My air conditioner is operated by a remote control and I was just wondering, if through JP1, I can program a universal remote that I'm planning to get to control my air conditioner? I only need power on/off, temperature up/down, and fan speed. Thanks.

depends on the AC, some use RF remotes, others use IR. IF it uses RF (can be controlled from an other room) then the answer is no. If not, then I would assume yes.

How would I know if my A/C remote (a Kenmore btw) is IR or RF? Thanks.

Like he said, if it's RF, it will work the A/C from another room. Go in the bathroom, close the door, and see if the remote will change the A/C's settings.
Jim

I did what you said, and no, the remote can't control the A/C from another room, meaning that it's IR right? If that's the case, can someone point me in the direction of how to use the JP1 on my universal remote to work for Kenmore A/C's? Thanks.

In at least this thread, you didn't mention which "universal remote" you have. To use JP-1, if your remote is capable, you'll need a JP-1 cable, and the freeware available at the yahoo JP-1 group in it's files section. You may have to add the jp-1 header to your remote, depending on which model you have; some come with them already pre-installed, some don't. Start with telling us which model you have. Once started with JP-1, your questions would be best answered thru the JP-1 yahoo group. Depending on your remote model, you MAY be able to control it without JP-1. However, JP-1 would make it easier.
Jim

From what I've seen of the Kenmore a/c remotes, they come in two flavors -- a basic version with just a few buttons on it, and a fancier one that ships with top-of-the-line units and includes an LCD status display (on the remote, that is.)

Which kind do you have? If your Kenmore remote is the kind with an LCD display on it, odds are it uses some sort of two-way protocol and may be difficult if not impossible to emulate in a regular universal remote.

On the other hand, if you have the basic Kenmore remote, its codes can probably be learned. If you haven't yet purchased a universal remote, be sure to get one that supports learning. That may be all you need (and if it works, you can then share with others through the JP1 route).

My Kenmore remote is basic (no LCD). The remote I'm getting is either the 15-2104 or the 8811. Thanks for your reply. I'll let you know if I get it working.

If the A/C remote is indeed IR, and it only has a few buttons, you don't even need JP1 to get it to work with the universal as you can simply learn the buttons.

Rob

You are absolutely correct.
An infrared remote control requires line of sight to control its equipment and typically has a range of about 30 feet. A radio frequency remote control signal may be sent through walls and floors and even reach inside cabinets. RF commands can usually travel at least 60 feet. RF signals may also be easily repeated and/or enlarged for even longer ranges if necessary.

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Air Conditioning Units
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