This WILL fix the range problem with the U1. My U1 now works flawlwssly, with twice the range and more. It takes some work to open the unit, solder in a new IR LED, and modify the case. I have attached pictures to guide you.
Order the new 80mw LED from Digi-Key, part number 751-1203-ND. TSAL6100 Vishay Semiconductor Opto Division | Optoelectronics | DigiKey
Remove the batteries, and open the case, starting from the display end. At the battery end there is a tab that must be released by pulling the back forward a bit. Remove the IR emitter LED. The new LED MUST be oriented correctly. One lead is longer than the other, and one element inside the LED is ' fatter '. Bend the leads as shown, and insert in the modified case. Then carefully solder in the new LED.
