Logitech Harmony 895 - Contra Opinions

[18pcs]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here.
There are so many contra opinions and reviews about this remote, but the general consensus is that it is a good remote. I have also read that the RF unit programming is a hassle and it has to be programmed separately. Can someone please share with me their honest opinion about this remote as well as the programming part of the RF unit. I am planning to watch TV in the bedroom and be able to control the SKY box in the living room which is adjacent. Hence am looking for the RF part of this remote. All advice will be highly appreciated and thanks.

[TheGuvnor]

If you are only using it to control a Sky box in a different room, then why not just use a magic eye and the Sky remote, instead of buying an 895?


Guv

[18pcs]

Thanks Guv for your reply. I dont have the possibility to run any extra cables, as the sky out connection has already been wired into a concelaed wall outlet. Besides I want a univeral remote which can be used to turn on the Audio system/DVD as well.

[TheGuvnor]

Ah, now it makes sense. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with the 895 so I can't help you!

Guv

[tankstage]

Originally Posted by 18pcs

I have also read that the RF unit programming is a hassle and it has to be programmed separately.

The RF unit needs to be unplugged from the mains and a USB cable connected to your PC, when you change/update the remote programming.
This is a bit of a hassle, unless you can use a WiFi laptop, and be near the RF units location (the software uses the internet to get its settings for the remote).
The latest software will let you change some settings on the remote and not need to update the RF unit (it still asks you to plug it in, but you can ignore that and just carry on).
The remote itself may take a while to get just right, but when it is, its simple and easy to use.


Tank

[18pcs]

For your reply. It doesnt sound too much of a hassle I guess setting up the RF unit. Yes I do have a wireless Laptop so no problem there too.

[dar2005]

Programming the remote & unit is ok, once you get used to the Harmony software.

It's no more a hasstle to program the RF unit than the remote. You simply add your devices to the software and then state how each is controlled - whether by IR or via the RF receiver.

You'll no doubt want to set up activities such as "Lounge TV" or "Bedroom TV" that control the TV in that location via IR and the Sky box via RF. If you add your Sky device twice, you can have it controlled via IR when you're in the lounge, and the 2nd Sky device controlled via RF from the bedroom - I hope that makes sense.

When it's fully set up, it is a great remote.

[18pcs]

Thank you dar2005. I see you also control your lights ? How do you do that, is something needed to add to the lights ?

[dar2005]

I have 3 of the following wall dimmer switches in my lounge - one controls the wall lights, one the lights above the dining table, and the other the lights above the sofas.

http://www.screwfix.co.uk/app/sfd/ca...04294&id=84930

(they're available in a variety of finishes)

They are controlled by line-of-sight IR, and come with instructions for how to teach control of the switch to an existing remote. I followed the instructions, learning the control of each switch onto a different button of an old tv remote I had lying around. I then learnt the three buttons (one for each switch) into the 895 as NewCommands on my Amplifier (which is also controlled by IR - don't learn them onto a device that is controlled via the RF receiver as you need the 895 to be emmitting the IR).

Press the button once, and the light turns on, press it once again, and it turns off. Press and hold, the light brightens to full brightness. Press and hold again, the light dims to low level light.

So now I have each of those additional buttons displayed on the 895's LCD screen as Lights - Sofa, Lights - Dining, Lights - Wall.

Now, controlling plug-in lamps with the 895 is more tricky, but possible. I have managed this, so let me know if you need help with that.

With hindsight, I suppose I should have added the IR wall switches as a seperate 'lighting' device, however as my AMP is part of all my activities, there would have been nothing to gain from that approach.

I hope the above is of some help to you, and please feel free to ask any other questions.

David.

[18pcs]

Hi David, I can see the possibilities are endless and you have really mastered this remote. I have just ordered it and am awaiting delivery. Thanks for the info and in helping me to make up my mind.
Riki

[thr32]

Hi David,

Originally Posted by dar2005

Now, controlling plug-in lamps with the 895 is more tricky, but possible. I have managed this, so let me know if you need help with that.

I'd be really interested to know how you do this with the 895.

Many thanks!

TH

[dar2005]

Controlling a lamp is more tricky because the socket in my case was out of sight behind a cabinet. Unfortunately (to date) I have not found any UK sockets controllable via IR. So to get this to work, I purchased a plain white version of the IR switch I mentioned above and placed it in a white plastic backbox. The cable from my lamp to the wall socket, goes through this new switch box. The IR gets to the front of this switch box via a wand from the RF receiver. I learned the command to control this switch onto my old tv remote, and then onto the 895. I then added it as a light controller device, controlled via the RF receiver. I then added this device to all my activities with no power settings, and added a soft button onto the LCD screen labelled "Lights - Lamp".

Hope that helps.

[18pcs]

I have been trying since five days now to set up the remote and have been really frustated with the experience. I am trying to give it back if not then dont know what I will do probably sell it on ebay. It is a very very difficult remote to set up.

[dar2005]

18pcs,

Sorry to hear you're having problems setting up the Harmony. Is there anything specific you're finding difficult? Share it here, and people may be able to point you in the right direction.

David.

[Doctor_AB]

Hope that it all works out but if you decide to sell let me know as I am looking for one (obviously this would be done officially via a for sale thread). Do hope that you can get to grips with it howeve.