Universal Remote Control

The MX-700 Dual Remote system is the most powerful remote system yet from Universal Remote Control. The MX-500 is a good remote for medium level systems, but does not offer the power of the MX-700. The MX-700 can control up to 20 devices. Each device can have up to 4 LCD pages of custom buttons plus all of the hard buttons programmed. The MX-700 offers 912 Macros each with 190 steps. By using shortcuts in the MX Editor software every button can have a 190 step macro, except PAGE, MAIN, and FAV. The MX Editor software allows dealers to store custom device files and quickly program new remotes in a matter of minutes.

PC Computer

Pentium II equivalent or better

Windows 98 or better

64 MB RAM or more

Serial port (or Serial to USB adapter if you computer only has USB)

CD-ROM drive

Internet connection (optional, but useful for Live Update downloads)

Can I use MX-Editor on my Mac?

Yes. PC emulator software, such as Virtual PC will allow you to use MX-Editor.

How can I get updated firmware and new codes for my MX-700?

In the MX-Editor software, please follow these steps:

Click "HELP"
Click "LIVE UPDATE"
Click "UPDATE NOW"

You can also click on the SAT icon located on the far right of the Toolbar. If an update is available it will proceed to download. The blue progress bar will indicate that you are receiving the "Live Update" information. After, you can check the updated version number by Clicking on the "Help" tab and then clicking on "About", which will show you the version number of your software. Make sure to use the "Live Update" feature often and we are always updating the MX Editor software. The "Live Update" feature will allow you to update the software itself, the remote control firmware and the preprogrammed IR code database. Check the "Live Update" feature of MX Editor Programming Software each time you use MX Editor as we update frequently.
If an update is available, If there is no update, the screen will say "No updates available at this time". If you do get an update, you must close MX-Editor and restart it for the update to take effect.

Typically, there are a few reasons for this problem. The number one problem we have found is the use of Active Sync or Hot Sync software that is holding on to the active com ports and preventing your PC from communicating with the MX-700. Some digital camera software or software for wireless docking stations, keyboards, or mice can also prevent communication with your MX-700. You may have to disable or even remove the software that is blocking communication with your MX-700.
Alternately, the MX-Editor and computer port may not be set to communicate properly, or you may have a bad cable connection.

Here is the best way to check to see if your settings are correct:

In MX-Editor click "COMMUNICATIONS"
Click "SETTINGS"
Write down the COM PORT NUMBER
Go to your Windows Device Manager (Usually found under "Control Panel", "System", then the "Hardware" tab)
Click the "+" next to "PORTS"
Find the port that has "(COM ...)" at the end of it and make sure it matches the COM Port number you wrote down in step 3
If the number matches, right click on that port and select "PROPERTIES"
Select the "PORT SETTINGS" tab
The settings should read as follows:

Reopen the MX-Editor software and test it by attempting to do a download to the remote (Full Download)

How far do the infrared (IR) commands go?

Using new batteries the MX-700 can transmit IR signals up to 60 feet (20 meters). Your dealer can also offer you an IR repeater system that can allow you greater distance for your specific system.

I couldn't find a preprogrammed code that worked... Now what?

You can use the factory supplied remote control for your device and learn the IR codes into a file that you create in the MX Editor software. If you want to learn the entire factory remote quickly you can use the "Continue to next button" feature in the Edit and Label buttons dialog box. You just enable the "Continue to next button" feature by clicking on the third icon from the left located in on the Toolbar in the Edit and Label Buttons box. You can also search the "Files" section under "MX-700" of remotecentral.com to see if anyone posted IR codes for your device.

The MX-700 can learn from almost any IR based remote control. The MX-800 cannot learn from any RF only remotes or from some two-way interactive IR based remote systems. You can look in the "Features" section of remotecentral.com to see an article about special remote systems that use very high frequency or proprietary operation. If you are in doubt please contact us.

Are there any buttons that will not learn?

On the MX-700 remote control every button except PAGE, MAIN and FAV can learn an IR code or Macro. The PAGE button is used to scroll through pages on the LCD screen. The MAIN button is used to return to the Main page on the LCD screen. The FAV button is used to enter the Favorites memory section of the MX-700 and to display up to five pages of Favorite commands.

