Using A Dolphin Remote On A Hot Spring Tub?

[Richs100]

I have been experiencing less than stellar performance with the HotSpring IQ 2020 remote for my new Envoy. The remote came with the SpAudio II music system and is supposed to control the tub functions and the stereo functions. When it is working, it tries to do this by using only 3 buttons on the remote. It is a very cumbersome system and not very intuitive at all.

Since getting my new tub about 2 weeks ago, the original remote has been replace and now the second unit has also stopped working. I've been waiting for my dealer to again come out and try to resolve the problem but I am really begining to lose faith in this particular Hot Spring option (especially once it is out of warranty). In addition, I'm not fond of the 3 button set up on the factory remote and would love to have a more intuitive control.

I have found the "Universal" Marine Dolphin Remote which is made by Balboa Controls. The website seems to indicate that it will work on any tub and any internal music system, but am looking for some actual consumer/expert opinions. Here is the link: Dolphin Remote

Specifically:

-Would it work with a new HS Envoy to control the pumps and lights?

-Would it also work with the SpAudio II music controls, especially the external speakers (which can only be controlled by the IQ 2020 remote at the present time)?

Thanks for any help on this issue.

[mader]

Richs,

I suppose I am bored because I just read the manual off the link you provided. I'm in the home entertainment/telecom field.

That product is a remote and an IR transmitter. It is not different than a universal remote in your living room, except it is waterproof (which is really cool, btw). You can program in the codes for a TV, DVD player, etc. But, you can also train some of the remote buttons to "learn" any remote code.

That said, if your spa has a remote control capabilities for any components today, this product will work on all of them. Be great if you can hit the light and pumps!

[Richs100]

Richs,

I suppose I am bored because I just read the manual off the link you provided. I'm in the home entertainment/telecom field.

That product is a remote and an IR transmitter. It is not different than a universal remote in your living room, except it is waterproof (which is really cool, btw). You can program in the codes for a TV, DVD player, etc. But, you can also train some of the remote buttons to "learn" any remote code.

That said, if your spa has a remote control capabilities for any components today, this product will work on all of them. Be great if you can hit the light and pumps!

So, If I understand what your saying, you think that the Dolphin remote could learn the signals from my existing Hot Tub remote regardless of whether the existing remote uses infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF). Is that right?

My current remote sends signals to a receptor which is mounted high in the spa pump compartment. The receptor is hard wired to the IQ2020 control board in the spa. The existing remote controls all spa functions including the pumps and lights. It also controls the volume, cd track selection etc of the Sony CD deck in the Spaudio system. Since there is no line of sight communication between the existing remote and the receptor, I assume it is a RF remote. Is this correct?

If so, it sounds like it might work.

[mader]

So, If I understand what your saying, you think that the Dolphin remote could learn the signals from my existing Hot Tub remote regardless of whether the existing remote uses infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF). Is that right?

My current remote sends signals to a receptor which is mounted high in the spa pump compartment. The receptor is hard wired to the IQ2020 control board in the spa. The existing remote controls all spa functions including the pumps and lights. It also controls the volume, cd track selection etc of the Sony CD deck in the Spaudio system. Since there is no line of sight communication between the existing remote and the receptor, I assume it is a RF remote. Is this correct?

If so, it sounds like it might work.

You got it. As long as the "receptor" is fully operational, and the remote was the issue, it should definitely work. Keep in mind you will need the existing remote to program the dolphin thing.

Addendum: Was just thinking about the IR/RF issue. The dolphin remote transmits in RF to the little base station in the product pics. The device that is hardwired in your spa is essentially the same thing as the dolphin base. The question is whether there are standards around RF transmission, or is each "base" from each manufacturer have a proprietary RF implementation.

So, there is a chance it won't work, but if you can return it hassle free, I would most definitely give it a try. Amazon have it? easy returns with them.

Mark

[Richs100]

Also, Mader, would this mean that I would not have to change out the receptor unit already installed on the board of the tub? I like this possibility since it would not involve me messing with the control board of the tub and would not endanger my warranty.

[mader]

See my edited post above, Richs......I wouldn't replace the existing one either, but I would try it as I say above.

[Richs100]

See my edited post above, Richs......I wouldn't replace the existing one either, but I would try it as I say above.

Thanks, Mark.

I think I'm gonna look into this more. I am not very satisfied with the Hot Spring remote and its replacement price once its out of warranty is substantially more than the complete Dolphin remote system.