When I used an IR repeater kit for the first time, I was amazed at the “magic” of how it works. Many of our customers are as well, and our consultants use this to impress them with our ability to hide all of the boxes to clean up a room. This simple little box can be taken for granted for the freedom it allows. An infrared blaster (or IR blaster/flasher) is a device that emulates an infrared remote control to autonomously control a device that is normally controlled only by remote control key presses.
Unfortunately, it also can be a source of frustration when it fails.
What causes it to fail? – The flashers falling off of the components. Between gravity and the electronics being warm anyway, it is only a matter of time.
Here’s the tip: avoid the drawback by using a direct 3.5mm mono plug. These hardwired jacks won’t fall off – ever, and they look nicer because they are completely hidden. Sales: Spec them. Techs: use them.
Another tip: You can stick the flasher on the shelf in front of the component and it will often work. This is especially true inside a white cabinet – the IR will bounce off the cabinet door and hit the desired component.