Hi HarvyH42,
To incerase the range, i understand that we have to tune the IR TX (555 frequency to be close ly equal to to IR Rx and only then the range will increase,
Reg arranging mirrors, i feel it may be possible by first looking with a red Laser torch (used as pointer in presentations.) you may perhaps initially arrange mirrors by using stick gum from your hall to another room and to a third room from there.
After being able to align with red laser troch and the final point can be substtuted with TSOP Rx and the torch by IR Tx perhaps, sir
Also, you may be able to park your car away and use its View finder mirror to reflect the signal back. of course you have to temporarily substitute by sticker , a flat mirror across it and orient it to reflect you signal back to a wanted point. however a visible red laser light is purposeful, sir
regards