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FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
General:
- What types of remotes do you sell?
- Do you test and change batteries or repair remote controls also?
- Do you also have a shop where I can buy your products?
- Where is Reid’s Remotes located?
- What are the operating hours of Reid’s Remotes shop?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- I bought the wrong remote on your website can I exchange it in your shop?
- What’s the difference between fixed code and rolling code?
- What are dip switches?
- Can you copy my remote in your shop?
- What is the relevance of Frequency when talking about remotes?
Garage, gate & alarm remote controls:
- Is it difficult to program a new garage or gate remote?
- I live in a shared complex, what do I need to know?
- I use my remote for a gate and to access an elevator can you sell me a new one?
- Can I delete a lost or stolen garage or gate remote myself?
- What is a “Stand Alone Receiver or Add on Receiver” when talking about remotes?
- What is the difference between a roller door and a sectional or panel door?
Vehicle remotes, keys & flip keys:
- What are the different types of car keys?
- What is a transponder and what does it do?
- Can you copy all types of car keys?
- If I have lost all of my car keys can you help?
General:
What types of remotes do you sell?
We currently sell a large range of remote controls for garage sectional & roller doors, automatic electric gates, home alarm systems, vehicle central locking & car alarms. We also cut and code car transponder keys, flip keys and fixed blade remote keys.
Do you test and change batteries or repair remote controls also?
We see many remote controls that have stopped working because the battery is flat, the battery has leaked inside the remote, a button is not working properly or has broken away from the circuit board and requires resoldering or replacement, battery contacts are dirty and lots more reasons. In most cases we can repair the remote rather than replace it. We sell replacement batteries, button pads, remote shells and key shells for a very long list of remotes and keys and so a repair is often a much cheaper option. We have tools to test batteries, the transmitter frequency and more. This service is only available at our East Victoria Park shop and depending on how busy we are you may need to leave it with us for a little while. There are plenty of great cafes around us if you wish to grab a coffee or lunch while we fix your remote or key.
Do you also have a shop where I can buy your products?
Yes we operate a shop and workshop where you can come and purchase our products. If you wish to have a car key coded to your vehuicle it is always best to book an appointment. Having a workshop we can carry out the work in a controlled environment with great internet coverage for vehicles where the diagnostic device needs to communicate with a server to do the key coding.
Where is Reid’s Remotes located?
Reid’s Remotes is located at Unit 8, 207 Bank Street, East Victoria Park, Western Australia, 6101. We are just over the causeway about 5km from Perth CBD. We are about 400m walk from Oats St Train Station if you would like to drop off your car in the morning and go to work and collect it later. There is plenty of free parking onsite and we can store your car for the day inside the workshop if you would prefer.
What are the operating hours of Reid’s Remotes shop?
Our bricks and mortar shop is open 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday
We observe Western Australian public holidays and as a small family business we need a break occasionally and so we normally close over Christmas and Easter.
What types of payment do you accept?
Here at Reid’s Remotes we accept payments in cash or EFTPOS and all major credit cards instore. Our online credit card payments are processed by Eway or Paypal depending on your preference.
I bought the wrong remote on your website can I exchange it in your shop?
If it is easier for you to return the item to us in our shop for exchange that is not a problem. You will need to bring your purchase receipt with you for the exchange and should call ahead to ensure we have stock of the replacement item you require. Refunds for online purchases must be processed via the website and so refunds will not be given in store for online purchases.
What is the difference between fixed code and rolling code remotes?
Remote controls send out a signal to the receiver each time a button is pressed. The receiver may be inside the motor or sometimes it will be inside a small plastic box attached to the side of the garage motor or inside the gate pier.
The difference between a fixed code remote and a rolling code or code hopping remote control is that the fixed code remote sends the same code each time you press a button whereas the rolling code remote sends a different code each time the button is pressed. Fixed code remotes as a result are less secure as they can be copied or cloned and are not used very much anymore.
The vast majority of the remotes we sell use rolling code or code hopping signals. These remotes cannot generally be cloned and instead they are learnt or programmed into the receiver. The process for doing this varies between the various brands and systems.
With the majority of garage and gate systems and some home security or alarm systems, to program a new remote you will need to put the system into LEARN mode by pressing a button somewhere on the motor or receiver known as the LEARN or CODE SET or SW1 button. You will then have to press a button on the new remote or all remotes to record the serial number of the remote into the system. We provide instructions explaining how to do this and most are very simple to follow.
