I have three inoperative ceiling fans that I just don't understand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9828713...8634/lightbox/

When I bought the house (foreclosure), there was only 1 remote control
which operated only one of the four ceiling fans.

That operating ceiling fan has a wall switch, and a pull switch, and a
remote control. The pull switch just changes the speed while the wall
switch and remote control appear to work in series.

But, I don't have *any* remotes for the three inoperative ceiling fans.
Worse yet, one (the one pictured), is a good 25 feet in the air, with the
top of the stairs just out of reach by leaning over the railing - but
enough to pull the pull cord.

In *all* the inoperative fans, I have pulled the pull cord multiple times
and operated all potential wall switches, none of which operate the fans.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?
QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:01:45 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

You provided a sideshow - including the pool.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?

There will be a module inside the canopy of the fan - wired in - to
communicate to the remote control.

QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?

Got me there.

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:27:46 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:01:45 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

You provided a sideshow - including the pool.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?

There will be a module inside the canopy of the fan - wired in - to
communicate to the remote control.

QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?

Got me there.
Bypass the remote - IOW, hotwire it.

Danny D. wrote:
I have three inoperative ceiling fans that I just don't understand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9828713...8634/lightbox/

When I bought the house (foreclosure), there was only 1 remote control
which operated only one of the four ceiling fans.

That operating ceiling fan has a wall switch, and a pull switch, and a
remote control. The pull switch just changes the speed while the wall
switch and remote control appear to work in series.

But, I don't have *any* remotes for the three inoperative ceiling fans.
Worse yet, one (the one pictured), is a good 25 feet in the air, with the
top of the stairs just out of reach by leaning over the railing - but
enough to pull the pull cord.

In *all* the inoperative fans, I have pulled the pull cord multiple times
and operated all potential wall switches, none of which operate the fans.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?
QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?

Hi,
Maybe they are in remote mode? Remote is programmable? Time to call
maker of the fan/remote for support. There ought to be universal type
remote around.

On 7/27/2013 6:01 PM, Danny D. wrote:
I have three inoperative ceiling fans that I just don't understand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9828713...8634/lightbox/

When I bought the house (foreclosure), there was only 1 remote control
which operated only one of the four ceiling fans.

That operating ceiling fan has a wall switch, and a pull switch, and a
remote control. The pull switch just changes the speed while the wall
switch and remote control appear to work in series.

But, I don't have *any* remotes for the three inoperative ceiling fans.
Worse yet, one (the one pictured), is a good 25 feet in the air, with the
top of the stairs just out of reach by leaning over the railing - but
enough to pull the pull cord.

In *all* the inoperative fans, I have pulled the pull cord multiple times
and operated all potential wall switches, none of which operate the fans.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?
QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?
That particular fan is a Casablanca 3 or 4 speed pull chain fan. They
make a remote kit for it called Adapt Touch (W-52). Each fan can be set
with a different code, so you have to access the receiver in the fan
canopy to see it's setting, then match it to the setting on the
transmitter. Not an easy task as you have to drop the fan and the canopy
to get to the specially designed receiver module.

On 7/27/2013 11:36 PM, RBM wrote:
On 7/27/2013 6:01 PM, Danny D. wrote:
I have three inoperative ceiling fans that I just don't understand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9828713...8634/lightbox/

When I bought the house (foreclosure), there was only 1 remote control
which operated only one of the four ceiling fans.

That operating ceiling fan has a wall switch, and a pull switch, and a
remote control. The pull switch just changes the speed while the wall
switch and remote control appear to work in series.

But, I don't have *any* remotes for the three inoperative ceiling fans.
Worse yet, one (the one pictured), is a good 25 feet in the air, with the
top of the stairs just out of reach by leaning over the railing - but
enough to pull the pull cord.

