How to install RF Remote Controls?

The good news is that you can install RF remote controls on top of existing wired or infrared systems (IR). Something to look out for and check is if is your RF remote controls are Z Wave compatible and at the same time, make sure your wired system is fully operational. You may need to install RF receivers or RF hubs, take time to install them correctly; check their positioning and move them to make sure they have a good signal with the RF repeaters. Consider that there can be certain restrictions, one of these is the metal content in the wall materials and in certain parts of the United States where there are load bearing walls, these can considerably reduce the transmission range from 50 to 100 feet down to 10 to 20 feet. If this is the case, you should aim to position your transmitters and repeaters in a more Line of Sight (LoS) position, perhaps vectored towards doors instead of through walls.

Getting set up requires a few good practical procedures; when you select a RF remote, look for one that has a self learning or scouting capability. This is because the RF remote will discover unknown devices but find their identity and you will be able to import them into your device management database. In addition, there is a certain logic in dividing your remote controls into sections that make it easy to decide which one manages what  otherwise you could be trying to turn on the garden sprinklers while at the same time, unexpectedly defrosting the freezer.

In summary, the pros for installing RF remote controls are that RF remote controls are easy to set up and don’t require additional wiring to make everything operational. If you can manage it, one master remote control can manage everything so you can concentrate everything in one device. On the other hand, the range is better than IR but if your youngsters decide to hijack the remote control, you are more or less grounded so you will need to decide the necessary security measures to ensure that you can find your RF remote controls easily.