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Remote Control Questions


My remote control is not working. Why? 
The following are the top reasons why remotes do not function: 

1) Batteries do not have enough power or are installed incorrectly. 
2) Misunderstanding on how the remote features operate the fireplace. 
3) The slide switch on the receiver is not in the correct position. 
4) The remote hand-held transmitter has not had the "learn" function activated to the receiver. 
5) For standing pilot units, the thermopile must generate a minimum of 200 Millivolts. The fireplace requires more millivolts to operate via the remote control because it adds resistance to the system. 
6) Defective component, for which replacement parts can be purchased or replaced under warranty within 1 year of the purchase of the remote. 

My remote will not turn my fireplace off. Why? 
1) The on/off switch on the fireplace and/or wall may be in the on position. This will over ride the remote control feature. 
2) The remote is in the thermostat mode (SMART-STAT and RCT-MLT models) and the temperature of the room has not exceeded the desired temperature setting by 2 degrees Farenheit or 1 degree Celcius. 
3) Batteries in the hand-held transmitter are old and underpowered. May work up close and will not work a few feet away. 
4) hand-held transmitter is outside of the 25' of operation. 
5) hand-held transmitter has been dropped and the frequency has been moved off the frequency of the receiver. 

The temperature reading on my hand-held transmitter does not match my house wall thermostat. Why? 
Each system is calibrated by the manufacturer and may not match exactly. If the temperature readings are within 3 degrees this is within the specification. 

The temperature from one device to another is difficult to determine. The location of the thermostat is very important to the temperature that you are reading at any point in time. The important thing to remember is that you should develop a comfort area and the appliance will keep you at your comfort level rather than the exact temperature read out. 

The fireplace flame does not turn on and off at the exact desired temperature. Why? 
When the remote is in the thermostat mode (SMART-STAT and RCT-MLT models) and the temperature of the room has not exceeded the desired temperature setting by 2 degrees Farenheit or 1 degree Celcius the fireplace will not turn on and off. The thermostat is set with a 2 degree F (1 degree C) range to avoid continuous cycling of the fireplace. 

How long will the batteries last? 
Under normal operating conditions the batteries should last 6 - 12 months. Each of the two batteries used in the hand-held transmitters should be producing 1.5V to 1.6V to operate. If the batteries are generating 1.3V to 1.35V or less the batteries should be replaced and can cause intermittent operation. 

With the RC-BATT the hand-held transmitter uses a special 12V battery that will operate until the battery is generating 9V. If it generates less than 9V the battery should be replaced. The receiver uses (4) AA with 1.5V to 1.6V to operate. If the batteries are generating 1.3V to 1.35V or less the batteries should be replaced. 

With the RC-ELECT the hand-held transmitter uses a special 12V battery that will operate until the battery is generating 9V. If it generates less than 9V the battery should be replaced. 

How far away from the fireplace can I be and activate the fireplace with a remote control? 
The FCC in the United States and IC in Canada regulate the distance in which a radio frequency from the hand-held transmitter can operate. In optimum conditions, this distance is 90 feet. Since there are many things than interfere with radio frequency the maximum realistic distance from which a hand-held transmitter will communicate with the receiver is 25 feet. Radio frequency will go through normal residential constructed walls (wood, plaster, drywall), but distance will be reduced traveling through walls. 

I have questions or issues with the RC300 wireless remote control. 
View a video demo on the RC300 wireless remote. Click here to watch demo. 

What are the main components of the remote control? 
1) A hand-held transmitter. This is like a TV remote with which a person operates various features of the fireplace. 
2) A receiver. This is located inside or near the fireplace and receives the radio frequency from the hand-held transmitter. 
3) A Solenoid (for remote model RCT-MLT). This provides the option of a remote controlled variable flame. The solenoid is installed onto the regulator (located on the gas valve) of the fireplace to vary the gas pressure to the burner. 

Why should I buy a remote control? 
Remote Controls are a consumer convenience. They are great for the busy lifestyles of today and will enhance the relaxing mood created by our gas fireplace by allowing the user to relax in their favorite chair and operate their fireplace while reclining in comfort. They are especially convenient in large rooms where a switch on the fireplace or on the wall is not always easily accessed. It is also an extremely popular option for bed/bath sitting rooms. 

What powers the remote control? 
Both the transmitter and receiver in model SMART-BATT are powered by batteries. Models RC-SMART, SMART-STAT AND RCT-MLT are powered by batteries in the hand-held transmitters. The receiver is plugged into the junction box located in the bottom of the fireplace (Note: this requires an electrical hookup by qualified electrician at time of fireplace installation). 

Can I have a hand-held remote control and a wall switch? 
Yes! However, there is an operational priority (Pecking order) of the various ways to turn your fireplace ON or OFF. The highest priority goes to the ON/OFF switch located near the valve assembly. For example, if you have the fireplace is turned "ON" via this switch, it will negate the wall switch and ON/OFF feature of your remote control. 

Next, the wall switch takes priority over the remote control. In other words, if the wall switch is in the "ON" position and the units switch is in the "OFF" position, the remote control will not be able to turn the fireplace on or off. In either case, the RCT-MLT functions will work unless the "on- off" feature of the wall switch or fireplace switch is in the "ON" position. 