In *all* the inoperative fans, I have pulled the pull cord multiple times
and operated all potential wall switches, none of which operate the fans.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?
QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?
That particular fan is a Casablanca 3 or 4 speed pull chain fan. They
make a remote kit for it called Adapt Touch (W-52). Each fan can be set
with a different code, so you have to access the receiver in the fan
canopy to see it's setting, then match it to the setting on the
transmitter. Not an easy task as you have to drop the fan and the canopy
to get to the specially designed receiver module.
Well, in my experience, you should only have to 'drop' the canopy cover.
On the
ones I have, you turn the cover a few degrees and it comes down the
pipe. The
receiver is located in the bracket that holds top of the pipe.

On 7/28/2013 8:11 AM, Art Todesco wrote:
On 7/27/2013 11:36 PM, RBM wrote:
On 7/27/2013 6:01 PM, Danny D. wrote:
I have three inoperative ceiling fans that I just don't understand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9828713...8634/lightbox/

When I bought the house (foreclosure), there was only 1 remote control
which operated only one of the four ceiling fans.

That operating ceiling fan has a wall switch, and a pull switch, and a
remote control. The pull switch just changes the speed while the wall
switch and remote control appear to work in series.

But, I don't have *any* remotes for the three inoperative ceiling fans.
Worse yet, one (the one pictured), is a good 25 feet in the air,
with the
top of the stairs just out of reach by leaning over the railing - but
enough to pull the pull cord.

In *all* the inoperative fans, I have pulled the pull cord multiple
times
and operated all potential wall switches, none of which operate the
fans.

I have never worked on a remote-controlled fan before.
QUESTION 1: How can I tell *if* the fans are indeed remote controlled?
QUESTION 2: How can I debug why 3 of 4 won't ever turn on?
That particular fan is a Casablanca 3 or 4 speed pull chain fan. They
make a remote kit for it called Adapt Touch (W-52). Each fan can be set
with a different code, so you have to access the receiver in the fan
canopy to see it's setting, then match it to the setting on the
transmitter. Not an easy task as you have to drop the fan and the canopy
to get to the specially designed receiver module.
Well, in my experience, you should only have to 'drop' the canopy
cover. On the
ones I have, you turn the cover a few degrees and it comes down the
pipe. The
receiver is located in the bracket that holds top of the pipe.
Yeah, that's how the garden variety "universal" remote receiver mounts.
Casablanca makes a canopy cover like no others. It's a two piece cover.
One piece is 3/4 ths of the cover, which is screwed to the mounting
plate using 3-3" machine screws, which go straight up from the bottom.
This leaves a quarter section open, which is where you insert the ball
hanger of the fan. Once the fan is hanging on the 3/4 part of the
canopy, you install the 1/4 section of the canopy with another 3"
machine screw to close it up. The receiver kit made for these, (W-52)
actually has holes through it, so the canopy mounting screws go through
the receiver. The thing I'm not sure of, is the location of the code
switches. It is possible that they are accessible by removing just the
quarter section of the canopy, but I wouldn't count on it.

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:27:46 -0700, Oren wrote:

You provided a sideshow - including the pool.

Ooops. My fault.
I'm still getting used to this new photo-sharing flickr account.

Here is the picture I *meant* to provide, which shows one of the fans 25
feet up in the air, and just out of arms reach from the stairs.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...387e15df_o.jpg

The biggest problem is HOW to access a fan 25 feet up in the air?
I have a 28 foot extension ladder but it has nothing to lean against.

On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 17:55:08 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

Here is the picture I *meant* to provide, which shows one of the fans 25
feet up in the air, and just out of arms reach from the stairs.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...387e15df_o.jpg

The biggest problem is HOW to access a fan 25 feet up in the air?
I have a 28 foot extension ladder but it has nothing to lean against.

Yikes.

Scaffolding is the only thing I can think of to reach it; even then, I
would hire a pro to do it.

I recently replaced an outside entry ceiling light fixture 13' high
and was nervous the whole time I was on the ladder.

We are not as young as we once were

On Sunday, July 28, 2013 10:55:08 AM UTC-7, Danny D. wrote:
On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:27:46 -0700, Oren wrote:



You provided a sideshow - including the pool.



Ooops. My fault.

I'm still getting used to this new photo-sharing flickr account.



Here is the picture I *meant* to provide, which shows one of the fans 25

feet up in the air, and just out of arms reach from the stairs.



