Remote control FAQ

Why could the range over which my remote works be reduced?

There are a number of things which could cause this and an order in which to check them as follows:

Faulty remote transmitter

Try replacing the battery in your remote transmitter first. If this doesn’t work try another remote (a spare if you have one but remember it could still be the battery in the spare that’s the problem!). You can order more transmitters here.

Interference

Electrical interference could be caused by faulty electrical devices near to where you’re trying to use your transmitters. You can establish if something is causing interference by turning all electrical devices off and trying your remote again. If it works, try turning each electrical device on one at a time and try the remotes after each device is turned back on. If your transmitters don’t work after turning something on and work again if you turn it back off, you’ve identified the source of the interference.

This process is not simple and if a problem is identified, it is highly likely that the electrical interference could be affecting the emergency services. It is vital that the faulty equipment is left turned off and inspected by the supplier, manufacturer or qualified professional. Contact us if you need help finding a qualified installer near you.

Faulty receiver

If the above do not identify the problem, you could have a faulty receiver or a faulty antenna. In both cases, it’s probably time to call on a professional installer. Contact us to find one local to you or call us on 01895 232 626.

I have lost my remote controls or they have a stopped working. How do I open my garage doors or gates by hand?

Most gates and many garage doors are fitted with a manual release mechanism which allows the gate or garage door to be opened and closed if there are problems.

Unlike most gates openers, not all garage doors come with a manual release as standard. We always recommend the inclusion of one with any garage door automation system.

How can I find out what replacement remote control I need?

There is a wide range of transmitters from a large number of manufacturers. To replace an existing remote, you first need to identify it. You can find many popular and less well known remote transmitters in our shop. If there’s something you can’t find, give us a call on 01895 232 626.

Many fixed code, 433MHz transmitters can be replaced by cloning remotes that copy the code form the original transmitters. Fixed code transmitters have dip switches inside (a row of mall switches that can either be set to up or down). Cloning remotes can be more robust and cheaper than the original manufacturer’s remotes and are usually easy to program.

Remote controls using 418MHz are no longer legal in the UK as the frequency has been allocated for use by the Emergency Services. If you need replacement remotes for a 418MHz system, you will need to replace your receiver with a universal receiver and remotes that operate at 433MHz.

Why won’t my new remote open my gate or garage door?

You have to program your remote controls to communicate with the receiver in your garage door or gate automation system before they’ll work. Some remotes have a learn button on the receiver and others have dip-switches inside the transmitter and receiver that need to be in the same positions. Finally, cloning remotes can be programmed from your existing remote.

Because there are a few possible ways to do this, the first step with programming is always to refer to you manufacturer’s instructions. Contact us if you need help or call us on 01895 232 626.