Broadlink RM MAX – Smart home hub, Wi-Fi, RF, IR (infrared), black

The BroadLink RM MAX is a universal smart home controller and Matter Bridge supporting 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, FastCon, infrared and 315/433 MHz RF communication. It can be used to control traditional infrared remote-controlled devices such as televisions, air conditioners and audio systems, as well as compatible RF devices. The manufacturer specifies an infrared range of up to 8 metres and an RF control range of up to 50 metres in open areas.

The RM MAX extends the functionality of earlier BroadLink universal remote controls with a FastCon gateway and Matter Bridge support. Control data for learned IR/RF devices is stored locally, allowing basic remote control and local automations to continue operating without an internet connection. It can also manage local connections and automations with BroadLink FastCon devices.

The bidirectional bridge architecture allows compatible IR/RF devices and BroadLink FastCon devices to be exposed to Matter systems. The manufacturer specifies compatibility with Apple Home and Google Home, while Amazon Alexa integration is also available. The system can also be managed remotely through the BroadLink app.

About BroadLink

BroadLink develops smart home controllers, universal IR/RF remote controls, switches, smart plugs, lighting controllers, sensors and gateways. In addition to its proprietary FastCon communication system, the manufacturer also offers Wi-Fi and Matter-based products.

The BroadLink RM series is primarily designed to integrate traditional devices controlled by infrared or radio-frequency remote controls into smart home systems. The RM MAX extends this functionality with FastCon device management, local operation and Matter Bridge support.

Key product features

• Universal IR and RF remote control: Can learn and transmit signals from infrared and compatible 315/433 MHz RF remote controls.
• Matter Bridge: Compatible IR/RF devices and BroadLink FastCon devices can be exposed to Matter platforms.
• FastCon gateway: Can be used to manage BroadLink FastCon devices and create local automations.
• Local IR/RF control: Configured remote controls can be stored locally, allowing basic control to continue without an internet connection.
• Local automation: Local links and scenes can be created between FastCon and IR devices.
• Multi-directional infrared transmission: The housing design allows infrared signals to be transmitted in multiple directions.

Smart home protocols and platform compatibility

• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection operating in the 2412–2472 MHz frequency range.
• FastCon: Can be used as a gateway and automation hub for BroadLink FastCon devices.
• Infrared: Supports IR carrier frequency learning and multi-directional infrared signal transmission.
• RF 315 MHz: Supports the 305–335 MHz frequency range.
• RF 433 MHz: Supports the 430–440 MHz frequency range.
• Matter: Compatible IR/RF and FastCon devices can be exposed to Matter systems through the bridge function.
• Apple Home: Supported.
• Google Home: Supported.
• Amazon Alexa: Supported.

Smart features

• IR remote learning: Commands from unknown infrared remote controls can be learned manually.
• RF remote learning: Commands from compatible 315 and 433 MHz RF remote controls can be learned.
• Remote control: Configured devices can also be controlled remotely over the internet through the BroadLink app.
• Offline control: Locally stored IR/RF controls and local scenes can continue to operate during an internet outage.
• Scenes: Multiple devices can be grouped into a single automation or scene.
• Schedules: Timed tasks can be created for automatic device operation.
• FastCon-to-IR automation: An event from a BroadLink FastCon device can trigger an IR-controlled device.
• Matter Bridge: Traditional remote-controlled devices can be made available for control through compatible Matter platforms.
• Voice control: Compatible devices can be controlled by voice through Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Matter platforms.

Power supply and operation

• Power supply: 5 V DC, at least 1 A.
• Operating temperature: 0–45 °C.
• Operating humidity: Up to 85% RH.
• Installation environment: Indoor.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: BroadLink
• Model: RM MAX
• Product type: Universal IR/RF controller, FastCon gateway and Matter Bridge
• Power supply: 5 V DC, ≥1 A
• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz
• Wi-Fi frequency range: 2412–2472 MHz
• FastCon: Supported
• Matter: Supported with Bridge functionality
• IR: Learnable infrared control
• IR range: Up to 8 m
• IR transmission: Multi-directional
• 315 MHz RF range: 305–335 MHz
• 433 MHz RF range: 430–440 MHz
• RF range: Up to 50 m in open areas
• Status indicator: Blue/orange LED
• Dimensions: 114.6 × 108.8 × 36.5 mm
• Operating temperature: 0–45 °C
• Operating humidity: ≤85% RH
• Certifications: CE, RoHS

Additional features

• IR devices: Can be used to control televisions, air conditioners, audio systems, fans and other infrared remote-controlled devices.
• RF devices: Compatible 315/433 MHz remote-controlled switches, blinds, fans and other RF devices can be controlled.
• IR placement: Proper line of sight between the RM MAX and the controlled device is required for infrared control.
• FastCon Mesh: BroadLink FastCon uses a decentralised mesh network; according to the manufacturer's FastCon specification, a stable network can support up to 4096 nodes.
• Reset: Holding the reset opening on the side of the device for approximately 5 seconds starts factory pairing mode.