Universal Remote MRF-350 User manual

MRF-350 Installation Manual
Optimizing Narrow Band Reception with
the RFX-250 and MSC System Remotes
COMPLETE
™
Universal Remote Control®
CONTROL
COMPLETE

MRF-350 Installation Manual ©2006 Universal Remote Control, Inc.
The information in this 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,TECHNI-
CAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS/OMISSIONS MADE IN THIS MANUAL.
The information in this manual may be subject to change without prior notice.
Complete Control, Aurora, Genesis and Medius are registered trademarks of Universal Remote
Control, Inc.
All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies or organizations.
500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

TABLE OFCONTENTS
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/Zones - Step by Step via PC 8
Programming For Multiple Equipment Locations 11
Frequently Asked Questions 12
Warranty 12
Specifications 12

Page 1
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 compo-
nents throughout a house. However, the MRF-350 is equipped with the
Narrow Band RF reception, so is only compatible with MSC System remotes.
4. Self-adhesive “Flashers” affix to the
Infrared sensors on the front panels of your
client’s components. The Flashers relay
commands to components out of sight of
the MRF-350’s Front Blaster. The flashers
plug in to the MRF-350’s rear flasher line
outputs via their 10 foot cables. Uniquely, the
MRF-350 can also connect to rear panel IR
Inputs via its adjustable IR Line Outputs.
3.The MRF-350’s built-in Front Blaster sends commands to
components in the same cabinet space as the MRF-350.
1. MSC System remote controls send
radio waves in every direction, so
your client enjoys “No More Pointing”
operation!
2.The RFX-250 RF Sensor can be freely positioned out of way of
the interference the A/V components create, connecting to the
MRF-350 via a 10’ cable (which can be extended).
NOTE: The RFX-250 is ONLY compatible with MSC System remotes: the current
versions of the MX-3000, MX-950, MX-900 and the TX-1000 remote controls.The
RFX-250 is NOT compatible with MX-3000 remote controls manufactured before
April 1, 2005.
You can identify the build date of an MX-3000 by looking at the serial number.The
first 6 digits indicate the build date. If the serial number appears as 122905
014054, the first 6 digits indicate that the remote was built on December 29, 2005.

Page 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.
Variable IR Output Matches Rear Panel IR Inputs
The MRF-350 is equipped with adjustable IR line outputs, each output can be indi-
vidually matched to rear panel IR inputs on any component that is designed to be
operated by a standard IR repeater.The outputs utilize a 3.5mm jack.
Up To Fifteen Equipment Locations With Identical Components
Each MSC System remote is “addressable.” They can be programmed to specifi-
cally control components in a particular room by installing a base station at each
location. In operation it’s simple: when you select a device located in the Den,
the MX series remote only sends commands to the Den. When you select a
device located in the Family Room, the MX-3000 only sends commands to it.
A Single MRF-350 Can Control an Array of Identical Components
or Identical Zones of a Multi Zone Preamp/Matrix Switcher
Each MRF-350 has six “addressable” IR Line Outputs. For example, you can con-
trol up to six identical TV’s with one MRF-350 or route volume commands for a
specific zone to a particular zone IR input on a multi-zone preamp. If you have
more than six identical components or zones, up to 15 additional MRF-350s can
be installed to control them (thus allowing up to 90 identical components or
zones in one house).
IR Input for Keypads or IR Repeater Systems
The MRF-350 rear panel IR input will relay IR Data from IR repeaters or Multi-
Zone Keypads to all IR line outputs (does not support IR routing).The 5V, 100
milliamp output will directly power some brands and models of keypad directly.
Parts Guide
The MRF-350 RF Base Station includes:
1 - RFX-250 RF Sensor with integrated
antenna
1 - Mounting plate for RFX-250
1 - MRF-350 Base Station
1 - Mounting Plate for wall mounting the
MRF-350
8 - Screws for wall mounting the two
mounting plates
1 - 9V-300mA Power Supply
6 - Visible Flashers with 10 foot plug in cables.
6 - Extra self adhesive pads for Emitters
1 - 12’ Connecting Cable
1 - Adjustment Tool (Screwdriver for RF ID
and IR level adjustment)
2 - Depluggable screw connectors for RF
connections when extending wires.

