Onkyo TX-DS575 Receiver "logitech remote control repair" Questions

...has now malfunctioned and is beyond repair. Is there any way to turn the RE EQ function on and off without the remote controller? Purchase a customizable universal remote or a Logitech Harmony

...Logitech Harmony remote), would it work? I ask this b/c an electrical technician friend of mine suspected that the receiver's IR sensor is on the same "volume control assembly". I guess I'm kinda ...