MRF-260i Installation Manual Optimizing Narrow Band Reception with Complete Control Remotes
MRF-260i Installation Manual ©2007-2013 Universal Remote Control, Inc. The information in this owner’s manual is copyright protected. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Universal Remote Control, Inc. UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS/OMISSIONS MADE IN THIS MANUAL.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Features and Benefits 2 Parts Guide 2 Installation 3 Testing 5 Front Blaster Overload 6 Disabling the Front Blaster - Step by Step via PC 6 Controlling Four Identical Components/Zones 7 Identical Components/Zones - Step by Step via PC 7 Programming For Multiple Equipment Locations 10 Limited Warranty Statement 11 End User Agreement 13 Frequently Asked Questions 14 Specifications 14
MRF-260i BASE STATION Introduction The MRF-260i base station is an “addressable” base station. RF Addressing gives you the ability to control as many as 60 identical components throughout a house. To enable better range and reliability the MRF-260i is equipped with the Narrow Band RF reception (like the MRF-350i), so is only compatible with other Narrow Band remotes. NOTE: The MRF-260i is ONLY compatible with Narrow Band remotes: the current versions of the MX-3000i, MX-900i remote controls.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Features and Benefits Interference Rejection and Extended Range via Narrow Band The MRF-260i receives RF (radio frequency) signals via its integrated RF receiver and antenna. The MRF-260i displays RF interference via a bright red Status LED, which flickers when interference is present if the ID is set to 0. Simply relocate the MRF-260i should interference occur. Two Fixed IR Outputs The MRF-260i is equipped with two fixed IR line outputs with standard 3.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Installation 1. Unplug the MRF-260i. Test all IR commands and macros line of sight. 2. Power on all AV components including the TV. Turn on all of the lights and lower all dimmers to 50%. Power on anything that may create RF Interference (particularly devices with high speed microprocessors or hard drives). 3. Check that the address wheel on the rear of the MRF-260i is set to ID#0 (the interference “sniffing” position).
MRF-260i BASE STATION 5. Observe the Status LED of the MRF-260i. If it is glowing or flickering you must relocate the MRF-260i to a location where the LED doesn’t flicker. If your installation location simply doesn’t offer you any choice and you are detecting interference everywhere you place the MRF-260i, you have two last resort options: a. Remove the MRF-260i’s antenna. This will reduce the range enormously, but may still be enough for this client. b.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Testing Test a few commands for each device before fixing the flasher in place on the front panel of a device. Since TiVo, Replay TV, Satellite Receivers and Cable Boxes are all extremely sensitive to IR overload or saturation, you should test them thoroughly. Put up the on screen guide and test the navigation arrows. Compare operation via RF to the original remote control. Operation should be identical. RF is not slower.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Front Blaster Overload A few models of audio/video components can be overloaded by the Front Blaster. If you are having intermittent or inconsistent results with a particular component, try repositioning the MRF-260i and facing the Front Blaster in a different direction. If this improves the situation but is impractical, it may be necessary to utilize the selfadhesive flashers only and follow the steps below to Disable the Front Blaster.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Controlling Four Identical Components/Zones There are several considerations to take into account when you are installing an MRF-260i to control an array of identical components: 1. The RF ID# cannot be set to Code 0, the universal setting. You must use one of the fifteen unique IR Routing addresses. 2. Each identical component must receive IR commands ONLY from a dedicated Flasher affixed to its front panel or a rear panel direct IR input.
MRF-260i BASE STATION default programming sets all of the devices to send both IR and RF commands. If you look at the column for Flashers, you can see that the default sends IR commands for all devices to ALL of the flashers. Both options must be changed for identical components. Additionally, you must disable the Front Blaster (see page 6 for directions).
MRF-260i BASE STATION Note: Remember, the MRF-260i will only respond to selections 1 through 4. Step 5 - Make sure that the ID# is set on both the remote and on the wheel of the MRF-260i. Click on the Receivers button and set the RF address to one of the first 15 addresses (1-9 or A, B, C, D or E). The second set of addresses is only supported by MSC units. Step 6 - Close the RF window and Download to the Remote.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Programming For Multiple Equipment Locations You can operate up to 15 different equipment locations, each with an MRF-260i assigned a unique Receiver ID#. You program each of your remotes to talk to the equipment locations you want by assigning each of your devices to a receiver.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Limited Warranty Statement 1. Limited Warranty and Disclaimers Universal Remote Control, Inc. (“URC”) warrants that the URC equipment shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal usage for one (1) year from purchase when such is purchased from URC. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States of America. URC warrants that the software will substantially conform in any material respect to its functional specifications at the time of delivery.
MRF-260i BASE STATION PROVISIONS HEREIN, WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER: (I) DAMAGE FROM MISUSE, NEGLECT OR ACTS OR NATURE, (II) MODIFICATIONS, (III) INTEGRATION WITH THIRD PARTY CONTENT (IV) BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND/ OR FAILURE TO FOLLOW URC WARRANTY CLAIM PROCEDURE. The warranty limitations and warranty disclaimers may not apply to end user in whole or in part, where such are restricted or excluded by applicable law and such shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Such equipment is not eligible for URC tech support or software support, either. 2. URC’S Limitations of Liability IN NO EVENT SHALL URC BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF URC IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL URC BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO DATA, COMPUTER SYSTEMS OR COMPUTER PROGRAMS.
MRF-260i BASE STATION Frequently Asked Questions Can I use flasher/emitters that I have already installed in the system to connect to the MRF-260i? Yes, the flashers are compatible if they use 3.5mm mono mini plugs with the same polarity (Tip is data, sleeve is ground). I’m getting inconsistent operation regardless of flasher level or position. Some components are easily overloaded with IR from nearby flashers.
NOTE Page 15
Information To The User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
