i tried with cm15a connected to pc and ahp running and cannot switch the lights from the screen. i had the cm15a plugged into an extension cord though - would that make a difference?
i like the test timer idea - will try that tomorrow if there is no joy tonight at dusk.
re: stupid question, that's not a stupid question at all. I do have batteries, but to be honest had removed them prior to plugging into the pc (was told i needed to in order for the pc to recognize the device) but was putting them back in AFTER i unplugged the cm15a from the wall next to the pc. The owners manual tells me the batteries are only for keeping the current time and not keeping the saved settings/timers, but that may be my issue. I re-downloaded the timer to the cm15a, put batteries back in, then unplugged and moved to another room and have tested from there that i can turn on/off with the remote.
got my fingers crossed for tonight's trial run.... will update tomorrow.
thanks for the suggestions.