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...387e15df_o.jpg



The biggest problem is HOW to access a fan 25 feet up in the air?

I have a 28 foot extension ladder but it has nothing to lean against.

Many years ago I once tied ropes to a handrail on a mezzanine and the top of an extension ladder, braced the bottom of the ladder to lean it away to reach and remove a large chandelier.
I had another rope holding up the chandelier while I disconnected one of the links in the chain where I lowered it using the rope once I came down and removed the ladder.

On 7/28/2013 12:55 PM, Danny D. wrote:
On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:27:46 -0700, Oren wrote:

You provided a sideshow - including the pool.

Ooops. My fault.
I'm still getting used to this new photo-sharing flickr account.

Here is the picture I *meant* to provide, which shows one of the fans 25
feet up in the air, and just out of arms reach from the stairs.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...387e15df_o.jpg

The biggest problem is HOW to access a fan 25 feet up in the air?
I have a 28 foot extension ladder but it has nothing to lean against.


When I had to get to a fan like that to repair it for a customer, I
rented a "Trestle Ladders", it's like a step ladder with an extension
ladder coming out the top. Rent instead of buy unless you is rich. ^_^

http://www.industrialladder.com/prod...&categoryID=33

https://tinyurl.com/mbgnbmv

TDD

On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 11:07:50 -0700, Oren wrote:

We are not as young as we once were

Nor ever will we be!

I think I'll first tackle the other non-working ceiling fans
that are mounted on lower ceilings.

The key question I ask is whether there is a "universal" remote
control for fans, which I can test out to see if the fans respond?

On 7/29/2013 6:34 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 11:07:50 -0700, Oren wrote:

We are not as young as we once were
Nor ever will we be!

I think I'll first tackle the other non-working ceiling fans
that are mounted on lower ceilings.

The key question I ask is whether there is a "universal" remote
control for fans, which I can test out to see if the fans respond?

There are universal kits. I don't know if a universal transmitter would
work with a Casablanca W-52 receiver, but even if it does, you have to
set the transmitter dip switches to match the receiver dip switches.
Since you have one working fan, why don't you drop one of the lower
fans, get to the W-52 receiver and see how the switches are set. Then
open your current transmitter and set those switches the same, then see
if it works. It may be that you only need to buy new transmitters

On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 15:16:11 -0500, The Daring Dufas wrote:

When I had to get to a fan like that ...
I rented a "Trestle Ladders",

Thanks for pointing out the Trestle Ladder.
I had never seen one of those before.

I had known about the "Orchard" or "Tripod" ladders:
http://www.industrialladder.com/prod...productID=2792
But, they only go up to about 12 feet.

It seems the Trestle ladder goes to 26 feet.

I haven't actually measured the distance, but, I've eyeballed it
to something around 20 to 25 feet or so (it's two tall ceilings
high).

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9...1b2c13d5_o.gif

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 20:56:56 -0600, Tony Hwang wrote:

Maybe they are in remote mode?

Exactly what I was thinking, simply because none of the
wall switches operate 3 of the four fans.

It could be as simple as their batteries are dead (if
the remote transceiver inside the fan housing even has
a battery).

Or, it could be that the three fans were turned off via the
remote and then the remote was lost.

There ought to be universal type remote around.

That's what I was hoping to find out.

Here's a picture of the one working fan:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

The one remote that works with that one working fan is this white
Emerson RF unit on the right, next to three other remotes that came
with the house - but which don't do anything that I know of.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/9...9ff2c342_b.jpg

The two gray 3-button "Clicker" brand remotes look like RF garage
door openers to me; and the one tan "Aloha Breeze" looks like it might
be one of the fan remotes; but it doesn't operate any fan.

Yes, I put batteries in all of them. I'm not sure how to test
if a remote is working though, other than to aim the infrared
remotes directly at a camera and press a button.

This proves the infrared light is working on the "Aloha Breeze"
above, because I can *see* the infrared light up in the cellphone
camera as I press the buttons (presumably because a cellphone
camera is more sensitive to infrared than human eyes are).

