15-1994 vs 15-2104

[zoltans]

Hi,

Can someone please explain how the Radio Shack 15-1994 differs from the 15-2104? I have searched around extensively and have only found very general statements that the 15-1994 is better if you are using JP1.

A few years ago, I helped a friend configure his 15-1994 to control his home theater system. At the time, he bought two 15-1994's and a 15-2104. Now I want to do the same for my system, and we're wondering if I should take the 15-2104 and leave the 15-1994 as his backup, or if there is a good reason for me to use the 15-1994.

Thanks,
Zoltan

[The Robman]

How do you describe how two remotes are different, if you've already seen both remotes you can see the difference. Sure, they have different setup codes pre-installed and the 1994 uses the older version of the S3C8 processor, but none of those differences make any difference to you, so the only differences that matter are the cosmetic ones.

Personally, I would use the 15-1994 and keep the 15-2104 as a backup as I like the 15-1994 and don't much like the 15-2104.

[johnsfine]

I have searched around extensively and have only found very general statements that the 15-1994 is better if you are using JP1.

But you didn't say whether you are using JP1.

I wish I remembered more of the details of the 2104 behavior without JP1. I use 2104's as my remote (I have several 2104's each programmed to controll all the IR devices in the house). But I totally rely on features of the extender and don't even recall what a 2104 can/can't do without an extender.

I know its P button is hard to press (compared to the 1994 or other models). If you want to use the shift feature, the P button of the 1994 is the built-in shift button and works well as such. But on the 2104 if you want to use shift the P key is too difficult, so you'll want to reprogram another key as shift, which is easier with the extender, but possible without.

With the extender, the 2104 is overall as effective a remote as the 1994. I think I remember that without the extender the 2104 is fairly lame compared to the 1994. But I don't recall any details of why. (I don't think it is super lame without the extender the way an RCU810 is).

Anyway, I think you should leave the second 1994 as a backup. Remotes do break (or get lost). Even if the 2104 were just as effective as the 1994, your friend is used to the 1994 and would be bothered by switching. I assume you aren't yet used to using a 1994. If the 2104 without the extender isn't an effective enough remote for your needs, get a JP1 cable and use the extender and the 2104 will handle whatever you need.

[The Robman]

I don't recall the 15-2104 have any major disadvantages over any other JP1 remote from a functionality point of view. The main difference between the 15-2104 and the 15-1994, aside from the cosmetic differences, is that the 15-2104 is a true 6 device remote whereas the 15-1994 is really a 7 device remote (even though they call it a 6-in-1).

[zoltans]

Thanks for the responses. Yes, my friend and I had used JP1 when we were doing this for his system, and I intend to borrow his cable and use JP1 as well. I'm excited about having a backup of the configuration on my PC, and having the ability to edit macros without reentering them from scratch.

You've convinced me -- it sounds like it definitely makes sense for me to try the 2104 with the extender. Looking forward to it!

Regards,
Zoltan