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MRX-10 InstallationMRX-10 Installation

Introduction

When it comes to Total Control, no system is complete without an MRX-10. Acting as the system’s “brain,” the

MRX-10 does all of the heavy lifting when it comes to control.

Communication is the MRX-10’s strong point, both for incoming and outgoing commands. For incoming

commands, the on-board RF transceiver accepts communication from the TRC-780 and returns status and

metadata for true two-way feedback. All of the other remotes, keypads and touch panels in the Total Control

line take this communication to the next level by using IP over the local area network (LAN).

For outgoing commands to connected devices the MRX-10 is equipped for anything. Whether IR, RS-232,

relays, triggers or sensors, the MRX-10 can control virtually any device. In addition, for IP controlled devices

(thermostats, compatible AV gear, energy management, home security, and others) the MRX-10 issues

commands over the local network for control.

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In the Total Control system, there is no more programming individual remotes. The MRX-10, as the brain of

the system, is the device that requires all of the programming. All control interfaces (remotes, keypads and

touch panels) are then “programmed” by the MRX-10 resulting in faster, more efficient programming.

Although the MRX-10 works perfectly well in a single-room installation, the real power of the Total Control

System comes when it is expanded to multiple rooms and controlling the “subsystems” in the home or

commercial space. Capable of extending its communication to other MRX-10s or MRX-1s (acting as “sub”

units), each “tethered” controller becomes part of the system and can receive/transmit commands through

the MRX-10.

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Front and Rear Panel Descriptions

Front Panel

The front panel consists of 2 indicator lights illuminate when in use.

Power: Illuminates when the power supply is connected to an outlet.

Ethernet: Illuminates when connected to a Network Router. On=Connected, Off=Not Connected, Blinking =

attempting to connect.

Reset: Press for one second and release button located under the MRX-10 to restart the unit. Pressing and

holding the reset button for 15 seconds will set the unit to factory default.

Rear Panel

The rear panel ports are:

Power: Provides connection to included 12V/1Amp Power Supply.

LAN: Provides connection to LAN (Local Area network) via RJ45 cable. This essential connection is responsible

for:

Programming: Not only does the MRX-10 receive its programming over the network, it also issues

programming to connected remotes, keypads and touch panels through this port.

Communication: During normal operation, remote controls (except the TRC-780), keypads and touchpanels

send commands to the MRX-10 through the LAN port. These commands are then relayed to a control port

(IR, RS-232,relay or trigger) on the local MRX-10, or to one of the “sub” controllers.

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Off-Site Programming: A constant internet connection is important if, at any future time, programming

changes are needed. Without this connection, a truck roll will be necessary to make these changes.

URC USB Port: USB port for future expansion.

IR Outputs: These fully adjustable routed outputs will only send IR commands to the specific device that each

emitter is attached to. This allows selective control of multiple same-brand, same-model components (multiple

DVD players, SAT receivers, etc.). It assures accurate control in that a given component’s commands are routed

only to its dedicated IR output and emitter, preventing IR splash from multiple emitters flashing at the same

time.

Relay NO, NC, COM: Provides configurable switch closure control.

Sensors: Provides connection to up to four URC Voltage Sensors (VS-1006) or URC Video Sensors (VID-6)

for status readings in sensor-based macros.

12V Output: Two programmable 12V/0.2A outputs. Each may be programmed to turn on, off or momentarily

toggle its output.

RS-232 Ports: Four 3.5mm RS232 ports provide direct control. Optional RS-232 adapters are required to use

these ports.

Trigger In: IR and RF trigger input ports allow integration with other control systems and remotes.

RFTX-1: Dedicated port for connection of optional RFTX-1 Transmitter for control of URC Lighting in a 75’-100’

range.

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Physical Installation of the MRX-10 and Accessories

The MRX-10 Advanced System Controller can be installed anywhere in the home where a Cat-5 network wire

can be installed. It can then be programmed to operate all local equipment using IR, RS-232 or Relays. It can

either be placed on top of the equipment or rack mounted (using the optional rack-mount adapter.) It must

receive power using the included power supply. All IR emitters, RS-232 cables and sensors are plugged into

their respective ports on the back. Wires are connected to the detachable connectors for use of the relays.

Network Installation

1. Connect an Ethernet cable (RJ45) to the rear of the MRX-10 and into the network router or switch.

2. Connect your laptop into the same network router as the MRX-10.

3. Plug flashers into any of the eight flasher ports on the rear of the MRX-10.

Locating the MAC Address

The network MAC Address is a unique number that identifies a device on a network. By listing the MAC

address during programming, URC network devices can use DHCP and do not require Static IP Addresses.

The MAC address of the MRX-10 can be discovered over the network through programming. The unit’s

MAC address can be found on a label on the side of the unit (left side when facing rear).

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Optimizing IR Flasher Levels

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. If operation is inconsistent

or sluggish, lower the IR line output and/or reposition the flasher.

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 (1-8) Line Output, then

readjust the IR Line Output level.

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 with the included adjustment tool 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 component’s IR sensor.

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RS-232 Connection

The MRX-10 can operate equipment via RS-232 communication. This allows discrete serial commands

to be triggered from a Total Control remote and sent from the MRX-10 over the network connection.

The signal is then sent to the device over proprietary URC RS-232 cables. These use either male or

female DB-9 connections with standard pin-outs. Programming is done in the Accelerator software.

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Connecting a POWER sensor to a

third party device.

Connecting a VIDEO sensor to a

third party device.

Hint: If using a video sensor on a

component output, connect the sensor to

the GREEN (Y) output.

Using Power/Video Sensors with the MRX-10

The MRX-10 can use either a Video (composite) or Voltage signal to determine the power status of the

equipment it controls. This can then be used to alter the function of a Macro by using IF/ELSE

statements in the programming software. Using a VID-1 Video Sensor cable, the MRX-10 can detect a

video signal from a Composite or Component video output. The VS-100 Voltage Sensor will detect a

Voltage of 3-25V either AC or DC.

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Wiring to the Relay on the MRX-10

The MRX-10 has a Relay with three contacts, NO, NC, and Com. These can be used as dry contacts or to

send a current to an electrical switch or motor for use with screens, blinds, curtains, etc. The Relay can

be used as either a latching contact or a momentary contact depending on the programming. The

command to actuate the Relay is programmed using the Accelerator software and is sent from the

MRX-10 when triggered by any Total Control system remote.

Application Diagram

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RFTX-1

This device connects to the rear of the MRX-10 and provides direct

control of URC Lighting products from the MRX-10. This is not necessary

if there is an RFTX-1 connected to a MRX-1, and it is within range of the

local room.

VID-6

This video sensor cable is designed to connect to a sensor port on the

MRX-10 (or MRX-1). Using URC Accelerator programming software, a

Macro can be programmed to react to the status of this sensor.

VS-1006

This voltage sensor cable is designed to connect to a sensor port on the

MRX-10 (or MRX-1). Using URC Accelerator programming software, a

Macro can be programmed to react to the status of this sensor.

RS232M/RS232F

Available with either male or female RS-232 connectors, this cable

converts the RS-232 to a 3.5mm plug that can be connected to the

MRX-10 (or MRX-1) for communication.