Remote extenders - particulary the XRAY UFO one

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pjays

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#136634 3-Dec-2013 23:16

Hi

Been looking into how I can remotely change channels from a different room.

Whittled it down to 3 options (I am sure that there are plenty of others... but)

1/ The XRAY UFO type unit where you use a transmitter in the battery of the remote. A number of retailers seem to sell them,

2/ A wireless remote extender, where I would need a unit in each room. http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/wireless-remote-control-ir-rf-super-extender.html
Advantage seems to be a greater range, and no need to charge up the transmitter/batteries as per option 1.

3/ Run some CAT cable and use a wired version of #2 (I think Jaycar sell them). I am sure that is the most reliable.. but if #1 or #2 work fine then I would happily go with those.

Anyone have any thoughts/experiences around these?

-thanks

Dingbatt

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#945150 4-Dec-2013 09:56

I started off with a wireless solution. But I quickly discovered that my Myskyhdi didn't always operate reliably. I believe that is due to the type of ir code that it uses. The other thing was, all of the wireless senders seem to work on the same frequency (408MHz? ) and when my neighbour got a wireless sender chaos ensued, with us changing channels on each other.
So I went to the wired jaycar solution you alluded to. There was extra effort involved in running cables, but the system operates much more reliably now, and without interference.
It may be old fashioned but I prefer to use wired solutions where they can be instituted relatively simply. Having said that I am currently investigating a Sonos system for housewide audio :-/

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

trig42

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#945181 4-Dec-2013 10:19

I have the wireless option (your no.2). I got it from Jaycar about 3 years ago, hasn't missed a beat. I use it for MySky from Lounge to Bedroom (so I can change channels from bed).

rphenix

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#951913 13-Dec-2013 21:34

Xray works quite well at work too bad the wireless transponder that replaces one of your regular batteries in your normal remote gets thrown out by staff and you have to buy a whole new xray! (even with labelling all over the bottom of the remote and transponder.....

BigMal

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#952071 14-Dec-2013 10:01

I had a UFO, it was ok but not as responsive as I would've liked.

I upgraded to a Harmony 900 (RF remote). It's awesome. I got it on special for around $220 which is quite pricey but for me it was well worth it.