RF Remote Antenna (Int/Ext)

[northatlanta]

I have been looking at replacing my standard IR remotes for RF ones from the D* website.

I frequently get duplicated commands when changing channels/volume shift/guide scrolling etc (probably from reflection in the room or crazy angle since the box since it sits off to the side of the room away from the TV). I have had ZERO problems with any of my boxes, and when I am directly in line with the boxes it completely disappears.

I see some boxes have internal and some have external antennas. I have looked for the external antenna port on the back of my boxes, but it is not there. Wondering if the antenna is internal or if my old HR20-700 is too old and does not support RF.

HR20-700 (is it internal?)
H21-100 (I imagine its internal since its a relatively newer box)

Thanks!

[Mertzen]

The only box with external antenna is the HR20-100. All the other are internal.

[northatlanta]

Perfect...thanks for the quick response.

[n6nfg]

I run both my HR20's (one -100, one -700) in RF mode remote, and they both get frequent double key hits, so switching to RF won't necessarily fix this. Sounds like the software in the boxes doesn't debounce either IR or RF properly.

[northatlanta]

Well, thinking this will do it. Its only when I point the remote at the box at an angle. When I am directly in front of it (no matter the distance) it never repeats. There is a window very close to the box location and at an angle I could imagine a reflection leading to the repeat.

One more question: when RF is enabled...IR is still active so I can still control the TV functions, I would think it would have to be. But just checking.

Thanks!

[ncxcstud]

When RF is enabled, IR doesn't work at all.

I have a harmony remote that only does IR and it won't work at all when the box is in RF mode...

So, I got this (http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Remote-Control-Extender/dp/B000C1Z0HA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1245847690&sr=8-1) for my DirecTV remote for the bedroom

[Mertzen]

One more question: when RF is enabled...IR is still active so I can still control the TV functions, I would think it would have to be. But just checking.

Thanks!

Yes, the TV and any other devices are still controllable by IR. The IRD isn't though.

[mcbeevee]

One more question: when RF is enabled...IR is still active so I can still control the TV functions, I would think it would have to be. But just checking.
Thanks!
IR will still be active for the TV functions (such as volume).

:)

[Tom Servo]

This may seem silly but can you stand the box on its side? I have a H20 on its side and it completely changed the IR reception characteristics. The reception pattern seems almost totally opposite of yours. From extreme angles it works great, but if I point at the box straight on it acts like the remote isn't there at all. The closer I get to "dead center" the more likely it misses or doubles the button response.

This corresponds to being way above or below the IR window on the box, if it is sitting horizontally as intended, which is really odd. Who'd be trying to change the channel from 80° above the box? :D