Need uni remote that does both IR and RF

[lostsoul74]

Hey guys, did some ebay and web searches for remotes that do both IR and RF. But it seems most of the units i've looked at that have the word RF in them are just used as a repeater type function. Are there any uni's that learn both IR and RF remotes. Most of my stuff is IR, but my lights, electric screen, and projector are RF, is there a remote out there for my needs. (cheaper the better!!!, dont need anything fancy, just a standard learning uni with both ir and rf)

 

[Vancouver]

Hey guys, did some ebay and web searches for remotes that do both IR and RF. But it seems most of the units i've looked at that have the word RF in them are just used as a repeater type function. Are there any uni's that learn both IR and RF remotes. Most of my stuff is IR, but my lights, electric screen, and projector are RF, is there a remote out there for my needs. (cheaper the better!!!, dont need anything fancy, just a standard learning uni with both ir and rf)

You wont find anything better then this for the price. I paid about $400 CDN ($325 USD) for th remote and the FR station. The best remote I have ever had and exceeded my expectations in every way.

The only thing it wont do (or any remote wont do) is learn FR signals from other remotes. This remote will only learn IR sign als and convert them to RF.

 

[MDS]

Vancouver, you forgot to mention the name of the remote you are talking about.

There are no remotes that can learn RF signals. All RF capable remotes read IR and then retransmit the signal over RF to a base station. The base station can then either transmit IR over a physical cable connected to it or 'blast' the IR from its front panel.

X10 makes modules that can be used in combination with an IR remote to send the original RF signals to a device that expects an RF signal. The Home Theater Master remotes have the commands built-in. I can't think of the name of the module right now, but I think smarthome.com is one place that sells them. Those modules are used for things like controlling ceiling fans that originally came with only an RF remote.

 

[lostsoul74]

so there is no remote that can learn from an RF remote??? or are you saying that x10 can do both??? Thanks guys.

I've got plenty of regular learning remotes, most of my equiptment came with learning remotes, but I need one that will also do the other 3 which are RF. So basically, i'm always gona have 4 remotes to watch a movie on the screen then???

 

[lostsoul74]

ah, ok, now i understand, reread it. So theres some X10 units available that you can program rf freaquencies into, and use an ir compatible remote, then transfer the programed info into rf, gotchya, I'll search on that more now, thanks again.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Let's be very specific...

RF is brand specific, there is no such thing as a 'universal' RF remote that can work with or encode RF frequencies from a dozen different manufacturers. This is a common control issue and something that professional installers are well aware of and help you avoid during an installation, but is not something that can be overcome by purchasing 'the right' remote. There isn't one.

But, if you add a secondary layer of control, like X10, which can actually control your devices, then that may help solve your issues. Yet, this isn't likely to be what you need. More likely is that you simply are stuck with multiple remotes. IR, low-voltage, RS-232 - those are the control methods to use when you need to control devices with remotes. IR is still king because even though it is line-of-site, it is easy to learn, easy to use, and you can run a hard wire and a small IR emitter on the device directly.

Unless your RF gear is X-10 right now, you are not likely going to get anything to control it. It simply is a lousy way to control single devices without IR as a secondary control method.

 

[lostsoul74]

thanks for explaining that, i'm surprized with all the technology available, this hasnt been overcome years ago. I guess i'll have to look into a way to create a 12 v trigger to control the screen from the projector then, perhaps a relay capacitor or something. Thanks guys, you saved me saved days of research. appreciate it.

 

[Vancouver]

Vancouver, you forgot to mention the name of the remote you are talking about.

lol..yea that piece of info may help.

http://universalremote.com/products/

i have the MX 600

 

[Tsunamii]

Though not very cheap the tsu7500 from philips does both.

 

[jcPanny]

Remote with RF

Selling for $135, it is tuff to beat the MX600 from universal remotes.
Another option is an entry level harmany type remote that takes AA or AAA batteries. You can use the RF remote control extender ($50 from parts express) to add the RF capability.