Customer Reviews

URC MINI Remote-n-Go Mini Keychain Remote

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The R2 MiNi is a very fun and entertaining toy to play with, use as a cheap replacement remote, and to prank your friends or strangers. When I first tried the R2 MiNi I followed the instructions word for word on 5 different televisions and it did not work. I realized after reviewing the instructions again, that in step 3 where it says "Point the remote towards the device and press CH+ or CH- with single button presses" that you need to press/hold the channel button until the television shuts off, then press TV or CBL/SAT. The reason for this is when you press CH+ or CH-, it is not some kind of code, but a way to scan for the particular type of IR Code that your television has. I hope my explanation was clear enough to understand. Enjoy your R2 MiNi Remote Controls.

This gadget is a great key-chain attachment. I currently attend college and work part-time as an audio/video technician for various events, and the miniature universal remote is perfect for small volume emergencies when televisions are involved--provided you've previously programmed the remote for that television. I prefer this remote to the more popular "ninja" remote that's kicking around. I tried that model and had some issues with it, such as the tendency of the battery to slip away from its contacts and cause the remote to stop working altogether. The URC MINI does not have that problem. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:
1) Small, easy to use, and easy to carry.
2) Works on every television I've tried it on, from an old set built in the 1970's to a flat-screen 2008 model.
3) LEDs indicate that the button has been pressed so you know if it's not working without having to take it apart.
4) Decent range. I think the maximum range of effect is about twenty feet, which is plenty.

Cons:
1) Not good for stealth. The red LEDs under the buttons flash when you press them, and the whole thing is a little larger and thicker than the slimmer "ninja" model. This isn't a sneaky toy, it's a handy tool.
2) The buttons are thick and sensitive, and probably get compressed inside my pocket as I walk around. Since the thing reprograms itself if one particular button is held down for more than 3 seconds, I keep having to reset it to my home television.

Bottom line: I'm enjoying mine, and I'm going to keep it. It's fun and useful. It would make a great stocking-stuffer or birthday gift for the techie or someone who complains that people turn their televisions up too loud.

I have the same problem as the two reviewers who state it will not program at all. Exact same result for me. And, yes, I checked the battery. It was fresh. It's a shame because it looks like it would work great if it did. Quality control must be a real problem with this product as it seems to be the luck of the draw if you get a good unit or not. I wanted to give it to my MIL who just needs something simple so the cable box and TV settings don't get all messed up. Oh well.... nice try.

The R2-MINI is a great universal remote that includes only the necessities--channel control, volume control, on/off for both cable boxes and tv's (though I was confused about the cable box button, I didn't realize that since most tv's nowadays are cable-ready, meaning that the cable plugs straight into the tv, all one needed to do for cable-ready tv's was program the tv button and all the functions would work) and the almighty mute button. It is great for travels and hotels(don't you hate it when they don't give you a remote!)and works with just about any tv. The instructions are a little confusing, but it is very simple to program once you get the hang of it. However, I use it for pranking people--since it is so small, it easy to hide your friends will never guess that it is you who keeps turning off the volume or changing the channel during their favorite show. This is best in sports bars. In the case a game-winning play is about to be made, simply change the channel. The crowd around you will erupt into a chaos of mad drinkers. Overall, however, I was very pleased with this product and would reccomend it to anybody looking for a simple universal remote that is easy to program and easy to carry.

I bought mine for 10 bucks at Rite Aid drug store yesterday. I have only used it for the TV(not cable etc...) and it has worked fine so far. I set it on the window sill next to my bed where the original remote will not set because it is to big. I may velcro a strip to the wall and remote for even more "ease of use".

I also plan to use it mischieviously at some point.

The cashier at Rite Aid said they sold out at Christmas and restocked only after "months" and they display them at the check-out area because they are so popular.

Well I have tried programming this remote on multiple TVs, and nothing happened. The instructions say that the "TV" light will stay on after holding it down for a few seconds and that is not the case for mine. A complete waste of money.

This well designed litte keychain remote works very well. I also brought a similar priced remote with "The Shtummer" written on the box that didn't have nearly the same quality and didn't work as well. Both you can spend a few minutes initially programming as you cycle trough all the possible combinations of brands and TV's etc.

The TV and CAB/SAT buttons light up when pressed and in programming mode.

Comes with a small paper sheet with programming instructions. You'll need to keep that carefully in order to remember how to program the thing in the future, although the more tech savy would eventually figure it out.

Replaced a Sony half working remote which had trouble with sound and with mute as well as power button. This does everything the Sony remote cannot any longer do. It works perfectly at a really inexpenive cost.

...Just got my 2nd one from RiteAid around the corner for less than 8bucks! The 1st one a guest who loved at 1st sight while visiting us is using at their place, and very happy w/ it! I have a regular RCA stereo TV and both times I got it programmed in less than 60sec...

Don't pass it being fooled w/ bad reviews: believe me this is a 1X 2.5in. neat product, maybe less than 1oz, w/ 2025 cell battery.

You can keep it on your pocket (mine is on a cotton string, not a key-ring) while at home and change channels (only up or down), mute sound, whatever, whenever the phone rings, your spouse or kids talk to you, or it's time to change clothes!

Like other reviewers, I'm pretty tech-savvy. My remote wouldn't program at all - you're supposed to press TV or Cable for 3 seconds, until the buttons stay lit, and then search for the code. Well, the buttons on mine never stay lit, so I can't program it. A waste of $$$. Customer service from the company that makes this remote is non-existent.

December 2009 Update: I finally figured out that if I replaced the battery with a fresh one, I could get it to work just fine. However, I think that the product should have been shipped with a fresh battery to begin with, and the company should include some troubleshooting suggestions with the remote. Poorly designed, extremely tiny, very basic instructions are all that's included.