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Post by leonski on Apr 18, 2024 12:14:53 GMT -5
The X1S and presumably the X1 have a function where you can put numbers on the main 'screen', I put screen in quotes, since it it tiny. What this would SEEM to mean is that channel 244 would be fairly easy while 360 would require some scrolling to make happen... Ease also would depend on that 'scroll wheel'.....touchy or rough starts to make choices more difficult..... Three years ago, I bought the original U1. That remote had "hard" number buttons on the remote. Not sure why they'd remove them, but in today's world of streaming live TV and scrolling through a channel guide, I can understand. Ultimately, I ended up returning the U1. Not because it didn't work well enough, but because building "activities" was pretty much a non existent feature at that time. You had to build macros on your own for every activity that you wanted to create. Having been a long time Harmony owner, that was a non-starter for me. I'm glad to see that they have addressed that shortcoming and building an "activity" should now be pretty painless. As I recall, the operation of the "scroll ball" on the U1 was fairly smooth under your thumb. So if that's how you now need to select the numbers, I don't think that would be too much of a problem as long as you're quick enough to satisfy the needs of your TV or cable box before it "times out". Personally, I will likely give the X1S a try. Having 30 days to return it (when purchased through Amazon), I don't have much to lose except the time invested...  /Specifically WHY I have not sent off for the U1. No 'macros'......The X1S with improved software is now worthy...... Please keep me posted on your experiment with the X1S. And yes, the button time out issue DID occur to me...... |
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Post by leonski on May 2, 2024 17:48:44 GMT -5
Just finished CLEANING my Logitech 650 Harmony Remote......
This is by far the most complicated of the few I've done with 3 or 4 removable 'rubber' switch pads, and an entire circuit board devoted to holding
'metal bubble' type switches.
I did not take it down as far as the youtube helps, but was content to simply clean switch serpentines and the associated rubber bumpers......
A few 'replacement'parts are available from adventurous types who make direct, drop-in parts. I didnt' even bother to find out how much $$ was the ask.
But IF I get another 6 months to a year out of this fix? I'll call it 'good' and THAN replace with X1S Sofabaton OR that 'other' one with the confusing name.....
which is also about 400$ these days.
It occurs to me to ask what the button system is in the Sofabaton? If it is the same rubber button / serpentine setup? That places a hard-limit on lifetime
of the device. Every remote I've taken apart has issues with that system....It is cheap and Guarantees the need to replace in a finite time.......
MORE Planned Obsolescence, which OFFENDS ME. Imagine if the Great Pyramid had been designed to fall apart in 1000 years?
I even fully replaced ALL switches on my ceiling fan remote. Only 6 of 'em but I made a nice piece of Industrial Art and practiced soldering SMALL wires......
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Post by leonski on May 2, 2024 18:19:25 GMT -5
Just finished assembly (6 tiny screws), and test. It even LOOKS good.....
All seems back to normal. Now? For how long?
I used 91% Iso to clean...and several Q-Tips. And to wipe the case? One of those disposible wipes which
are wet without being drippy......
I'm NOT going to say a word and see if SHMBO notices........
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Post by leonski on May 4, 2024 0:27:28 GMT -5
Well, not really fixed, but improved. Fabrication in layers is off-putting and I refuse to invest in any 'parts' for a system which has been abandoned by
the manufacturer.....Several 'kits' available or not......while a NIB (new in box) remote just like mine.....the #650, is nearly 300$......Ridiculous since I have no idea if the
Logitech site is even active for programming any more.....And I KNOW it can't be that long before it goes dark...
USED will have same problems as mine. What a treat.
In particular? the 'OFF' button takes several presses to get it to work......Numbers for direct channel entry are a little 'iffy'......Guide / Menu / Exit and 'return' seem OK if a little touchy.
Now I need to ask Sofabaton a question.
IF they use the same button technology?.....My ceiling fan remote and Direct TV remotes use this too, than screw it. Designed to fail in only a few thousand cycles.
My rebuild of the ceilig fan remote uses momentary contact switches with maybe 100,000 cycles MTBF.....so THAT will never be an isssue in 2 lifetimes......
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Post by 405x5 on May 4, 2024 12:14:02 GMT -5
Well, not really fixed, but improved. Fabrication in layers is off-putting and I refuse to invest in any 'parts' for a system which has been abandoned by the manufacturer.....Several 'kits' available or not......while a NIB (new in box) remote just like mine.....the #650, is nearly 300$......Ridiculous since I have no idea if the Logitech site is even active for programming any more.....And I KNOW it can't be that long before it goes dark... USED will have same problems as mine. What a treat. In particular? the 'OFF' button takes several presses to get it to work......Numbers for direct channel entry are a little 'iffy'......Guide / Menu / Exit and 'return' seem OK if a little touchy. Now I need to ask Sofabaton a question. IF they use the same button technology?.....My ceiling fan remote and Direct TV remotes use this too, than screw it. Designed to fail in only a few thousand cycles. My rebuild of the ceilig fan remote uses momentary contact switches with maybe 100,000 cycles MTBF.....so THAT will never be an isssue in 2 lifetimes...... Remote controls are the greatest convenience……… So long as they work the way they’re supposed to……… The keypad for my GENIE garage door openers BECAME TEMPERAMENTAL AND I TOOK IT APART AND CLEANED IT…… (LESSON LEARNED ABOUT USING THE WRONG CLEANER). I USED ONE OF MY CRC CONTACT CLEANERS, (WHICH IS AN AEROSOL) AND THOUGHT I HAD THE THING LICKED. A FEW MONTHS LATER, IT STARTED TO MALFUNCTION….GETTING WORSE UNTIL WE ALL GAVE UP ON IT. I Gave it one more try and reasoned out in this case, a degreasing soap was the answer and I just used Dawn liquid dish detergent. The pad with the contacts just lifts out and this is where the problem was. I washed it thoroughly and then used my Electronics compressed air to remove any residual water. Every button now functioning perfectly. |
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Post by leonski on May 4, 2024 12:33:18 GMT -5
I've done rebuilds on my fan remote several times, until the 'rubber' switch material wore out. That's when I remanufactured the part with real switches.
