thank you for the response.
batteries are in and the transmitter's working. i wasn't sure if i was missing anything else whether it was obvious or not. with proper instruction, i'd consider going inside the remote and/or receiver to toggle markers (like in a garage door opener) to make the two correspond, but i don't want to dig in too deep for something that might be easier to exchange.
is it wrong for me to assume this thing would work right out of the box? or did i just grab the wrong box? - very disappointing.
i've got a 14 day return on it. looks like i may have to exercise that option in the next day or two.