La Crosse Technology RS-204U Remote Control Outlet System

by La Crosse Technology

Product Features

• Remotely operates any electrical device
• Includes remote control with four channels and two outlets
• Remote controls unlimited number of outlets; multiple remotes can control single outlet
• Wireless 433 MHz frequency signal; 80-foot transmission range
• Master power button operates all outlets at once; 1-year warranty

Product Details

Product Manual [120kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 3.4 x 8.7 inches ; 12 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000CDD39
• Item model number: RS-204U
• Batteries: 2 AAA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,465 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen)

Product Description

Amazon.com

This remote controlled outlet system lets you turn appliances, electronics, lamps, Christmas tree lights, or anything with a plug on and off from the comfort of your bed or sofa. The system comes with a remote control and two outlets; however, the remote can handle an unlimited number of outlets (must be purchased separately) on each of its four channels. You can also purchase multiple remotes (separately) and program them to control a single outlet for use in several areas of the house. The remote operates on a strong 433 MHz signal, which has a range of about 80 feet and can travel through floors or walls so you don’t necessarily have to be in the same room as the device you’re powering on or off. The remote has individual power buttons for each of its four channels and master power buttons for operating or turning off all outlets at once. The outlets can support electrics with a maximum current of 30 amps and a maximum power of 3,600 watts. The remote control requires two AA batteries for operation and is covered by a one-year warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cool Product! Would recommend for Geek who has everything!!, April 21, 2004

By 

S. Singh "Gadget Geek" (Glen Allen, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: La Crosse Technology RS-204U Remote Control Outlet System (Kitchen)

Guilty as charged! I do live my life through my son. I try to get him everything that I had or wished that I had, growing up...this is one of them!

I was having a tough time getting something nice for my son's 7th birthday. I asked him what he wanted...........he wanted NOTHING!!! And he wouldn't budge from this demand.

My son gets all tucked into bed and reads, without fail, every night. I thought I could save him getting a trip to the other side of the room to switch-off the light. So I started looking for a remote-outlet. I wanted a remote-outlet versus a light with a remote switch so as not to restrict myself to one applian...we could use the outlet with Christmas lights, etc.

I researched GE, RadioShack and a few other brands, but none had such sleek looking outlets or remot...they seemed oddly bulky or very 70-ish in their designs and were more expensive. I preferred the look and features of the La Crosse. I read the, only available, company reviews and decided to bite the bullet and purchase it from Amazon. (Free Shipping helped!)

PROS:
1. It has a sleek design, which will not stand out in the room. The silver on Black finish is attractive and feels good in the hand.

2. Setup is absolutely intuitive - Plug it in, press the silver button on the outlet and press the button on the remote you want to control the outlet with. YEAH! That's it!!!

3. Visual Indicators - The outlet is powered with AC current and if you remove it or switch it from one outlet to another you need to re-program it....complex instructions above! ;o)
There is a small vertical LED above the silver button (see picture) which flashes when not programmed and is steady when programmed. I think it's cool to know in an instant what's wrong.

4. The remote is radio-frequency controlled and it does not need to be pointed towards the outlet.

5. The remote has four separate on-off channels. You can add two more remote-outlets, to this remote, for individual remote-outlet control. BUT you can connect more than one remote-outlet to one channel. E.g. If, late at night, you need to switch on your night-light, the hall-way light and the bathroom light......you can program all three remote-outlets to operate with channel 1. So when you press channel 1 all three will come on.

6. A master switch which can switch on-off all outlets at once.

CONS:
1. There is a very distinct `click' when you switch on or off. I think it's due to the remote-outlet having a mechanical circuit rather than an electronic circuit. Just a little noisy, nothing more.

2. The buttons on the remote are a little loose, so they kinda' wiggle in their slots. I guess I'm so used to seeing tight, rubber-coated buttons on our remotes, this plastic feels a bit odd. No loss in performance though...just a personal feel.

3. With a loss of power, you need to reprogram the remote-outlets. This means that if you have a wall-switch for the wall-outlet, you might be re-programming pretty often - Old habits die hard. I suggest using this on a wall-outlet without a wall-switch.

4. This is a SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. On a standard wall-outlet (two outlets) there is a high possibility that you will lose the other outlet. The shape of this product hinders use of the other outlet.

Overall, I give this product 4-stars. I think someone took the time to think this product through. It's cool, functional, nice looking, very intuitive to use.

1-star less, because of outlet hogging and remote buttons.

My son loves this product as do I. He did end up getting a lot of gifts for his birthday, but this was the one he raved about most!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great idea, a little expensive, March 30, 2005

By 

napershopper (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: La Crosse Technology RS-204U Remote Control Outlet System (Kitchen)

I really like this product. Although I believe this product is a little expensive (slightly cheaper now than when I purchased), I am sure that we have saved money on electricity. From Oct. 1 to Jan. 1, we have Halloween and Xmas decorations running. Our configuration makes it difficult to get to the plugs, especially at night when you are ready for bed already. So we left the electronics on over night from time to time. Now, we just turn them off remotely.

Cons: the outlet unit will cover both outlets in most cases. The flat, wide design also prevented me from plugging directly into an outside outlet. My outlets are slightly recessed so the rubber gasket can cover them when not in use. I have not been able to find outlet units by themselves.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Product is great, but hard to get, January 1, 2005

By 

Britanniac (Saren, AL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: La Crosse Technology RS-204U Remote Control Outlet System (Kitchen)

This product is awesome -- it's perfect for Christmas trees, lamps, and other items that are hard to reach or out of the way. I'd recommend it for the eldery or anyone with mobility problems. The only question I have is: since the remote control can handle 4 remote outlet units, why does the manufacturer only supply two remote outlets with the device, and why don't they sell individual remote outlets to round out the 4? I can't find any individual remote outlet units for sale anywhere. My question to the manufacturer about this has gone unanswered.