Remote control problems

[cbmar]

I use a wireless remote control to start the figure in my electric chair shaking. (The shaking is controlled by an electric drill underneath). Here's the problem... sometimes the remote wont turn OFF the electricity. Or if it does, I have to be much much closer to the base unit when I hit the button. (I can turn it on from 100 yards away, but if I'm more than 10 feet away, it wont turn off.)

Any ideas why this might be? Where can I find an outdoor wireless remote that wont do this?

[joker]

I bought one from Home Depot that I've been very pleased with. The one I bought last year (indoor version) acted very similar to what you're describing. I looked the other day and couldn't find a single like the one I purchased before but they do have one with 3 outlets on it I'm going to pick up today.

Actually the 3 outlet one will be great for triggering a prop. For my Zombie Grave Escape it will trigger the shiatsu messager, flood light, and pc speakers simultaneously. The sound will just be looping on an mp3 player, but won't be heard until the speakers are turned on. Seems like it was $39.99. Kinda high, but the single unit has worked without fail and will be a very simple solution for triggering my prop.

[Fetch]

This might be a shot in the dark, but what temperature range are you operating the prop in? I use several of those types of wireless remotes, and all normally work fine, except in cold temperatures when they do exactly what you describe. Not sure if it's a combination of the electronics and low temps, or what the deal is, but in warmer weather all goes well.

[Scottzilla]

Here's another shot in the dark: I wonder if the drill motor is kicking out enough RF that it is interfering with the signal from your remote. That would explain why it turns it on okay but not off. You can test this theory by moving the remote receiver farther away from the rest of the prop. Also maybe try putting a power conditioner between the drill and the remote receiver in case the interfering noise is being carried down the power wire.

[ruafraid]

I have used these for years to trigger props and most of the time its the battery that needs to be replaced in the remote. I use the 10.00 ones sold at Big lots since they have the most selection with different channels ie a b c d e f g h and on