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).
3. Connect the MRF-350 to its DC wall adapter and plug the wall adapter
into a live AC outlet. Place the MRF-350 in a convenient central loca-
tion in the equipment rack. Unlike an MRF-250, the MRF-350 can be
placed next to components with hard drives or high speed micro-
processors. There is no RF circuitry inside the MRF-350 itself.
4. Connect the RFX-250 to the MRF-350’s RF INPUT. You can connect to
either the screw connector or the jack as shown:
Page 3
MRF-350 BASE STATION
Slide off the mounting plate to reveal the RF ID# rotary switch. Check that the arrow
pointer in the center of the wheel is pointed to 0, the default “interence sniffing” posi-
tion. If it is not, use a small flat blade screwdriver (included) to set the RF ID# to 0.
When connecting a single RFX-250 to the MRF-350
utilize the cable with 3.5 mm plugs on both ends.
When you need a longer wire or are connecting up
to three RFX-250s, use a cable with tinned ends.
Cable can be extended as much as 200’, then con-
nected to the removable screw connector plugs. If
you use CAT 5 connect four conductors to GND
(one from each twisted pair) and connect the remain-
ing conductors two at a time to 5V and DATA .

Page 4
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.
6. Observe the STATUS LED of the MRF-350. It is a little more sensitive
than the RFX-250. If you see any flickering of this LED, move the RFX-
250 to a new location.
If your installation location simply doesn’t offer you any choice and
you are detecting interference everywhere you place the RFX-250 you
have three last resort options:
a. Remove the RFX-250’s antenna. This will reduce the range
enormously, but may still be enough for this client.
b. Extend a wire to another room. Try this over the floor first,
before attempting to conceal the wire.
c. Admit defeat and install a “pointing again” IR repeater system.
If no buttons are pressed on any
remote control, no valid RF transmis-
sions are being received.The flickering
or glowing RF LED warns you that the
RFX-250 is detecting RF interference
generated or reflected near this loca-
tion. MOVE the RFX-250 to a new loca-
tion.
The flickering or glowing STATUS 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.

Page 5
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 posi-
tioned 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#. Watch the STATUS LED on MRF-350 - it should light every time
you press a button on the remote. This will tell you that the signal was
received and understood. You can ignore the RF LED on the RFX-250 (it
only indicates that a signal was received, not that it was understood).
8. If the range is inadequate,
you may extend wire to any
area that is not giving good
results and place an addi-
tional RFX-250 in that area.
Up to three RFX-250s can be
connected to one MRF-350.
9. Should you need more than six
IR Outputs, connect as many as
three different MRF-350s to one
RFX-250 in a daisy chain using
the supplied cable.
To preserve addressibility, set
each MRF-350 to a different RF
ID number. Remember “0”
(zero) is not a valid RF ID.

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 intermit-
tently, move the emitter farther away from the components IR sensor.
NOTE: TiVo, Replay TV, Satellite Receivers and Cable Boxes are all extremely
sensitive to IR overload or saturation. 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. If operation is inconsistent or
sluggish, LOWER the IR line output.
If you still have sluggish operation, check that the remote control is set to a
particular LINE OUT, rather than ALL.When IR commands are sent to all the
flashers in a cabinet, you can have difficulty adjusting the IR Output.
Reprogram the remote control to send IR commands only via a specific (1-6)
Line Output, then readjust the IR Line Output level.
Page 6
MRF-350 BASE STATION
Copper colored
conductor is
GROUND
(Sleeve of
the Plug). Silver colored
conductor is IR
DATA (Tip of
the Plug).
When connecting to a components rear panel
IR Input, cut the flasher off of the wire, strip the
two conductors and connect to the rear panel
IR Input.The MRF-350 is only compatible with
standard IR Inputs, not proprietary control sys-
tems offered by some manufacturers.

Page 7
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. This will limit the number of components your
MRF-350 can control to six. If you have more than six components you can
purchase an additional MRF-350.
Disabling the Front Blaster - Step by Step via PC
Note: If you are programming a URC MX “addressable” remote control that sets
up without a PC, refer to the owners manual to disable the Front Blaster.
Open the PC software, then plug the MX PC programmable remote control
into the PC. Open your saved configuration and follow these steps to turn off
the front blaster:
Step 1 - Open the RF Setup Window
The RF Setup window opens after selecting RF
Control from the Program Menu.
Step 2 - Setup the Receiver
Extend the RF Setup window by click-
ing on the RECEIVERS button.
Step 3 - Turn off the Front Blaster
Click on the cell in the IR LED
OUTPUT/IR BLASTER column.A list
box will appear. Select OFF from the
list.
SAVE your changes using File|Save and DOWNLOAD to the remote control.
Next, click on OK to apply
your change.