On 7/29/2013 6:22 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 15:16:11 -0500, The Daring Dufas wrote:

When I had to get to a fan like that ...
I rented a "Trestle Ladders",

Thanks for pointing out the Trestle Ladder.
I had never seen one of those before.

I had known about the "Orchard" or "Tripod" ladders:
http://www.industrialladder.com/prod...productID=2792
But, they only go up to about 12 feet.

It seems the Trestle ladder goes to 26 feet.

I haven't actually measured the distance, but, I've eyeballed it
to something around 20 to 25 feet or so (it's two tall ceilings
high).

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9...1b2c13d5_o.gif


I had to repair a ceiling fan in the foyer of an apartment building and
the fan was way up there. The only way to get to it was a trestle ladder
and I learned about them when I went searching for a way to reach the
fan. It was 1987 B.I., Before Internet so I had to go around to rental
places and talk to the knowledgeable guys there. ^_^

TDD

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 23:36:42 -0400, RBM wrote:

you have to drop the fan and the canopy
to get to the specially designed receiver module.

For the three fans in the ceiling, I don't mind dropping
them to access the remote unit.

Is that master remote unit in the smaller cap part of the fan
that is attached to the ceiling, or in the larger part of the
fan housing that is closer to the fan blades?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...68a83f47_o.gif

On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 23:36:42 -0400, RBM wrote:

Each fan can be set with a different code, so you have to
access the receiver in the fan canopy to see it's setting,
then match it to the setting on the transmitter.

Is this blue DIP switch the settings you speak of?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/9...7b1ecb8f_o.gif

I wonder how many in-series switches there are for any one fan?
a) The remote on/off switch
b) The wall (possibly three-way) on/off switch
c) The fan chain on/off switch

On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 08:11:16 -0400, Art Todesco wrote:

you should only have to 'drop' the canopy cover.

Is the "canopy cover" the small cap attached to the ceiling
or the larger housing attached to the fan blades?
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:10:55 -0400, RBM wrote:

why don't you drop one of the lower fans, get to the W-52
receiver and see how the switches are set. Then open your
current transmitter and set those switches the same...

This makes a lot of sense.

I will try that on a fan that is on a normal 10 foot
ceiling and report back.

This happens to be an easy fan to access. Does it also
look like that Casablanca?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...68a83f47_o.gif

I have one other style fan, but, someone is sleeping in
that room, so, I have to wait 'till morning to snap a photo
of it for you to look at.

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 06:53:41 -0500, The Daring Dufas wrote:

I had to repair a ceiling fan in the foyer of an apartment building and
the fan was way up there.

This is also in a foyer. So, that's why it's probably even more
than 2 ceilings high, as it's at roof level, so that's about 25 feet
or so (I think).

I'm not sure how to measure, but, I can drop a string from the
balcony to measure from the balcony down. And then, I guess, I can
stick a pipe up from the balcony to measure from the balcony up.

Will report back on the height. Will also call rentals to see
if any carry the Trestle ladder.

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:31:43 +0000, Danny D. wrote:

I have one other style fan, but, someone is sleeping in
that room, so, I have to wait 'till morning to snap a photo
of it for you to look at.

They woke up:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9...10acd64f_o.gif

Does this look like a remote controlled fan also?
I can't get the fan blades to operate automatically.

This fan happens to be the lowest of them all so it's the
easiest to access.

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:22:27 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

Is this blue DIP switch the settings you speak of?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/9...7b1ecb8f_o.gif

According to what I found the Emerson appears to be a

_SR100 Universal Remote Control_

3 Fan Speeds - Continuous Light Dimming (300w Maximum)
Canopy Mount Receiver
1.25 Amps Fan Load
Operates from approx. 40'

Scroll down a bit:

http://www.buyceilingfan.com/emerson/emersoncacontrols.htm

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:27:17 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 08:11:16 -0400, Art Todesco wrote:

you should only have to 'drop' the canopy cover.