My DTV remote responded well to the simple fix of disassembly / clean
The Logitech is more complex and I won't put 5 Pesos into it, given the poor attitude of the manufacturer.......
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Post by leonski on May 16, 2024 22:06:20 GMT -5
Sofabaton has 2 'levels' of remote.
The U1 has been UPGRADED to the U2 model and is still <90$.
Improved IR performnce means greater range. It also has real numbers so
you can direct enter a channel number. .....
Slightly improved ergonomics
It also has MACRO so you can chain commands. Better button 'tactile' feedback
and easier battery access (It uses AA)
This is pretty much the equal of my Logitech Harmony.
The X1 has been upgraded to the X1S and has improved firmware with overall better
functionality......Decent backlit buttons WAKE UP when you lift the remote.
NO number buttons but they are available on the large OLED screen.....but this is extra
button pushes.
improved function....Still about 190$.
BTW? Why do you NEED backlit buttons? I have my remote memorized and can run it properly in complete darkness.
A solution in search of a problem......
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Post by leonski on Jun 6, 2024 1:48:26 GMT -5
U2 is on sale for 59$. I don't know for how long, but I guess NOW is the time if you think the U2 is capable enough for your system.....
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Post by 405x5 on Jun 7, 2024 12:51:24 GMT -5
I should think about this, but my remote control is only 23 years old…… So why?   |
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Post by leonski on Jun 7, 2024 17:30:28 GMT -5
Well, #405? Problem is that Logitech is dumping (already has) the market. A NEW IN BOX (NIB) Harmony from the 600 series (workable, but more 'basic')
are in the mid-200$ range and USED what I paid for new, years past. And the used will probably come with the SAME problems I have now.
Of course? Logitech remote site will eventually go 'DARK'. Fallback is direct remote-to-remote learning......cumbersome at best.
Into the vacuum, comes Sofabaton and another of a can't rememeber name! But the 2nd was a LOT of $$, being over 400$.
HARMONY software for Mac is 32bit , so OK on 10.15 but not past! I think a phone / IOS workaround is available, but the writing is CLEARLY
on the wall....The countdown timer is running
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Post by leonski on Jun 7, 2024 17:49:19 GMT -5
It took me a few minutes to FIND it, but here we go. YIO......morphed into Unfolded Circle. www.avsforum.com/threads/unfolded-circle-remote-2.3290501/Cost runs nearly 500$.....which I presume includes shipping? Charging for shipping on a 500$ item, with a weight of 400 grams and the size smaller than a carton of Cigarettes is RUDE. |
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ttocs
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Post by ttocs on Jun 11, 2024 13:47:16 GMT -5
My Harmony Ultimate from 2013 is still working great. but this remote is also on my radar... does anyone know if it's out of Kickstarter yet? www.unfoldedcircle.com/I’m in the same boat as ttocs and I’ve not yet received an e-mail invitation to buy as of yet. Well, still no "invitation to purchase", but got an invitation to wait to purchase at a discount! June 21 is the date when Remote 3 will be ready for purchase on Kickstarter. www.unfoldedcircle.com |
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Post by LuisV on Jun 11, 2024 13:50:28 GMT -5
I’m in the same boat as ttocs and I’ve not yet received an e-mail invitation to buy as of yet. Well, still no "invitation to purchase", but got an invitation to wait to purchase at a discount! June 21 is the date when Remote 3 will be ready for purchase on Kickstarter. www.unfoldedcircle.comView AttachmentI got the same invite... |
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Jun 11, 2024 14:15:15 GMT -5
Just read my e-mail invite as well.
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Post by leonski on Jun 11, 2024 17:16:14 GMT -5
Remote 3 looks like it's in the 300$ US range. Better than original, I guess.
But lacks a NUMBER PAD for direct entry of a channel number.
For those with multi-layer systems and greater complexity? Good.
I don't need anything more 'functional' than the Logitech 600 series......
Still looks like 60$ worth of Sofabaton may be what I need.....without going overboard.
I don't even mind replaceable batteries, if that's what it takes to get the price point......
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ttocs
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I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with. (Elwood P Dowd)
Posts: 8,145
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Post by ttocs on Jun 21, 2024 9:14:21 GMT -5
Well, it's June 21, but still cannot yet preorder Remote 3 as of this hour.
edit: oops. I didn't read everything and now see that it's scheduled for "12pm Eastern".
edit2: Pledged.
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Post by LuisV on Jun 21, 2024 11:30:30 GMT -5
The Kickstarter project is open... those that were on the list, should have been notified. Looks like shipping will be in the December 2024 timeframe:
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Post by LuisV on Jun 21, 2024 13:50:07 GMT -5
By the way... they met their goal within 8mins.  |
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Post by leonski on Jun 21, 2024 17:06:06 GMT -5
As capable as the 'Remote 3' doubtless IS, I find a price of 500$ US to be offputting.....
It MAY be the way to go for systems on the MOST Complex side of the fence.
For me? I've got 5 IR devices in the LR. I hardly need all the home automation and other
features. If I had 'the max' and added home automation and MORE? This kind of remote
may come into play.
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Jun 23, 2024 16:27:39 GMT -5
By the way... they met their goal within 8mins. Did you back the project yet?....if so which option?...base and remote? |
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