Byron
Remote Control Wall Socket - RC-10
Review Date: 18-June-2007
Conclusion - 3/5
Overall a reasonable value for money package with a few problems/omissions. Sturdy,
easy to setup and use with the biggest drawbacks being the wasteful packaging,
channel memory lost when power fails or is switched off, the large size of
the receiver unit, lack of a battery for the control unit and the lack of information
on standby current. One receiver was used to switch a number of television
aerial amplifiers powered from a socket in the loft.
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Description
The Byron remote control pack contains one remote
control (without battery) and one 13A programmable
remote control unit. This an RF device operating around
434MHz. Up
to 4 appliances can be controlled from the controller.
Extra receiver units can be purchased separately.
Instructions - 3/5
The instructions are well laid out and simple
to understand on a folded sheet a bit smaller than A4
with one side
providing detailed set up and operating instructions
and the other with simple fault finding instructions,
limitations and warnings plus the specifications. There
is no information about 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. The use of pictures
saves a lot of words. There is a simple troubleshooting
section which is useful. There is an odd comment about
a 'Type R2 Device' at the bottom of one page which seem
out of place - it apparently describes a controller with
a sound output - very strange. There is no web address
or business address quoted just a help line number. |
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Packaging - 3/5
Well packed but 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
any of the packaging is recyclable or bio degradable.
Specification - 4/5
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Fuse 10A
Maximum Load: 2400W/10Amp
Load Type: Resistive
Controller Battery: Standard 9V (not included)
Controller Current Consumption: 1mA (only marked on back of controller)
Range: Up to 25 metres/80 feet
The specifications are clear with
one omission - the standby power is not given - measurements carried
out on two receiver units gave a standby power of around 1.3W (9VA)
with no significant variation when switched on. In practice
the 25m range is unlikely to be achieved in a domestic setting
(it was achieved in free space with a new controller battery)
with12m being a more realistic figure.
Labeling and Safety - 3/5
The receiver unit and controller are clearly and properly
labeled. The rating is clearly marked on the back of the receiver.
The receiver unit is held together with standard screws which
is give the potential for a safety problem since the unit is easily
dismantled (there is a warning about this in the instructions).
The unit is protected against appliance faults by the integral
externally easily accessible fuse.
Mechanical - 4/5
Both the controller and receiver units are well made and
of sturdy construction. The large size of the receiver unit is
disappointing when compared with other similar devices.
Receiver dimensions: Length 142mm, Width 66mm, Depth (excluding
plug pins): 47mm. Controller dimensions: Length 135mm, Width 42mm,
Depth 22mm.
Setup - 4/5
Set up is simple if only one unit is controlled. Plug
the receiver unit in and switch on the power and press the controller
button required to operate it - the receiver unit remembers the
code. if there is a problem with interference from other systems
there are three alternative code sets available by changing two
small switches in the controller battery compartment. If more than
one receiver is controlled each has to be powered on in turn and
the required controller button operated to set the button for each
receiver.
Functionality - 3/5
Once set up the unit just works. The toggle function
of the controller button for each channel makes operations of devices
out of sight problematic. The controller gives indication of
positive operation via a green LED. There is however
one big drawback - If the power fails or the unit is switched off
it loses the memory of the controller button it is programmed
to. The buttons on the controller are well placed and positive.
The red LED on the receiver unit indicates when the unit has been
switched on. The manual override on the receiver unit is useful.
Value For Money - 3/5
Compared with other similar items on the market this is
reasonable value for money if a single remote control is needed.
It would be much better value if a controller battery was included.
Purchase Details
Cost £19.99 from B & Q. Additional receiver units can
be purchased for £12.99.
Manufacturer's Details
Byron House,
34, Sherwood Rd,
Aston Fields, Bromsgrove,
B60 3DR
Web site: www.chbyron.eu
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