Is the "canopy cover" the small cap attached to the ceiling
or the larger housing attached to the fan blades?
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

Yes. The top piece at the ceiling. When you get the canopy lowered
there will be a hook on the mounting bracket at the box. The hook is
used to hang the fan while you work on the wires or the module. Use
the side hole on the canopy to hang the fan on the hook.

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/guides/intern/ceilingfan/Ceiling-Fan-Downrod-4C2._V188078327_SX300_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:31:18 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:27:17 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 08:11:16 -0400, Art Todesco wrote:

you should only have to 'drop' the canopy cover.

Is the "canopy cover" the small cap attached to the ceiling
or the larger housing attached to the fan blades?
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

Yes. The top piece at the ceiling. When you get the canopy lowered
there will be a hook on the mounting bracket at the box. The hook is
used to hang the fan while you work on the wires or the module. Use
the side hole on the canopy to hang the fan on the hook.

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/guides/intern/ceilingfan/Ceiling-Fan-Downrod-4C2._V188078327_SX300_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Hanging the fan from the canopy

http://sitelife.blackanddecker.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/3/0/a386a8df-8bbb-4513-808b-933b5aeca6ab.medium.jpg

On 7/29/2013 7:34 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 06:53:41 -0500, The Daring Dufas wrote:

I had to repair a ceiling fan in the foyer of an apartment building and
the fan was way up there.

This is also in a foyer. So, that's why it's probably even more
than 2 ceilings high, as it's at roof level, so that's about 25 feet
or so (I think).

I'm not sure how to measure, but, I can drop a string from the
balcony to measure from the balcony down. And then, I guess, I can
stick a pipe up from the balcony to measure from the balcony up.

Will report back on the height. Will also call rentals to see
if any carry the Trestle ladder.


All I can tell you about working that high is to have an adult spotter
at the bottom of the ladder, preferably someone who is strong enough to
steady the ladder if you make any kind of move that might cause you to
lose your balance. He/she/it doesn't have to be The Amazing Hulk, just
someone strong enough to assist you with transporting and setting up the
ladder. ^_^

TDD

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:31:18 -0700, Oren wrote:

When you get the canopy lowered
there will be a hook on the mounting bracket at the box. The hook is
used to hang the fan while you work on the wires or the module. Use
the side hole on the canopy to hang the fan on the hook.

Thanks Oren, that diagram was very helpful as I have never worked
on fans before.

I will remove one of the canopies of the easier fans.

1. For the one working fan, I'll determine how the remote, pull switch
and wall switch interact (so I know how to debug the others).

2. For the fan on the extremely high ceiling, I'll hope to try all the
combinations of the DIP switch inside the one Emerson remote that
works the similarly looking fan (#1 above).

Surprisingly, since this fan is located in a foyer which has four
side entrances, the number of unknown wall switches is astounding.
There are roughly a dozen wall switches in that foyer, scattered
about, only about 3/4 of which I have identified what they do (most
turn on lights and some turn on outlets - but a few don't do anything
that I know of).

They should make it mandatory that houses come with wiring diagrams!

3. For the other two fans, both of which are different, I can drop the
canopy and see if there's a remote inside.

Does anyone know if these remotes inside the canopy need batteries?
(it might be *that* simple?)

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:40:11 -0700, Oren wrote:

Hanging the fan from the canopy

I see. Thanks. Two of my inoperative fans look heavy, so, the
hanging of the motor on the hook under the canopy will be important.

The main fan to get working is the foyer fan, 25 feet up (or so).

So, I'll first determine how the similarly looking working fan
works with the white Emerson remote, and, then, I'll try all the
combinations of the 4-pin DIP switch to guess at the code.

Interestingly, the problem will be compounded by not knowing which
of the dozen or so wall switches in the foyer actually operate the
fan.

There is also a cryptic switch with LEDs mounted at the front door,
which I will snap a photo of to ask if anyone recognizes what it is.

(It's hard to get photos off my phone and my camera busted.)

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:05:29 -0700, Oren wrote:

The Emerson appears to be a SR100 Universal Remote Control
Canopy Mount Receiver Operates from approx. 40'
http://www.buyceilingfan.com/emerson/emersoncacontrols.htm

Hi Oren,
Wow. You're a saint. That looks exactly like the one I have.

