You will want your laptop and another programmable remote nearby to inject some discrete codes into the 650.

It's slow and painful when you are used to the pc programmable ones, but is doable. I've done a few 450s lately and for small systems they too are doable.

I would however show him some better remotes so he has the option to go to something demonstrably better. His 650 is discontinued and likely his base station as well.

If the base station is a 100, 200, 250 series it is older technology and could be a real hassle. I personally have had good luck with the 250 in my area but that model has caused others to leave the URC camp in the past. If you are in an RF interference area, you may want to tell him his remote could be a time eater. I am presuming you are on the clock and want to warn him.