A3-01   What are the current firmware versions?

As of November 11th, 2004, the current downloadable versions are:

Pronto NG Application: v3.1.15     Database: v2.53 Boot: v2.35b	ProntoPro NG Application: v3.3.4 Database: v3.51U Boot: v3.07
Marantz RC5400 Application: v3.3.1.6	Marantz RC9500 Application: v3.2.17     Boot: v3.73

Note that many remotes ship with firmware newer than can be downloaded online. Always check the Application version before performing an upgrade.

No, you cannot. Although technically it would be possible to modify the firmware upgrade program to apply incorrect versions to different remotes, there is no actual reason to do this. The only significant change would be with the built-in code database, which would be changed to cover brands more specific to the intended region of the firmware.

But – and this is why most users ask this question – you cannot change the RF frequency of the remote simply by changing the firmware. The RF frequency is set by the hardware, not the firmware.

Using the latest firmware and software, everything except for the Page Up/Down and Backlight buttons can be customized.

The Pronto NG includes a built-in light sensor that can activate the backlight whenever light levels drop below a certain level. On the “Settings” screen, the bars shown on the scale indicate the current reading. The diamond shaped marker indicates what the current setting is. As long as the light level is below – or to the left of – the diamond, the backlighting will not automatically activate. To force the backlight to never come on automatically, move the marker to the far left. To have the backlight activate no matter the ambient light level, move the marker to the far right.

This is not currently possible. A device may be configured to infrared OR radio frequency transmission to the RF extender, which will then rebroadcast the commands as infrared.

If you need to use both, try creating three new devices. In the first device have just that component’s commands, configured to broadcast IR. The second device should duplicate the first, however configure it to instead broadcast RF. In the third create your user interface and link each button to the same command under both the first AND second device. This would essentially create a macro that sends the commands twice: once as IR and once as RF. But note that your device may sense this as TWO commands and buttons will no longer repeat (such as for volume up)– so test before implementing this!

The quick answer is no... but possibly.

Out of the box and with no further work, the Pronto NG cannot control RF-only equipment. Don’t be confused by remotes advertising RF control of IR devices – this is not the same as RF control of RF devices. Certain devices that default to RF control, such as satellite receivers, can also be operated by infrared, so you may wish to contact your manufacturer to double check.

However, there is an exception. European Pronto NG remotes operate their RF extender at 433.92MHz, the same frequency as most European RF-only components. If you can find the correct commands, the Pronto NG should be able to control most of these directly. Some codes can be created with a program called CodeGen, while there may be ways to learn others (see http://www.mbx-usa.com/learn.htm).

The North American Pronto operates at 418MHz. Unfortunately, there are few 418MHz devices out there – most North American RF-based equipment does not operate at that frequency. This means that US-spec Pronto NG remotes cannot be used to directly control RF only equipment.

If your screen rejects any attempt at calibration, you must ensure that you are using a fine-pointed instrument, such as a PDA stylus or the tip of a pen. A finger is much too large and the Pronto NG will reject it. Try to be as exact as possible when picking out the points on-screen.

If calibration continues to be rejected, try aiming slightly off the displayed calibration point to see if that works.

Some functions are not saved when the remote reboots. This includes the clock and contrast level. The clock is now configured from your computer’s clock whenever a PCF file is downloaded, however the contrast setting will still return to the default level whenever a file is downloaded, batteries are changed, or the remote reboots.

Ensure that you are using the latest firmware version for your remote control. Since its release, all Pronto NG models have had significant improvements made to overall power consumption, sometimes resulting in weeks of extra runtimes.

Still, the Pronto NG has so far proven to be less frugal with its power consumption than the original Pronto, while the batteries have shrunk down to AAA size. For TSU3000 owners, we strongly recommend that you purchase the docking station, or at least use rechargeable batteries.