Hi everyone,
So I’ve been using a Broadlink RM4 pro to control some RF outlets I bought a long time ago, but I’m beginning to run into some issues and I guess my lack of knowledge of RF protocol is leading astray, as I’m not sure why. So basically some of my RF outlets will turn on and off with a 100% success rate, depending on where they’re placed, but others have more like a 50% success rate, which is incredibly frustrating.
The outlet that absolutely never fails to turn on when asked is actually on the other side of a wall from where my Broadlink RM4 Pro is, whereas the most problematic switch is literally 8 feet away, directly in-line of site of the Broadlink. It only turns on half the time, and I’m not sure why. Ironically, if I stand between the two devices and try to turn it on, it has a 100% success rate. I’ve noticed with other problematic switches, if I put my hand in front of the switch to “block” the signal, it will always successfully receive the command. As soon as I stop trying to block the signal, issues arise.
Am I just losing my mind here? Or is there something I don’t understand about RF signals? I have 20 of these RF outlets and I’d really like to use them (since you can use them offline) as opposed to continuing to replace them with WiFi plugs that are cloud-dependent. If it makes any difference, I live in a 700 sq ft apt and I have a metric ton of devices around the place, so maybe that’s interferring with the RF signals? Any ideas?