An advantage of a fixed code remote is that it can be cloned and so this often gives you the option to copy your working remote and have more remotes that are often smaller than the older original. Some older receivers could only have a small number of remotes programmed into them and so being able to clone remotes allows you to use more as the receiver does not see any difference between the cloned remotes.
Fixed Code remotes will either use Dip Switches to set this code or a computer chip inside the remote.
Many FIXED CODE systems use a device called a dip switch to set the code. In most case there will be a series of switches on the motor and inside the remote and by setting these switches to the same positions the two things can communicate. An example of what these dip switches look like is shown below:
In most cases the switch can be set to Up, Middle or Down. In others the switch is either Off or On. In the case of the larger remote in the picture the switches are either + 0 or – as seen next to the number 1 switch. Irrespective of the system or number of dip switches most are very simple to copy across and we will provide instructions with your new remote to help you do this.
Can you copy my remote in your shop?
We can clone the vast majority of fixed code remotes in our shop and we also sell a number of nose to nose cloning remotes or remote to remote copy remotes. Cloning or copying is only possible with fixed code remotes which are usually the older type garage gate and car remotes. You can find more information on these throughout the website.
What is the relevance of Frequency when talking about remotes?
We often have people ask us if two remotes are using the same frequency then surely they can be used for the same device (garage door, roller door, gate etc.) but sadly this is not the case. The frequency a device transmits on is set to avoid it picking up interference from other things and so most modern garage gate and alarm remotes work on either 303.9 MHz or 433.92 MHz. Older fixed code remotes were often transmitting on either 27 MHz or 40Mhz. The frequency simply allows the code to be transmitted and received, but if the receiver does not recognise the code it receives it will not respond. It is the algorithm or code inside the chip in both devices that makes them compatible.
If you stand next to a Merlin receiver working on 433.9 MHz and press the button on your B&D garage remote which also works on 433.9 MHz you will see the led on the receiver flash as it has picked up a signal but as it does not recognise this code it will not open your door. Of course frequency is very important to the ability of your remote to work as if you drop the remote or throw your keys this can sometimes damage the transmitter and we have seen remotes then transmit on say 420 MHz. As a result the receiver will not pick this up as the receiver only scans in a fairly narrow band width again to avoid picking up interference from other transmitting devices such as TV remotes, air con remotes, mobile phones, RC toys and so on.
Garage, gate & alarm remote controls:
Is it difficult to program a new garage or gate remote?
Where it is possible for the end user i.e. you to program your new remote we will supply instructions on how to do it. In the majority of cases this is very straight forward and will be done in a matter of minutes. Of course each particular situation is different especially when it comes to gates.
A simple gate installation for a single dwelling is usually pretty simple but if other things are added to the system such as a pedestrian gate, keypad or intercom this will of course make it more complicated and each installer will have a slightly different way of wiring this and the placement of the receiver may vary.
We are happy to advise you on how to locate the receiver but care must always be taken when opening a gate control panel as there will be live electrical wiring and so there is always a danger. We offer a mobile programming service in the Perth metro area and so if you are uncertain of doing it yourself just select the Deliver & Program option at check out.
I live in a shared complex, what do I need to know?
When it comes to shared complexes or strata complexes it is often not possible to access the control panel for gates without a key. Even where access is possible great care should be taken to follow the programming instructions to the letter as deleting all remotes from the memory is always possible and will not make you very popular with your neighbours. If this does happen, don’t panic, they can of course be re-programmed into the system.
I use my remote for a gate and to access an elevator can you sell me a new one?
Some remote controls can be used for multiple items. Where you have to press a button to access that item you can generally program a new remote, however where you place the remote against a reader panel this is a different type of system known as RFID. RFID tags can be placed inside the back of the remote or into a plastic fob or card like a Multi-rider used on the public transport system. To program new RFID tags for lifts, doors etc you will need to go through the property manager or strata manager of the building.
Can I delete a lost or stolen garage or gate remote myself?
When a remote control is lost or stolen, it is always best to delete it from the garage or gate system. In most cases this involves deleting all remotes from the memory and then re-programming the remotes that remain as they will now be the only remotes that will work on the system. In many cases we can provide details of how to do this or we can come and do it for you in the Perth metro area.
What is a “Stand Alone Receiver or Add on Receiver” when talking about remotes?
A motor must have a receiver to be able to use a remote with it. So if you have a Merlin garage door but you have an FAAC gate motor and you want to use just one remote for both, it is only possible by adding a second receiver that is compatible with your remote to the non-compatible motor. These are normally a small circuit board which comes with a plastic case and wire antenna.
