Remote control system with teach/learn setting of identification code

Abstract

The present invention is remote control system including one or moree portable units and a base unit which employs identifiction codes for security. The operator preferably can select the identification code for the base unit, preferably via a process yielding a random number, with a provision for selection of a predetermined reset code. The base unit teaches this identification code to a portable unit via mating asynchronous communication ports. The same identification code may be taught to plural portable units. This identification code is stored in a static random access memory in the portable units and in an electrically erasable read only memory in the base unit and this is not susceptible to determination by visual inspection. Each portable unit includes a capacitor for storing energy so that the battery, which ordinarily supplies electrical power to the portable unit, can be replaced without loss of the stored identification code. Each portable unit may have plural buttons and plural memories enabling a portable unit to operate a plurality of base units. This may also enable a single portable unit to control a plurality of operations of a single base unit.