Maplin
5 Amp Remote Control Mains Module - L53BB
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Conclusion - 3/5
Overall a good value for money package with some problems/omissions. Easy
to setup and use with the biggest drawbacks being the wasteful packaging, no
visible overload protection such as a fuse, no manual override and the lack
of information on standby current. I would not use it outdoors for safety reasons.
One receivers was used to switch a ceiling light for a disabled person.. One
of two devices purchased did not work because of a dead controller battery.
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Description
The Maplin
5 Amp Remote Control Mains Module contains one remote
control (complete with battery) and one 1000W programmable
in line receiver unit. 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 well laid out and simple
to understand on a double sided A5 sheet with one side
describing
detailed set up and operating instructions with the second
side containing safety warnings. There is no information
about the expected controller battery
life or standby current consumption. More information about
the actual range likely to be achieved and whether it varies
with battery condition would be good. There is no information
about overload protection or the lack of it. |
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Packaging - 4/5
Well packed in a simple cardboard box that is easy to
open and no bigger than necessary, The receiver unit and controller
are packed in individual bubble wrap type plastic bags, The pack
is colourful and contains key features, basic instructions and
specifications. It is not clear whether the packaging is recyclable
or bio degradable.
Specification - 4/5
Frequency: 434MHz
Voltage: 230-240V 50Hz
Maximum Load: 1000W
Controller Battery: 12V Type CR23A (Supplied)
Range: Up to 25 metres
IP44 Protection against water ingress (Defined on the box as light
sprays of water)
The standby power is not given. The controller
battery is not the easiest to find but it is available. In practice
the 25m range is unlikely to be achieved in a domestic setting
(it was achieved in free space with a new battery) with 12m being
a more realistic figure. The unit is claimed to be shower proof
to IP44 (an international standard) which is not much use - what
does shower proof mean in real use - either it can be left out
in the rain or not!
Labeling and Safety - 2/5
The receiver units are not properly labeled and only
have a recycling label - there is not even a type label or reference
to the instructions. It is not clear how the unit is protected
against appliance faults since there is no integral fuse or information
about whether an overload will cause permanent damage.
Mechanical - 2/5
Both the controller and receiver units are well made and
of sturdy construction. The controller has a sliding cover over
the buttons which while doings it's job of protecting the buttons
needs two hands to open, when the cover is open the whole unit
is somewhat awkward to handle. Wiring of the receiver unit is difficult
due to the limited space and it is easy to damage the PCB connections.
Receiver dimensions: Length 123mm, Width 69mm, Depth 33mm. Controller
dimensions: Length 120mm (192mm cover fully open), Width 47mm,
Depth 20mm.
Setup - 5/5
Set up is straightforward. Set a random house code
on the controller and the same code on the receiver and then set
the desired channel number on the receiver and it is working.
Functionality - 3/5
Once set up it just works.The toggle function
of the controller button for each channel makes operations of devices
out of sight problematic. The
LED on the controller is a very practical way of telling if the
battery is flat. The buttons on the controller
are positive in operation. There are however
two drawbacks - there is no manual override on the receiver and
no indication the receiver is on or off to aid fault finding.
Value For Money - 4/5
Compared with other similar items on the market this is
good value for money if only one in line remote control is needed.
Purchase Details
Cost £14.99 from Maplin
Manufacturer's Details
Maplin Electronics, Valley Road, Wormwell, Barnsley, South
Yorkshire, S73 0BS
Web site: www.maplin.co.uk
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