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From PC Today Magazine, December 1998 L3 Systems KeyRF PC Remote Control
Setup. The KeyRF consists of three components: a keychain-sized remote unit (which is actually equipped with a keychain), an RF receiver unit, and a PS/2 keyboard cable. The unit was extremely easy to install, requiring us only to turn off our PC, unplug our keyboard, plug in the keyboard to the receiver unit, and attach the receiver to our PC's keyboard port using the included keyboard cable. L3 also includes PS/2-AT and AT-PS/2 adapters for those using the older keyboard connection format. Once everything was hooked up and in place, we rebooted our PC and were ready to test. Performance. L3 designed the KeyRF with presentations in mind, and it also works great as a remote for a PC running a TV card. You also can use it with certain PC home automation systems. The remote has two buttons, and in their default configuration, the left button functions the same way a PC keyboard's PAGE UP key works, and the right button takes the place of a PAGE DOWN key. The two buttons pressed simultaneously alternate between the functions of the HOME and END keys. This arrangement is great for moving between slides in a presentation, and it also works for just paging through word processor or Web documents. We used the KeyRF for both, and found it was simple to use and very functional. While paging up and down through a long Web document, we decided to test the effective range of the unit. We extended the receiver's antenna to its full length of 20 inches and began to scroll up and down through our document while moving ever farther away. One member of our editorial staff was posted by the monitor as a lookout, while another was sent toward the far end of the building with instructions to stop every 10 feet or so and press the remote's buttons. Before the unit lost its ability to reach the receiver with an effective signal we had gone about 100 feet, which is the range L3 Systems claims the unit has. We found it very refreshing to find a remote unit, whether RF or infrared, that is advertised by the company as having a realistic range. Each press of either button acts as one press and release of its corresponding PC key, but you can program both to auto repeat, and you also can give them other functions by following the detailed instructions that come with the unit. The transmitter uses a 12-volt A23 type battery, and the unit conveniently includes one. This may not be a gadget everyone needs, but if you need a remote for giving presentations or for watching TV on your PC, this is a very handy unit. The KeyRF PC Remote has a list price of $150. -Chris Trumble Key RF PC Remote L3 Systems Inc. $150 (425) 836-5438 http://www.l3sys.com |