The most important non-operating fan is the high one in the
foyer. Luckily, the high foyer fan and the working fan appear
to be in the original section of the house, and they appear to
be of similar construction - so - I'm going to assume they
work the same.

Unfortunately, this one working fan is still in a very tall
location (I'm going to guess 15 to 18 feet) on a center beam of
the original house - so - it's still up there (compared to the
other two non-working fans which I think are in a remodel or
additional construction area of the house).

Neither of the two original fans are accessible through a
stepladder of any decent size (mine is about 10 feet tall),
but I *might* be able to get an extension ladder on the
8 inches or so of center beam shown in this pictu
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 18:46:26 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:31:18 -0700, Oren wrote:

When you get the canopy lowered
there will be a hook on the mounting bracket at the box. The hook is
used to hang the fan while you work on the wires or the module. Use
the side hole on the canopy to hang the fan on the hook.

Thanks Oren, that diagram was very helpful as I have never worked
on fans before.


You're welcome.

I will remove one of the canopies of the easier fans.

1. For the one working fan, I'll determine how the remote, pull switch
and wall switch interact (so I know how to debug the others).

2. For the fan on the extremely high ceiling, I'll hope to try all the
combinations of the DIP switch inside the one Emerson remote that
works the similarly looking fan (#1 above).

Photo or write down the current DIP switch settings before you start
changing them. They must have worked at one time, so you can go back.

Surprisingly, since this fan is located in a foyer which has four
side entrances, the number of unknown wall switches is astounding.
There are roughly a dozen wall switches in that foyer, scattered
about, only about 3/4 of which I have identified what they do (most
turn on lights and some turn on outlets - but a few don't do anything
that I know of).


Turn on all the wall switches and then try the remote. If the fan
works, turn them off one at a time until the fan turns off.

They should make it mandatory that houses come with wiring diagrams!

3. For the other two fans, both of which are different, I can drop the
canopy and see if there's a remote inside.

Does anyone know if these remotes inside the canopy need batteries?
(it might be *that* simple?)

Not that I'm aware of. A battery would require changing them in the
canopy. The remote control battery is easier to change. Remote modules
I've installed in the canopy had no battery - just the wired-in remote
module.

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 18:49:58 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

Interestingly, the problem will be compounded by not knowing which
of the dozen or so wall switches in the foyer actually operate the
fan.

Try pulling the fan light switch chain and flip the wall switches. The
light may come on - mark the switch with a dot sticker.

I used to wonder why wall outlets had stickers on them. The one with
a sticker was switched, I later learned. Easy then to know which
receptacle was switched for a table or floor lamp.

On 7/29/2013 11:57 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:05:29 -0700, Oren wrote:

The Emerson appears to be a SR100 Universal Remote Control
Canopy Mount Receiver Operates from approx. 40'
http://www.buyceilingfan.com/emerson/emersoncacontrols.htm

Hi Oren,
Wow. You're a saint. That looks exactly like the one I have.

The most important non-operating fan is the high one in the
foyer. Luckily, the high foyer fan and the working fan appear
to be in the original section of the house, and they appear to
be of similar construction - so - I'm going to assume they
work the same.

Unfortunately, this one working fan is still in a very tall
location (I'm going to guess 15 to 18 feet) on a center beam of
the original house - so - it's still up there (compared to the
other two non-working fans which I think are in a remodel or
additional construction area of the house).

Neither of the two original fans are accessible through a
stepladder of any decent size (mine is about 10 feet tall),
but I *might* be able to get an extension ladder on the
8 inches or so of center beam shown in this pictu
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

now, that idea is truly dangerous, especially without a spotter holding
the bottom of the ladder quite well.

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:32:59 -0700, chaniarts
wrote:

Neither of the two original fans are accessible through a
stepladder of any decent size (mine is about 10 feet tall),
but I *might* be able to get an extension ladder on the
8 inches or so of center beam shown in this pictu
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

now, that idea is truly dangerous, especially without a spotter holding
the bottom of the ladder quite well.