If I make a mistake in programming or learning to a button, is it hard to correct?

No, you can use your saved file and easily learn a code again or delete any button that is incorrect and create a new one. You saved .mxf file will allow you to try several different button configurations and always have your master file available as back up.

You can open a new 20-device configuration in the MX Editor software. First click the icon for "New Configuration" or click on "File" the select "New" Now choose 20 devices and apply that choice. Now select "Download" using the icon on the Toolbar or by clicking on "Communications" and selecting "Download". Now choose "Partial Download" in the Download dialog box. After you complete the Partial Download your MX-800 will be reset for the 20-device factory default mode.

Does the MX-800 library include "discrete" device codes?

Yes, when available from the manufacturer we add discrete IR codes to the device IR code list. We usually place those available discrete IR codes on the LCD screen buttons, many times on page 3 or page 4. Note that some devices never have discrete IR codes available or may have some functions that are toggle only even though some other commands are discrete. You may want to search the "Files" section of remotecentral.com or look in the "Discrete Hunter" forum on remotecentral.com for more codes. You can also use other remote control systems to learn specific discrete IR codes into your MX Editor software for use in programming your MX-700.

What are macros?

Macros are a string of commands that you create to perform complex actions with the touch of a single. You may need to have twenty IR commands sent to power on all of the devices in your system, just by pressing one button. You would create a series of macros to make it muck easier to operate your system. A common example of a macro is one that is based around an activity, like "Watch a DVD movie" You can easily develop macros that will allow you to have one touch control over specific devices as well. The memory power of your MX-800 allows each button to include a 190 step macro. You can read the section about macros in the MX Editor Programming Manual or watch the movie about macros in the MX Editor Tutorial. We feature a section in the MX Editor Programming manual that addresses the subject of long macros and offers some suggestions.

Some of the question 14 answers this. Macros are very useful in allowing you to use one button to control complex actions in you home. You could have macros that are based around specific activity or a specific device. Macros allow you to save time and avoid confusion when operating your system with your MX-800.

How can I program Macros and Favorites?

You can program Macros and Favorites by using the Macro and Favorite Dialog Box in the MX Editor software. You can read the section about Macros in the MX Editor Programming Manual and you can watch the movie in the MX Editor Tutorial to see examples of a macro.

Can I set up the remote so that my receiver input changes when I press my device button?

No, our engineers designed your MX-700 so that you will get from 3 . to 5 months of battery life with one set of AAA batteries. The LCD screen remains on at all times and does not draw very much power.

Do I have to reprogram the remote when the batteries die?

No, your MX-700 has a non-volatile Flash memory that will last up to 10 years even with dead batteries. You will also have your saved .mxf file for you remote, available to use if the memory in your remote is damaged and needs factory repair.

Can I have capital and small letters in my labels? Can I use any symbols?

No the text display is limited to upper case only with a limit of five characters per button. You can use the PC keyboard to obtain some special character symbols.
[ = PLAY
] = REVERSE PLAY
= UP ARROW
' = DOWN ARROW
@ = FF ARROW
* = REW ARROW
% = PAUSE
; = STOP (Square block)
! = !
# = #
$ = $
^ = ^
& = &

Yes, you can use preprogrammed IR database codes along with learned IR codes from any number of factory remote controls. You can also use other remote control systems to learn IR codes into your MX Editor Programming Software.

Does the MX-700 have backlighting?

You can activate your backlight by pressing the "Light" button located on the side of your MX-800. Your battery life is affected by Back Light On time you select. The factory default setting for the backlight is 10 seconds. You can select a custom time from 1 to 99 seconds. The longer the Back Light On time the shorter the battery life. Most people choose 10 or 12 seconds. You can experiment with the backlight time. The time selected is the length of time that the backlight stays on AFTER the last button press on your remote.

Can I manually enter HEX values into the MX-editor?

No, you cannot directly enter any HEX IR codes into the MX Editor software. You can use another remote system to send IR codes into the MX-800 and learn those codes with your MX Editor software.

Yes. The latest version of the MX Editor is capable of reading .CCF files so you can import learned functions.