Current satellite plus pro LED light

[nightowl66]

I have had this light for 5 weeks. The remote has to be right in front of the controller a few inches away to work. I was having that issue along with the buttons lifting so I emailed current and they sent a replacement. The replacement is the same way with having to have it a few inches away. Is this normal?
Also, anyway to operate the lights with the controller without the remote? The instructions do not say anything about using without the remote.