This will either bypass the inbuilt receiver or in some cases work in tandem so that you can still use your original remotes as well as this new one. This becomes very important when you wish to program a new remote as the instructions we provide will generally explain how to do this to the motor’s inbuilt receiver and so if you are using a standalone receiver or add on receiver please let us know so we can provide more appropriate instructions.
What is the difference between a roller door and a sectional or panel door?
This is one of those times when the clue is in the title; a roller door rolls up into a roll just above the door opening and the motor for this is fitted to the end of the bar that the door rolls around. A sectional or panel door is made up of panels or sections that travel on a track up and along the ceiling ending up flat again above your head parallel to the ceiling. The motor for this type of door is usually in the middle of the garage ceiling. We will normally provide instructions for both types of motor as they usually look different but it will really help if you tell us the model number when you order so we can provide you with specific instructions for your motor.
Vehicle remotes, keys & flip keys:
What are the different types of car keys?
There are essentially 5 different types of car keys and these are:
Traditional non-transponder keys:
These are the older very basic keys that were often all metal or maybe had a thin plastic head. They are predominantly for vehicles made before the mid-1990s. We carry a large selection of the most popular keys and having been cutting keys for almost 40 years we also have some older less common key blanks.
Transponder keys
These were the next invention in car security. Transponder keys contain a small transponder in the head of the key which communicates with the cars security system when it is placed in the ignition. If the transponder has been programmed to the car it will start the engine, otherwise the car will not start. Many of the most popular transponders can now be cloned rather than going back to the dealer for a new key and this offers a cheaper option for 2nd or replacement key. The majority of cars using transponder keys will have a separate remote control for the central locking or alarm if one is fitted.
Fixed blade remote keys
Fixed blade remote keys are the next step up from a transponder key in that the remote control that would have been a separate item is now part of the key body. The majority of these keys still contain a transponder chip and a separate remote control for the central locking and alarm. Some types of these key can be a little bulky especially in your pocket and so this lead to the change to the flip key.
Flip-keys
Flip keys again contain a transponder and remote but have the advantage of being more compact when stored as you can fold away the key blade making it less bulky in your pocket. We stock a large list of genuine flip keys and can also provide aftermarket options for a long list of popular flip keys. The system we use also allows us to make a flip key where the original car only came with a separate remote and transponder key.
Proximity keys
The latest trend in car keys is the proximity key. The main difference here over the flip key is the user will often not even have to press a button on the key to open the car. They simply walk up to the vehicle and the door will unlock. In many cases you only have to have the key on you to allow the car to be started by pushing a button on the dash. There are a few different types of proximity key, some have to be placed in a slot or cradle in the dash some not. With advances in technology comes additional cost sadly and there are currently not a lot of aftermarket options in proximity keys. This of course will change with time and new options will no doubt come onto the market over the next few years. As reliable aftermarket options are released we will include more in our range.
Many of these types of keys require a diagnostic coding device to be plugged into your vehicle to code the new chip. This can only be done in W.A. by a licensed business and we are fully licensed to do this type of coding. Our Motor Vehicle Repair Business License is MRB8165
What is a transponder and what does it do?
A transponder is a small chip which can both receive and transmit a signal over short range to the ignition system of your vehicle. There are a few types including glass, ceramic and PCF transponders used today in car keys and many different types of encryptions used to protect the information on the chip. Cloning technology allows us to copy this information to a new transponder chip and so duplicate your key. Most cars built after 1995 will have a transponder in them. They are often moulded into the head of the key and so not easily noticeable.
Can you copy all types of car keys?
Sadly we can’t copy all types of car keys but we strive to copy the vast majority and intend to expand our capabilities over the coming years. Copying a car key is a 2 or 3 stage process. There is cutting the key blade or blank, copying the transponder information and then in the case of fixed blade remote keys or flip keys there is also the job or programming the new remote to the vehicle.
We have a variety of key duplicating machines which allow us to copy traditional single or double sided edge cut keys which were used by pretty much all car makes. We can also cut the more modern wave cut or laser cut keys used by many European cars such as Audi, VW, Citroen, Peugeot, Opel, Renault, Volvo, Seat, Skoda and also by newer models from brands such as Ford, Hyundai, KIA, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda or Holden. We also have a dedicated machine for the less popular 4 sided tibbe keys used predominantly by Ford & Jaguar. With this machine it does not duplicate your key, it cuts to code and so even if your old key is very worn your new key will be exactly as if it came straight from the factory.
If I have lost all of my car keys can you help?
Sadly the investment needed for this type of service is extremely large and so we cannot help if you have no key at all. You will need to speak with a specialist mobile automotive locksmith.
