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[bitman]

So I wanted a mini remote to engage my x10 sprinkler setup from the yard but as you all know that ain't gonna happen with a KR22a's paltry range of what, 20 feet.

So I opened it up and found an oval trace that look a like a loop antenna.
I soldered 12" of insulated wirewrap wire to the loop and bringing it outside the remote, ran it around the outside of the remote 2 times then trapped the wire by snapping the cover back on.

I took it outside and it's range was increased but not enough to wander all around the yard and have it work. But!

It's hot enough now to work from the master bedroom and reach the tm751 in the dining room where before it was no way jose.

This allowed me to swipe my wifes KR19a which was leashed to her bedpost and works all over the yard while she uses the tricked out? KR22A.

:Ron

[Brian H]

I am surprised it worked; with out detuning the circuit.
I found the schematic of the KR22A and that PC Coil [L2-PCB Trace] is both part of the tuned circuit and the antenna.
Anyway I guess it did work.

[bitman]

Anyway I guess it did work.

Kinda-Sorta.

Good enough for my Hunny Buns anyway. 

[Brian H]

Well that is what counts. 

[dave w]

So I opened it up and found an oval trace that look a like a loop antenna.
I soldered 12" of insulated wirewrap wire to the loop and bringing it outside the remote, ran it around the outside of the remote 2 times then trapped the wire by snapping the cover back on.

Bits

Did you try letting the wire hang to see if it made any difference in range?

[bitman]

No I did not.

I didn't want anything sticking out of it.

[Eddie_T]

My new KR22A has two 3 volt button batteries stacked. The downside is that they are wafer thin so as to fit in the original hole. I tried two-up with the original batteries but the case wouldn't close. I am going to add an external battery holder with 4 ea AA or AAA batteries. Since the model number didn't change I wonder if all the older KR22As and KR19As could handle the 6 volts.

[Brian H]

If the back of the remote shows a single battery being used. I would not try two.
The circuitry maybe different and the older three volt ones could be damaged.