Harmony Remote

I recently replaced a Harmony 880 remote with a Harmony 900 for the RF capabilities. It has enormously improved the WAF of the entire setup since it's very reliable.

Setup on Mac OS X

I use a Mac OS X machine and the Harmony 900 didn't work when I plugged it into the USB port. It turns out that it uses the USB as a network adapter. To set up the remote and let the software recognize it, you must follow some instructions from a Harmony troubleshooting website which applies to the Harmony 900/1100 series.

Basically you need to set the local side of the USB Ethernet to 192.168.142.1 with a netmask of 255.255.255.0 and you should be able to talk to it with the Harmony Remote configuration software. You can confirm that the remote is connected by pinging 192.168.142.3

Note: Ignore the advice about setting the "Router" address. This will only cut off your Internet connection whenever the Harmony remote is connected!

You can find the drivers for Mac OS X at Logitech's driver page.

Integration with Xantech IR system

I bought a Xantech starter kit from eBay a year ago in an effort to improve the Harmony 880's operation. Unfortunately, it didn't help. However, you can easily connect the Harmony 900's RF to IR conversion block to a Xantech system:

I used the Xantech 789-44 Connecting Block as the part that does the actual IR blasting.

1. Cut off the end of one of the IR mini-blasters that came with the Harmony 900
2. Strip the end with 1/8" mono connector
3. Take the white wire and put it in the "IR IN" screw terminal of the Xantech
4. Take the copper jacket of the wire and put it in the "GND" screw terminal of the Xantech
5. Plug the 1/8" mono connector into the IR blaster port of the Logitech

Making the IR emitters stick

I recommend using a hot glue gun with low temperature glue to stick all the emitters to everyone. The double-sided tape that comes on most emitters just doesn't stick that long.

If you need to remove the emitters later, simply using a pocket knife and apply a little twisting pressure under the edge of the emitter. It should pop off without leaving a scratch or residue.