Maximum Remote Control Extender - how does it work?

Zaphod

Just saw a review of this on dr dish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khfDbN4ZwYQ

So it looks like the little IR->RF unit sits in the battery bay of the remote, detects the IR signal, converts it to RF and send it to the RF->IR unit near the receiver. But how does the little thingy detect the IR signal to begin with?


Theres a pdf on the homepage, but that doesn't explain how it works either.
http://www.kjaerulff1.com/catid.60/pid.544/75.aspx

DurtyMurty

A bit of explanation here


http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/wireless-rf-remote-control-extender/review

It must pick up on some rf radiated- perhaps fron tracks on the circuit board - within you original IR control

Chet T16

I bought the "One For All" version of that in argos without knowing what exactly it was. Its brilliant!

The only problem is it can obviously only extend 1 remote control which may or may not be a problem, for me it meant getting a universal remote aswell

Zaphod

Thanks to both for the info. This was the best alternative I had come across until the Maximum - a One-for-all universal with RF link.
http://www.amazon.com/One-All-Learning-Upgradeable-Universal/dp/B000069K8O

Some of the older high end analogue receivers used to come with UHF remotes. And a digital Pansat I imported from the US also has an optional UHF remote add on, but it wouldn't be the most reliable of receivers.

I was thinking it would be very useful to use the Maximum in conjunction with a FM transmitter fitted to the receiver - you could have satellite radio channels sent to any FM radio in the house, and still be able to change stations as you please.

Can anyone recommend a good, long-range FM audio transmitter?

Tony

Looks like the video has been pulled

brightspark

Durty Murty wrote:
It must pick up on some rf radiated- perhaps fron tracks on the circuit board - within you original IR control

I use that radiated rf as a check after I clean the button contacts on remotes (you'd be amazed at how much sticky stuff ends up in them).

I hold the remote near a radio switched on the mw band but not tuned into any station, and listen for the clicks to let me know each button is working. I know it dosen't mean the IR is working, but at least I can quickly check each button functions.