True. And we do not know how that beam is constructed - solid or
hollow.

I joke with a dear friend. "If I fall off this ladder I'm suing you!"

He replies: "No, I'll fire you before you hit the ground!"

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:23:25 -0700, Oren wrote:

Try pulling the fan light switch chain and flip the wall switches. The
light may come on - mark the switch with a dot sticker.

Unfortunately, of the 3 inoperative fans, only one has a light,
and, that light works to (but the switch still doesn't operate the fan).

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 20:24:41 +0000 (UTC), "Danny D."
wrote:

Unfortunately, of the 3 inoperative fans, only one has a light,
and, that light works to (but the switch still doesn't operate the fan).

Drop the canopy down and see if there is a remote control module in
there. Disconnect it (temporarily) from the wires, placing the wire
nuts back on the wires and test the switch again.

I've heard RC modules can go bad but I've not experienced that, and I
doubt the modules would all go bad at once.

What colors are the wires in the canopy - is one red?

On 7/29/2013 8:31 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:10:55 -0400, RBM wrote:

why don't you drop one of the lower fans, get to the W-52
receiver and see how the switches are set. Then open your
current transmitter and set those switches the same...
This makes a lot of sense.

I will try that on a fan that is on a normal 10 foot
ceiling and report back.

This happens to be an easy fan to access. Does it also
look like that Casablanca?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...68a83f47_o.gif

I have one other style fan, but, someone is sleeping in
that room, so, I have to wait 'till morning to snap a photo
of it for you to look at.

No, this one doesn't look like a casablanca, at least not their standard
canopy

On 7/29/2013 9:33 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:31:43 +0000, Danny D. wrote:

I have one other style fan, but, someone is sleeping in
that room, so, I have to wait 'till morning to snap a photo
of it for you to look at.
They woke up:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9...10acd64f_o.gif

Does this look like a remote controlled fan also?
I can't get the fan blades to operate automatically.

This fan happens to be the lowest of them all so it's the
easiest to access.
This one also, doesn't look like a Casablanca. Any of these fans can
have either a built in remote control receiver, or a retro-fitted one,
which is likely if there isn't any wall control for them. On non
Casablanca fans, you need to drop the canopy to access whatever remote
receiver is in there. It will be an obvious little plastic box with 5 or
6 wires and an antenna coming out of it.

On 7/29/2013 8:27 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Sun, 28 Jul 2013 08:11:16 -0400, Art Todesco wrote:

you should only have to 'drop' the canopy cover.
Is the "canopy cover" the small cap attached to the ceiling
or the larger housing attached to the fan blades?
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9...ba734fc0_o.gif

This fan is also, not a Casablanca, so it appears that only one of them
is. On this particular fan, just the canopy against the ceiling needs to
be dropped to access any remote receiver.

On 7/29/2013 8:19 AM, Danny D. wrote:
On Sat, 27 Jul 2013 23:36:42 -0400, RBM wrote:

you have to drop the fan and the canopy
to get to the specially designed receiver module.
For the three fans in the ceiling, I don't mind dropping
them to access the remote unit.

Is that master remote unit in the smaller cap part of the fan
that is attached to the ceiling, or in the larger part of the
fan housing that is closer to the fan blades?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9...68a83f47_o.gif
Only a Casablanca fan, which it appears you only have on the high
ceiling, has to be dropped entirely, to access the remote receiver. All
the other fans, you only have to drop the canopy off of the ceiling to
get to it. The one large ceiling hugger would need to have the blades
removed before the canopy will come down.

On Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:14:03 -0700, Oren wrote:

Turn on all the wall switches and then try the remote. If the fan
works, turn them off one at a time until the fan turns off.

Hi Oren,
That's what I'll do, but, it's actually harder to do than you may
think.

The reason is that there isn't a single switch in the house (except
in the garage) that is your typical on/off switch.

They're all unmarked paddle switches. Entire arrays of them.
Worse yet, since the house is a wide-open design with many entrances
in the main foyer, there are a plethora of 3-way switches.

So, the hunt-and-peck approach, which I am forced to do, won't
be so easy as just flipping a switch.