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 dedicat-
ed Flasher affixed to its front panel or a rear panel direct IR input. The SIG-
NAL of the remote should be set to RF ONLY for each identical compo-
nent. IR can still be utilized for other devices in your system!
3. You must note the NUMBER of the Flasher Output you have utilized for
EACH of the identical components.
4. When you use a wired connection to a component’s rear panel IR input,
you must cut off the LED emitter, strip the two conductors, connect the sil-
ver conductor to the DATA input and the copper colored conductor to the
GROUND connector of the component’s rear panel IR input. Then adjust
the line output of the MRF-350 for the best performance if needed.
Identical Components/Zones - Step by Step via PC
Step 1 - Create a Device for Each Component/Zone in the MX
Editor Software.
In this example, six
identical TVs are uti-
lized in a Media Room
array.The programmer
has created devices for
all of the equipment in
the cabinet on Main
Page 1.
On Main Page 2, he/she
has created a device for
each of the TVs.
Step 2 - Program One Device With IR commands.
Using either the IR Database or Learning, program one of the identical devices
to operate one of TV’s (leave the others powered off right now).Test all com-
mands, correct if necessary, then click on SAVE from the FILE menu.
Page 8
MRF-350 BASE STATION

Page 9
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.
The RF Setup window is composed of a “spread sheet” of options for EACH
of your devices. By looking at the Signal column, you can see that the factory
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, if you are not using it, you may
wish to disable the Front Blaster (see page 7 for directions).
Step 6 - Adjust the Signal For Each of the Identical Devices
The RF Setup window enables you to adjust the Signal output for each device
individually, by clicking on the intersection of a row and a column and then
selecting RF from the three options shown in the pull down list box .

Click on the “cell” for the first
identical TV, by crossing the
device row with the Signals col-
umn.
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.
Step 7 - Adjust the Flashers For Each of the Identical Devices
The RF Setup window enables you to adjust which Flashers output by the
remote control for each device individually, by clicking on the intersection of a
row and a column and then selecting 1-6 from the seven options shown in
the pull down list box.
Click on the “cell” for the first
identical TV, by crossing the
device row with the Flashers
column.
Select the correct Flasher (refer to your connection notes) for
EACH of the identical TVs.You may leave the other components of
the system set to ALL.
Step 8 - Apply, Save, Download and Test
First click on the OK button of the RF Setup window. Next, Save your work.
Finally, download to your remote. When you select TV1 with your remote, com-
mands are only sent to it. Likewise for the rest of your identical TVs!
Page 10
MRF-350 BASE STATION
Signal Column
TV1 Device Row
Flasher Column
TV1 Device Row

Page 11
MRF-350 BASE STATION
Programming For Multiple Equipment Locations
You can operate up to 15 different equipment locations, each with an MRF-
350 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.
Step 2 - Reveal the Receiver settings
Extend the RF Setup window by clicking on the
Receivers button of the RF setup window.
Step 3 - Add, Name and Assign Receiver ID#
Using the controls at the bottom extended portion of the RF Control win-
dow, add new receivers and rename them for the equipment location.
Step 4 - Save and Download to your
remote.
You may rename the
Default receiver to
something more
descriptive by clicking
on the Rename button.
Add new receivers
by clicking on the
Add button.
Delete receivers by
selecting them first
by clicking on their
Name, then clicking
the Delete button.
Assign the correct Receiver
ID# for each LOCATION by
clicking on the desired CELL
and selecting the ID# you
want from the pull down list.
Each LOCATION should have
a unique ID#. It is ok to
install multiple MRF-350’s in
one location.

Page 12
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 posi-
tion.
Some components are easily overloaded with IR from nearby flashers. Prevent IR from
affecting the problem component from other flashers or the front panel blaster by set-
ting the device to a specific IR Line Output instead of ALL, then adjust the Line Output.
I have a row of identical TVs. I’ve correctly set the flasher outputs
using the Editor software, yet when I send a command to one of
them, the TV next to the selected TV also responds. How do I stop
this?
First, check the RF ID#, if the RF ID# is set to 0, IR routing does NOT work.The RF
ID# from 1-9 or A-F must be set on both the remote control and the bottom of the
MRF-350, second, check that the flasher level is set to the minimum necessary, third,
check that the emitter is facing the component, fourth, make sure the RFX-250 is cor-
rectly connected to the MRF-350 RF Inputs (Step 4, Page 3)
USA Limited Warranty Statement
UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL, INC. warrants this product against defects
in material or workmanship for a period of one (1) year and as set forth
below. Universal Remote Control will, at its sole option, repair the product
using new or comparable rebuilt parts, or exchange the product for a compa-
rable new or rebuilt product.
This warranty does apply to the following:
 Units purchased from unauthorized resellers.
 Units purchased second-hand (used).
 Units installed or deployed for rental or commercial use.
 Damage caused by misuse, neglect, or acts of nature.
 Products that have been modified or incorporated into other products.
 Products purchased more than 12 months ago.
Specifications
Power Supply: 9V 300mA
IR Flasher Line Outputs: 3.5mm Mono Mini Jack
RF Frequency: 418MHz
Size: 8” x 3.5” x 1.25”

500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.universalremote.com
COMPLETE
™
Universal Remote Control®
CONTROL
COMPLETE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the lim-
its 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 equip-
ment 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.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful inter-
ference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiv-
er.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Warning
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note : The manufacturer is not responsible for any Radio or TV inter-
ference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment.
Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Information To The User