Read the manual that came with the remote. It will give you a thorough understanding of how your particular RF remote functions. While the logic behind the steps to use an RF remote varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, the general principles remain the same. You wil need to manually program your RF remote with the proper codes for each component you wish to control. Before starting, install the batteries into your remote (usually AA or AAA batteries).
Find the manual for each component you wish to control. If you can't find the manuals, don't worry, most RF remotes contain the pre-programming code necessary for your component. You'll have to find the right one. Start with your television. Determine its make and model. The manufacturer's make is usually emblazoned on the front of the television, like Sony, Samsung or Vizio. On the back of the television there should be a sticker or model number stamped into the plastic covering that will tell you the model. Consult your RF manual, look under manufacturer and it will likely list the model and code.
Turn on the television manually by pushing the "on" button. On your RF remote, press and hold the TV key. A light on the remote will blink; this tells you it is ready to receive the code for programming. Release the TV button and enter the code found in the manual. Turn off the television using the RF remote. Most RF remotes also emit IR signals for the purpose of programming. If you can turn your television off and back on, you've entered the correct code. If not, move on to the next code on the list after manually turning the television back on. Repeat the process until the correct code is found and can turn the television on and off, change channels, and adjust the volume.
Repeat the process of Step 3 for the next component you want to program on the RF remote. Continue this process until all components have been programmed into the RF remote. There are usually "Aux 1" and "Aux 2" buttons, which can be used for any other components not listed on the RF remote such as a Satellite Dish set-top box.
Programming may also be performed automatically on some RF remote control units. Turn on the component you want to program in the RF remote. Press and hold down the component indicator until the LED light on the RF remote equipped with an automatic code search function until the light begins to blink. Once blinking, release the button. When the light stops blinking, it should have found the right code. Test it by using the RF remote to turn the component on and off. If it works, you've programmed that component into the RF remote. Some RF remotes don't contain a specific auto search button but instead require you to hold the on and off switches simultaneously. It depends on the type of RF remote. Continue with the process as you would if it had a designated auto search button.
Set up the remote base in one of two locations. If your components are in a glass encased unit, the base can also be placed inside. When it receives the signal from the RF remote, it blasts IR signals that will bounce all over the inside of the component unit, thus the nickname blaster. The base can also be placed anywhere in the room with the components where it has a clear line of sight to the component. Most base units run on house current so either way it must be close enough to an electrical outlet for it to work. The base usually also has an on/off switch so make sure it is turned on.
Pick a component you want to turn on. Designate it on the RF remote and click the "on" button. The radio signal is sent to the base unit which translates the radio frequency code to the appropriate IR beam and blasts the IR signal in all directions. One of them should find the IR receiver on the component. When it does, the component should turn on. Next, try different functions on the remote to make certain it is sending the correct IR signals for all of the functions you want the component to perform. Most RF units have a range limit of about 900 feet, but can vary with the architecture of the home. You may want to discover how far away you can be from the base unit with the RF remote and it continue to work.