tv dvd player remote controller repair

Troubleshooting and Repair of Hand Held Remote Controls of TV or DVD player

Twenty years ago, a wireless remote control was a $50 or $100 option (in 1980 dollars) to a TV or VCR. Early remote controls used ultrasound or radio frequency analog transmission and could perform only limited functions - you were lucky to get anything beyond on/off, volume, and channel up/down. Today, a remote control is standard with even the lowest cost basic electronic equipment. Nearly all modern remote controls use Infra Red (IR) light for digital data transmission. Some have more buttons and functions than a personal computer! Unfortunately, many have row upon row of tiny identical size buttons with no logical layout of functions. Others are a masterpiece of ergonomic engineering almost operating by themselves.

Problems with Remotes:

Dead Batteries or Batteries Inserted Incorrectly

Corroded Battery Contacts - Clean off the chemical deposits - first dust out the dried material with a soft brush and then remove the remainder with a damp lint free cloth or paper towel.

Broken or Intermittent Contacts - There are most often between the battery connections and the circuit board. Carefully resolder and reinforce them if necessary.

Dirt, Spills, Gunk, Oily Buildup Inside - This may cause circuit problems preventing keys from operating reliably or physical problems resulting in keys being just plain stuck or sticky. Unreliable or erratic operation from these causes is probably the most common remote control problem after dead batteries.  Disassemble completely and wash both sides of the rubber membrane keypad, circuit board, and plastic case with water (and mild detergent if necessary) to remove sugar based grime and then isopropyl alcohol. Dry thoroughly.

Worn Conductive Material on Rubber Buttons - Compare the bottoms of frequently used keys with those that are rarely pushed. If you can see the rubber through the conductive material after cleaning, the pad is likely worn to the point of being non-functional. This may be repaired with conductive Epoxy or other similar conductive paint or ink.