DC Remote Control Help Needed

[JR]

The oh-so-clever guys at HF tricked me. They had qty one of the remote-control switches on the shelf for the closeout price of $12. Packaging looked good, so I scooped it up.

Turns out someone had gone inside and pilfered the key fob. The excellent retape job fooled me! HF is no help in finding a replacement.

Now, the thing loooks exactly like the ones sold at Rockler and Woodcraft. Does anyone have one of those units? Can you confirm it operates at 315Mhz and that setup is done via an 8-position dip switch?



TIA,
JR

[pelligrini]

I just bought one today at Woodcraft. I'll see what I can figure out in the morning. There was nothing in the box except for the device and fob. I was impressed by the range, I went clear across the yard and it still worked from at least 80' away.

[JR]

Thanks, Erik. I'd have though there would be an instruction manual with this kind of spec in it.

I appreciate the help.

JR

[pelligrini]

I thought there would be one as well, or at least the normal safety sheet.

Didn't really find out too much. There are 8 dip switches. Not sure if it means anyting to you, but the WF005330 number is on that component inside, the outside of the controller box, and on the key fob.

Here's a couple pics, not really sure why I included the closeup of the big black thing. My gut tells me it probably has the most to do with the frequency:

[LCHIEN]

I thought there would be one as well, or at least the normal safety sheet.

Didn't really find out too much. There are 8 dip switches. Not sure if it means anyting to you, but the WF005330 number is on that component inside, the outside of the controller box, and on the key fob.

Here's a couple pics, not really sure why I included the closeup of the big black thing. My gut tells me it probably has the most to do with the frequency:

judging by the ratings on the side the big black thing is the relay, not a RF component.
It may have been the biggest flat surface on which to put the sticker ID'ing the frequency or code.

[WayneJ]

Take it back to any HF store with the receipt and get a new one . They can call around and find another store and have it shiped to there store. The store I work at does it all the time.
Wayne

[JR]

Thanks for the pic!

It's a slightly different PCB layout, but the packaging is identical. Here's mine.




The big black thing appears to be the relay. I have a similar label afixed to a ROM-looking thing, although with different numbers. I notice the same number is on a label on the outside of the unit. Who knows, someone might have been smart enough to make different codes for the HF, Woocraft, and Rockler versions.

I've tried calling HF Cust. Svc., who opened a search for available product. It's supposed to be a national search. Of course I've never heard back from them. I'm going to be in the store today, so I'll see what they have to say. If they can't help, I'll give Woodcraft a try to see if a replacement fob will do the trick.

Thanks for the help.

JR

[JR]

HF wasn't able to help, so I went to Woodcraft. They had one of the key fobs in stick. Once I got the dip switches set it worked like a champ.

I guess it cost about $35 total. AS good as can be expected, I suppose.

Thanks fo the help.

JR

[pelligrini]

Glad it worked out. That's still cheaper than what Woodcraft sells it for.

[Garasaki]

You guys should consider x10 control...

[JR]

You guys should consider x10 control...

I have a bunch of X10 stuff. None of it is designed to handle the loads of a big motor.

JR

[dbhost]

Not to mention x10 is the firm that really took off with pop ups in the web browser. I refuse to deal with companies that utilize slimy marketing.

[toolguy1000]

instead of the remote control, why not try this:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...t=1,42401&ap=1

i use this one:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...witch&sLevel=0

it works very well and it never forgets to turn on my shop vac and DC whenever i activate either my TS, RAS or 6 1/8" jointer.

[JR]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...witch&sLevel=0

it works very well and it never forgets to turn on my shop vac and DC whenever i activate either my TS, RAS or 6 1/8" jointer.

I have one of those, but haven't used it in a long time. It's very convenient when setting up the miter saw and shopvac away from my shop.

But don't you have to have your TS, RAS and jointer all plugged in to this thing? In my case that would also have to include BS, WBS, OS/BS, planer, router, and misc. hand tools. My shop is really not very big, so I had to think twice about spending the $$ on this remote (well, I THOUGHT I had a score at $12!) when it's really just a few steps to the DC. Unfortunately, there are lots of times when the path is blocked mid-project, so this remote control is actually working very nicely.

JR

[Garasaki]

To clear up a few points (no I don't work for x10, but am a satisfied user)

I have a bunch of X10 stuff. None of it is designed to handle the loads of a big motor.

JR

Well, they make lots of x10 stuff that is designed to handle the loads of a big motor actually. Of course one thinks of lighting control with x10, but there's lots of other things it can do...

Here's 8 dollar solution found on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/XPS3-X10-Decorat...3A1%7C294%3A50

Rated at 20 amps (120 v).

This may not be the greatest example because of the price tag, but it's a 30 amp, 120 or 220 volt controller

http://www.smarthome.com/31278/EZSwi...r-4030A/p.aspx

Smarthome is a really good company, although they've moved on to "next generation" x10 technology (which is a really interesting and good system) which is well beyond what you'd need for DC control (and also more expensive).

Here's something else they have, 220v and 20 amps, 52 bucks

http://www.smarthome.com/2242W/Levit...-6298-W/p.aspx

Anyway just trying to point out another way to skin the DC control cat.

Not to mention x10 is the firm that really took off with pop ups in the web browser. I refuse to deal with companies that utilize slimy marketing.

X10 is a technology. There are sleezy company's that sell this technology. In some cases, their marketing is bush league at best.

This is, however, no reflection of the x10 system. And if one distributer offends you, I imagine you could find another one that dosent.