So I picked up a RemoteLinc2 (v1.2) yesterday. Adding it to my ISY was a challenge, I needed to put the RL2 about 6' from my FanLinc for them to talk.
My hope was to use this thing outdoors (10' from the house) as a remote control for audio.
To increase the range I added a dual band SwitchLinc. That made it work in the house but not outdoors (The SL is about 15' from the back brick wall). Today I bought an access point and taped it on the window, looking into the backyard. I can get about 10' range outside now, within 30 degress of the AP.
Are all RL2s this useless? I can't believe SH would sell a sun visor clip for this, it would never work in my car. Is my RL2 defective or is what I'm hoping just not possible?
That's not typical. If the FanLinc is in a metal housing (i.e. inside your fan) it's possible that it is not receiving much RF. But I would expect better reception on the Access Point.
Is the battery in the RL2 charged?
Do you have other wireless devices that use frequencies around 915 MHz? E.g. some cordless phones, baby monitors, etc. If so the problem could be interference. Try turning those off and see if it makes a difference.
See if holding the RL2 so the buttons are vertical makes any difference. FCC Database internal photos show the antenna etched on the PCB next to the buttons mounted on the front.
There wasn't a metal screen on the window between the Access Point and the outside world?
Thanks for the feedback guys. I turned off the baby monitor, re-charged the batteries and taped the AP to the middle of the window (no screen). Still got terrible range. I then removed the RL2 from the ISY and re-added it. Bingo, the range is much better now.
RemoteLinc 2 Range
Posted - 08/02/2012 : 1:52:58 PM
