Try alkaline batteries in the remote and see what happens.You say you have 2500 rechargables.If they were new,on their first charge,then the batteries arent doing their job.It takes at least two charges to properly cycle new rechargable batteries.The first charge,straight out of the pack will provide you with less than half power.It isnt until you run that charge out and recharge, that you will start to see the real power of the batteries.