Harmony Remote Control

[derdude]

Has anybody used any of the Harmony Remote Controls for there FTA system?
If so, how do you like it?

 

[Robbert]

I have two Harmony 680's and have one of them set to control my Fortec FTA box. Works fine, but I did have to learn some commands manually into the remote (such as SAT and SIG).

One quirk I noticed was this summer when my portable AC unit (rollaround type with hose to window, I believe it's a GE) responded to the Harmony's Fortec commands as well (but not if I used the original Fortec remote!!). It got to be a little confusing to have the on/off timer on the GE changed every time I flipped channels on the Fortec....

I recently tried to get my other Harmony to control my Pansat 3500, but either the Harmony database has the wrong codes or I did something wrong.. Will be playing around with it again this weekend.

Hope this helps,
Robbert

 

[sharris]

I have noticed in my travels that alot of the universal remote controls have a code for pansats. Not sure if they work though. I have never seen a code for fortecs on any of the cheap ones. I always go for the learning remotes, then I can program them the way I like.

 

[Robbert]

Well.. The nice thing about the Harmony is that you can "teach" it every single key using the original remote, but it's a bit of a process with the web-interface. I personally would have liked it a lot better if the Harmony setup was a standalone application where you didn't have to wait for every page to load before you can go on.... (and yes, I do have broadband, but the Harmony site seems to be slow lately.. Lots of people buying Harmony's???)

 

[Ilya]

The web-based approach has been chosen by Harmony so you could have the most up-to-date device database, as it is updated daily based on customer input. Plus, the web-based update also loads a program guide into the remote. I agree web-based configuration is not very convenient, but then again, you don't have to use it too often.

The biggest advantages, of Harmony compared to many other brands, IMO are:

1. Activity-based control (vs. device-based control). It so much easier to select an activity like "Watch TV" or "Watch DVD", so that for the first time ever my entire family can control my entire A/V system.

2. SmartState Technology. The remote remembers the state of each component, which is especially helpful for components that do not have discrete codes!

They also have a very good technical support. Don't hesitate to call them with your questions.

 

[rkrenicki]

I have a 628, and its programmed to control my Frankenciever with the Fortec Ultra software loaded on it. It works well, and had all of the commands on their website.

 

[TiminMb]

I could do with a new remote. Our rabbit chewed a bunch of the buttons off. Where did you buy the unit?

 

[Rick in MD]

I don't use mine with it regularly, but I had programmed it and it worked great. (Fortec Lifetime Ultra)