A small remote that works...just not that well.
Written: Jun 23 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small form factor, ease of programming, sterling range.
Cons: Buttons way too easy to inadvertently activate, thus compromising security.
The Bottom Line: Tidy size and powerful range don't make up for the too-easy-to-accidentally-hit buttons.
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| monoblocks's Full Review: Chamberlain& Mini Remote Control Keychain (956D) |
The Chamberlain 956D keychain remote--at least in concept--is the perfect device for people who have multiple cars like our family, particularly since we've never opted for the Homelink systems in any of our rides. Rather than be saddled with buying and programming in a full-sized unit for each car, or having to remember where one of the two remotes that came with the door opener, having a handy-dandy remote small enough to carry on a key fob makes life with the door opener a breeze. Or so goes that theory. As I've sadly discovered, this little 956D couldn't be further from the truth.
The 956D is suitable for Chamberlain's current lineup of Security+ garage door openers, sold both under the Chamberlain name and Chamberlain's Liftmaster line. The Security+ lineup features rolling code technology, meaning that the remote sends a different opening code with each button push from the code previously sent. What this ultimately means is that the 956D series isn't compatible with older Chamberlain door openers. Chamberlain does sell a similar-looking keychain remote that handles older doors; the main difference between the two types is the coloring of the buttons; the remotes intended for older Chamberlain doors has light gray buttons, whereas the remotes for Security+ door openers are black...like the ones on the 956D.
The remote is nicely smaller than the keychain remote I had been using for my prior Genie garage door opener, since replaced by our current Chamberlain unit. Like most remotes these days, the case is plastic, and the buttons are a rubber-type material. The remotes I purchased were bulk contractor/OE installer units instead of the retail blister packed remotes typically found down at Home Depot or Lowe's. I ordered these through Amazon via one of their Marketplace sellers; by purchasing these this way I saved above 50% over buying the comparable retail packaged versions down at the local brick and mortar.
The packaging for the remote is typical contractor no-frills; the remote came wrapped in plastic within a relatively simple cardboard box with instructions and a little swatch of self-adhesive hook & loop (aka 'Velcro'), presumably for those who want to use the remote a bit more rigidly tied to a specific car. If I recall correctly, the battery may have already been installed in the remote, though don't quote me on that. The remote itself was indeed easy to program in, and does offer a fairly long range of operation from the house...though perhaps a little TOO long for comfort, in case the operation button is accidentally depressed again as I'm driving away from the house and the doors are no longer in view. All of which leads me right into my main gripe with this diminutive yet brutally effective remote.
Speaking directly about this button design and accidental activation of the door opener: one of our household's issues is that we have more cars than drivers. As such, I keep each of my cars' respective keys on their own separate fobs apart from my house keys, taking only the appropriate car key for the car that I'm using at the time and avoiding having a gob of unnecessary keys to carry around. And considering the SIZE of many modern, electrified and codified keys these days, that's not an insignificant thing.
This used to mean that when I'm done locking up the place, my house keys set would go into my pocket, I climb into the car and off I drive. Well no more to that routine. Because of the multiple cars we own, it's easiest and logical to have the Chamberlain keychain remote latched to the house keys--after all, I AM taking those always regardless of which car I drive. But as I've rudely discovered, I've run into a problem with the remote's blasted raised buttons, primarily with accidental activation of the bloody door opener when these things go into my pockets, particularly if those pockets happen to be the ones in my jeans or pants.
Suddenly I have a convenience device that's not so convenient. This tidy little remote now REQUIRES me to modify my own long comfortable habits and behavior rather than augment and help it along. I have to keep my house keys on my lap or on the passenger seat until I'm at least a block away from the house before I can stuff them into one of my pockets (hey, no man purses here)...all because of those stupid raised buttons and their/my apparent predilection for activating them when not intending to.
And it's not even endemic with my jeans and too snug pockets (in case you're thinking that I'm ought to be wearing a pants size or two bigger). Even with loose fitting hoodies and their through-pockets I've had problems with inadvertently activating the opener because of these buttons, particularly if I have a cell phone or other small electronics device in the pocket alongside the remote. Frankly, I'd much prefer had Chamberlain designed this remote to have FLUSH buttons that followed the dished contours of the remote case at each button location, much like the concave and flush buttons on the larger standard remotes that originally came with the door opener. That way the buttons won't stick out like the proverbial sore thumb that they apparently are.
So even though the form factor of this Chamberlain keychain remote is exactly what I was after, particularly after my great experiences with my earlier Genie keychain remote I can't give this one a rating above two stars because of my constant hassles with the raised buttons, and even that often feels rather generous given the deep irritation I've felt because of the compromises with regards to this remote's button design. However I can't slam it completely since I suspect that most people won't have a issue with those same buttons because the remote in those cases will likely be with the car keys in the ignition, and not separate in a pocket as in my (desired) example.
The Chamberlain 956D: excellent form factor diluted by bulbous buttons that irritate the bejezus out of me. Two generous stars. Only recommended to any Chamberlain Security+ NOT handling their keys like I do.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
monoblocks
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Location: PacNW
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 3 members
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