MRF-350 Installation Manual Optimizing Narrow Band Reception with the RFX-250 and MSC System Remotes
MRF-350 Installation Manual ©2006 - 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. The information in this owner’s manual may be subject to change without prior notice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Features and Benefits 2 Parts Guide 2 Optimizing Range and Reliability 3 Connecting IR and Setting Output Levels 6 Front Blaster Overload 7 Disabling the Front Blaster - Step by Step via PC 7 Controlling An Array of Identical Components or Zones 8 Identical Components/Zone - Step by Step via PC 8 Programming For Multiple Equipment Locations 11 Frequently Asked Questions 12 Warranty 12 Limited Warranty Statement 13 End User Agreement 15 Specificat
MRF-350 BASE STATION Introduction The MRF-350 base station is an “addressable” base station like the MRF-300. RF Addressing gives you the ability to control as many as 90 identical components throughout a house. However, the MRF-350 is equipped with the Narrow Band RF reception, so is only compatible with MSC System remotes. 1. MSC System remote controls send radio waves in every direction, so your client enjoys “No More Pointing” operation! 2.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Features and Benefits Interference Rejection and Extended RF Range via RFX-250 The MRF-350 receives RF (radio frequency) signals via the RFX-250 RF Sensor. The RFX-250 displays RF interference via a bright red LED, which flickers when interference is present. Simply relocate the RFX-250 out of the interference. Expand Range by Adding RFX-250 RF Sensors in Remote Areas The MRF-350 can power up to three RFX-250 RF Sensors connected in parallel to the RF Input connector.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Optimizing Range and Reliability 1. Power on all AV components, lower all dimmers to 50% and power on anything that may create RF Interference (particularly devices with high speed microprocessors or hard drives). 2. Check that the address wheel on the bottom of the MRF-350 is set to ID#0 (the interference “sniffing” position). Slide off the mounting plate to reveal the RF ID# rotary switch.
MRF-350 BASE STATION 5. Observe the RF LED of the RFX-250. Cup your hand over the RFX-250’s RF LED. If it is glowing or flickering you must relocate the RFX-250 to a location where the LED doesn’t flicker. If no buttons are pressed on any remote control, no valid RF transmissions are being received. The flickering or glowing RF LED warns you that the RFX-250 is detecting RF interference generated or reflected near this location. MOVE the RFX-250 to a new location. 6.
MRF-350 BASE STATION 7. Once you have found a location that is absolutely clean with everything on, test to see if the range is adequate and that macro reliability is perfect. Start with the antenna angle set to 45 degrees and positioned so that the long side of the antenna is facing the customer’s favorite seating position. When testing, set both the remote and the MRF-350 to the same VALID RF ID#. Keep in mind that zero (0) is not a valid RF ID#.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Connecting IR and Setting Output Levels 1. Connect an IR emitter to each IR output and run the emitter wire to the front panel of each component. DO NOT STICK the emitter in place. ADJUST the level first. 2. Adjust each of the IR Output levels for best operation. If the component operates best at minimum level, but is still operating sluggishly or intermittently, move the emitter farther away from the components IR sensor.
MRF-350 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-350 and facing the Front Blaster in a different direction. If this improves the situation but is impractical, it may be necessary to utilize the self-adhesive flashers only and follow the steps below to Disable the Front Blaster.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Controlling An Array of Identical Components or Zones There are several considerations to take into account when you are installing an MRF-350 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-350 BASE STATION Step 3 - Copy The Programmed Device In tree view, right click on the device you programmed. From the context menu that appears, select COPY. Step 4 - Paste The Programmed Device In tree view, right click on the first device that is NOT PROGRAMMED. From the context menu that appears, select PASTE. Repeat this PASTE on all of the other identical device. Save your work. Step 5 - Open the RF Setup Window The RF Setup window opens after selecting RF Control from the Program Menu.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Click on the “cell” for the first identical TV, by crossing the device row with the Signals column. Signal Column TV1 Device Row Select RF from the three options shown for EACH of the identical TVs. You may leave the other components of the system set to IR & RF.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Programming For Multiple Equipment Locations You can operate up to 15 different equipment locations, each with an MRF350 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. First, you must add and name your receivers for the locations they are placed in: Step 1 - Open the RF Setup Window in MX Editor The RF Setup window opens after selecting RF Control from the Program Menu.
MRF-350 BASE STATION Frequently Asked Questions Can I use flasher/emitters that I have already installed in the system to connect to the MRF-350? 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.
MRF-350 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-350 BASE STATION 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-350 BASE STATION 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.
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.
