The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for remotely
controlling device, more particularly to a system and method for
controlling locomotives in a railway environment using radio frequency
signals. This invention makes use of a remote operator programming unit
(OPP) to set address information in the transmitter unit via a
communication channel such as an infrared link. The use of the operator
programming unit allows eliminating the need to open the casing of the
transmitter during programming thereby reducing the probability of
damaging the electrical components of the transmitter. The invention also
allows assigning a unique address to a transmitter/receiver pair in a
remote control system. The invention further provides an apparatus for
remotely programming a transmitter unit.