How far away from the fireplace can I be and activate the fireplace with a remote control? 
The FCC in the United States and IC in Canada regulate the distance in which a radio frequency from the hand-held transmitter can operate. In optimum conditions, this distance is 90 feet. Since there are many things than interfere with radio frequency the maximum realistic distance from which a hand-held transmitter will communicate with the receiver is 25 feet. Radio frequency will go through normal residential constructed walls (wood, plaster, drywall), but distance will be reduced traveling through walls. 

How does the hand-held transmitter operate the functions of the fireplace? 
Hearth & Home Technologies' remote controls work by radio frequency, which offers the unlikelihood of another remote control activating your individual gas fireplace product. 

Infrared (light signals) is often used with television and stereo remotes and requires there be no interference between the hand-held and the receiver. Fireplace facings, louvers and different installation options make infrared an unreliable option for fireplaces. Also, the brightness of the flame interferes with infrared control systems. 

Sonic or Sound is the third technology used with remote controls. The early sonic technology was used on television, but quickly abandoned due to limitation in channels and choices. Most Sonic technology is used in the pest control industry today. 

What can interfere with the operation of the remote control? 
Excessive metal will deflect radio frequency in a direction that may not be in line with the receiver of your remote control. Interference of your radio frequency can cause the remote control to not respond properly to the hand-held transmitter. Hearth & Home Technologies has many built in safety functions to ensure that your remote control and fireplace operate in harmony. For this reason the receiver of the remote should not be installed to the very back of the fireplace. Large metal artwork can interfere with radio frequency. 

Can the frequency of the remote be changed if I have something else activating the fireplace? 
No. The frequency of the remote control can not be changed without special equipment, which is not readily available to homeowners and/or service companies. Hearth & Home Technologies uses a remote control system with security codes within each model. These security codes are burned into the transmitter of each model and can not be changed. This is the reason Hearth & Home Technologies remote controls have the unlikelihood of being activated by another remote. If there is more than one Hearth & Home Technologies remote control at a home it is important that each hand-held transmitter has had the "learn" function activated to its designated receiver. If one hand-held transmitter was used in the "learn" activation for both receivers only one hand-held will function. 

How can I avoid accidental operation of the remote control while I am away from home for an extended period of time? 
Hearth & Home Technologies remote controls have a manual switch on the receiver that can be turned to the OFF position. This switch is manual and will break the contact with the power source, whether it is battery or 120V power. This switch is just like the main power switch that controls any electrical appliance. It is completely unnecessary to unplug or remove batteries from the receiver. 

Taking the batteries out of the hand held transmitter will not guarantee against accidental activation. Remember that each remote is equipped with a safety feature, which turns the fireplace off after 9 hours of continuous usage, when operated in the "manual mode".

Operating the fireplace for longer than a continuous 9 hours in not a safety issue, but can cause the temperature in the room of the fireplace to reach higher than normal temperatures. It is always required to maintain the necessary clearance to combustibles as prescribed in the fireplace installation instructions. 

Which Remote Control is Right for You? 
Hearth & Home Technologies offers several remote options with different features and functions to fit the different needs of today homeowners. They are all compact in size to fit the palm of your hand and come with a wall mounting bracket for easy storage. 

SMART-BATT - This remote is perfect for you if your fireplace was previous installed without power and it would be too costly or impossible to wire electricity to it. This remote offers the feature of turning the flame on and off. Thermostatic setting to operate the fireplace at desired temperature between 45 to 99 degrees. Count down timer system (15 min to 9 hours). 24 hour clock. Low battery indicator icon. Safety Feature: child proof setting to disable the on/off button and manual shutdown after 9 hours of continuous operation. 

RC-SMART - 120 volts must be wired to the fireplace. You will want this remote if you are only interested in turning your fireplace ON or OFF. This remote also offers a LCD digital read out of the room's temperature. Safety Feature: child proof setting to disable the on/off button and manual shutdown after 9 hours of continuous operation. 

SMART-STAT -120 volts must be wired to the fireplace. This remote is ideal for the homeowner who wants the functions of a wall thermostat and the convenience of a remote control. Thermostatic setting to operate the fireplace at desired temperature between 45 to 99 degrees. Count down timer system (15 min to 9 hours). 24 hour clock. Low battery indicator icon. Safety Features: A child proof setting to disable the on/off button is also standard and manual shutdown after 9 hours of continuous operation. 

RCT-MLT - If you enjoy having the best, then this remote is ideally suited for you. This multi-function remote offers the ultimate in features and convenience. It can conveniently do the following with just the touch of a button; 

  • Turns the flame on and off manually. 
  • Functions as a remote thermostat. 
  • Has an automatic timer function that allows you to turn the fireplace on for a desired amount of time between 1 to 90 minutes. 
  • Easily adjusts your fan setting (High, Medium, Low). 
  • An LED/LCD digital read out of the room's temperature. 
  • Safety features; If the fireplace is turned on manually or by the thermostat and is on constantly for 9 hours the remote will turn the fireplace off. 
  • Child Proof setting to disable the on/off button is also standard.


Note: If you are not comfortable operating your television, cable or VCR remote, this may not be the remote for you.