501 Remote Question... (UHF Performance)

[toddjb]

Well, I received my new remote, programmed it, and it works fine when in front of my unit.

Point it around a corner or use in another room and it doesn't work. Basically, the UHF portion does not work reliably. Every once in a while I'll get one command to go through, but with no regularity.

I have checked the obvious things like batteries and antenna. I also had no problems with my old remote so let's assume my hardware is fine.


Has anyone heard of just a bad remote for UHF or is there something I need to do to "enable" this feature on a new remote? Figured I'd try one more thing and then send it back.

Thanks for any tips,
-todd


(the old remote is still broken...tried all the different button presses and such without luck)

[treiher]

Sounds to me like the IR portion is working, but not the UHF. When you point it around a corner, a random IR signal gets there. One easy way to test this is to cover up the IR LED's on the front with your hand or even a piece of tape, and see if it still works. If it does, then at least you are getting some UHF signal, all though it might be unusually weak. If it doesn't work at all, then you are getting no UHF signal and it definately should go back. Assumng ofcourse, that your receiver is fine, which it sounds like it is.

My UHF remote works all over the house and even outside. I have outdoor speakers on our patio, so I can set the receiver to play one of the music channels and still change channels, pause, etc. from outside. Also, when I had a single 501 unit feeding two rooms, it worked fine from the remote room. You should definately get a stronger signal than what you are seeing.

[Bob Haller]

COVER THE IR sender and if the remote then doesnt do anything you have a DUD, call E they will send a replacement and probably let you keep the one that doesnt work. So you will have a spare IR remote.

Confirm ALL batteries are in place the blue button remotes used 2 for IR and the other 2 for UHF. I dont know if the silver ones do that.......

[Jacob S]

Silver ones should work the same.

[toddjb]

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, it does appear for this remote as well that two are for UHF and 2 are for IR. I'll have to figure out which is which for future use....I suspect the UHF batts go out sooner than the IR ones since I have to replace batteries on occasion and I never see the low battery warning on screen.


Well, unfortunately I probably can't call dish for the remote since I purchased it from someone else.
Do they still honor their products even if you buy them from a third party?

-todd :flag:

[Bob Haller]

They should if its new. If not buy the 42 a month system warranty and wait 32 days then call and get your NEW remote!