How to Convert an IR Remote to an RF

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An RF remote will work without a direct line of sight between the remote and the device.

Infrared (IR) remotes are both convenient and ubiquitous for controlling electronic devices without having to touch them. The line-of-sight requirement of an IR remote limits its usefulness, because anything blocking the IR beam effectively shuts off the remote. You can convert an IR remote into one that uses radio frequency (RF) that doesn't require line of sight and which can work over great distances and even through walls. You will need a commercially made IR converter kit. Converging your IR remote into an RF remote will only take a few minutes and does not require changing any of the settings on the IR remote.

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Step 1

Put the RF transmitter face down on a table. Remove the battery compartment lid from the RF transmitter.

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Step 2

Insert the included batteries into the battery compartment of the RF transmitter. Put the battery compartment lid back onto the RF transmitter.

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Step 3

Attach the RF transmitter over the front of the IR remote. Engage the side clamps of the RF transmitter to hold it in position over the front of the IR remote. If the RF transmitter is shaped like a AA battery, insert the RF transmitter inside of the battery compartment of the IR remote in place of one of the batteries inside. Close the lid on the battery compartment of the IR remote.

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Step 4

Place the RF remote receiver next to the electronic device that is going to be controlled, for example, a television set.

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Step 5

Plug the adaptor plug of the RF remote receiver power supply into the power port on the RF remote receiver. Plug the other end of the RF remote receiver power supply into a wall socket for power.

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Step 6

Plug the mini-jack end of the IR extender cable into the IR port of the RF remote receiver. Place the other end of the IR extender cable across from the IR receiver of the electronic device.

Step 7

Turn on the power switch of the RF remote receiver. Press a button on the IR remote, which is now an RF remote, to control the electronic device without the IR's line-of-sight concerns.

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