Domia
Lite Remote Control Starter Pack - Model DLP31000
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Review Date: 4-June-2007
Updated: 17-June-2007
Conclusion - 4/5
Overall a good value for money package with few problems/omissions.
Sturdy, easy to setup and use with the biggest drawbacks being the wasteful
packaging, no externally accessible fuse, no manual override and the lack of
information on standby current. Two receivers were used
to switch a large audio visual system to minimise energy wastage due to standby
plus switch the antenna amplifiers via a separate receiver at the same time.
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Description
The Domia Lite remote control starter pack
contains one remote control (complete with battery) and three
13A programmable remote control units designed to plug into
a 13 amp socket. This an RF device operating around 434MHz
and is advertised as simple to set up and use. Up to 8 appliances
can be controlled from the controller. The product range
includes a 3Kw single remote control, a 300W remote control
lamp dimmer, a wireless motion sensor, a wall mounted dimmer
switch and a key fob remote control.
Instructions - 4/5
The instructions are extremely well laid out and simple to understand on a folded
A4 sheet with one side describing the product range and the other providing
detailed set up and operating instructions. There is no information about non
resistive loads or the expected controller battery life. More information about
the actual range likely to be achieved and whether it varies with battery condition
would be good. |
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Packaging - 3/5
Well packed but extremely difficult to open, The pack is
larger than needed and made of a hard clear plastic. The pack
has obviously been designed for display purposes rather than practicality.
The pack contains an insert with the key features, basic instructions
and specifications. It is not clear whether the packaging is recyclable
or bio degradable.
Specification - 4/5
Frequency: 433.92MHz
Voltage: 220-240V 50Hz - incorrectly labeled as power on the pack
insert
Maximum Load: 1000W
Load Type: Resistive - this note only appears on the plug labeling
- no warning not to use inductive loads e. g. fluorescent lights
Controller Battery: 12 Alkaline Type CR2032
Range: Up to 30 metres
Apart from the error noted above the specifications are clear
with one omission - the standby power is not given - measurements
carried out on three receiver units gave a standby power of just
over 0.5W with no significant variation when switched on. The controller
battery is not the easiest to find but it is available. In practice
the 30m range is unlikely to be achieved in a domestic setting
(it was achieved in free space with a new controller battery) with15m
being a more realistic figure.
Labeling and Safety - 3/5
The receiver units are properly labeled although the
type size is small and difficult to read. The rating is clearly
marked on the front and back of each receiver. The receiver units
are held together with tamper proof screws. It is not clear how
the unit is protected against appliance faults since there is no
integral externally accessible fuse or information about whether
an overload will cause permanent damage.
Mechanical - 5/5
Both the controller and receiver units are well made and
of sturdy construction. The small size of the receiver units is
particularly good especially when compared with other similar
devices. Receiver dimensions: Length 80mm, Width 52mm, Depth (excluding
plug pins) 30mm. Controller dimensions: Length 78mm, Width 47mm,
Depth 10.5mm.
Setup - 5/5
Set up is extremely straightforward. Set the house code
on the controller and receiver and then set the desired channel
number on the receiver and it is working. Group working is enabled
by a simple slide switch on the side of each receiver..
Functionality - 4/5
Once set up it just works. Separate on and off buttons
for each channel make operation of devices out of sight positive.
The group function is useful as a master on or off switch. The
LED on the controller is a very practical way of telling if the
battery is flat. There is however one big drawback - there is no
manual override on the receivers. The buttons on the controller
would be better slightly further apart since large fingers easily
bridge two buttons if care is not taken. The LED on the receiver
unit only indicates power available from the socket it is plugged
into.not whether the unit has been switched on.
Value For Money - 4/5
Compared with other similar items on the market this is
good value for money if more than one remote control is needed.
Purchase Details
Cost £29.99 from B & Q
Manufacturer's Details
iDomus Ltd, 10 Wornal Park, Worminghall, Buckinghamshire, HP18
9PH
Web site: www.iDomus.co.uk
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