

Cheers
Tom

Thank you for the replies.

To answer the questions:

1. The Xantech is a 12 V receiver
2. I have got the IR mode set to controller
3. It is the only Meridian device so my only option is IR to it

Since my first post my dealer tried the receiver with a 251 and it worked perfectly but did not work with 2 other 218's

Thechnote TN094 states that a 218 must have firmware with a build greater than 185.

Mine is 185. Could that be the issue?

If so how can it be updated?

Page 16 of the 218 used guide says IR in only relevant when used with a G12, which is a Meridian IR sensor. Taken literally it won’t do IR with any other sensor. The user guide also discusses control via IP through a SpeakerLink connection. A reviver or can allow for connection to legacy M controllers. It would seem. A control system can take it from there.

I have 2 systems with 218s, one integrated with an 861v4, the other with a G61R. Both the processors Through the v4 and with a reviver, I can control/group the 218, a MS200 on porch, and ID40 for Trifield.

Some of the detail above may be corrected by folks on here much more knowledgeable than me, but you should be able to accomplish your objective. As to Firmware, it is designed to be updated automatically, but I had to get something updated through M’s Sooloos program as I use Roon. From my TV optical out, to the 218 gets me access to sound from several HDMI sources to all three of my M endpoints.

For Roon users with devices that normally update through Sooloos you just need to run Meridian Sooloos Configure available here on a Windows pc, there is no Mac OS version and the products will automatically update.

Thanks Russ. My update error was turning off my system and windows PC in Florida or NC, as I moved back and forth. The updates thru Sooloos occur automatically now that I leave the windows PC and endpoints powered up 24/7 in both locations. Off topic but I am delighted to find that items added from Tidal in one location are synced to the other location, as soon as I execute the simple location transfer clicks on Roon.

Roon is good isn’t it

I have an extra 512 (precursor to the G12) and changed out the DIN connector to 1/8" TRS connector for the 218 - works like a champ. It's a 3wire system. 12V, GND, SIGNAL. I would imagine you might be able to find another IR Receiver manufacturer whose system works 3wire, but I don't know who.

John

Oh yes. Besides sounding so good, it allows me to temporarily forget what a Luddite I am at heart😀

Just to round this topic off, I have my 218 working the Harmony using a G12.

I was unsuccessful in getting the 218 to work with any other 3 wire 12 volt receiver.

Interpreting the Technote, it appears that 3rd party receivers or direct connection will not work with firmware build 185.

There is currently no build later than that and I believe is not planned in the near term

Has anyone found a non Meridian IR receiver that works yet?

I successfully configured a Xantech DL95 IR receiver to control my Meridian 218.

To make the receiver compatible with the 218's pin configuration, I cut and rearranged the wires to match the specifications outlined in the Meridian 218 manual.

It might not seem like a big deal, but being able to turn the device on and off, and control the volume with a remote control, is much more convenient than using a smartphone app.

When I first connected the IR receiver, I had to apply some force to insert the pin properly. After doing so, the 218 rebooted (I think it still better to connect with the 218 without power), and the IR receiver started working.