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G8MNY > TECH 06.07.06 18:15l 81 Lines 3673 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 37230_GB7CIP
Read: DL1LCA DL8ZX GUEST
Subj: IR Remote control failures
Path: DB0FHN<DB0MRW<OK0PKL<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0BEL<I0TVL<CX2SA<GB7YFS<GB7CIP
Sent: 060706/0724Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EU #:37230 [Caterham] $:37230_GB7CIP
From: G8MNY@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EU
To : TECH@WW
By G8MNY (Update May 06)
(8 Bit ASCII Graphics use code page 437 or 850)
Although universal replacements are available most do not offer the full set of
functions. So you may loose essential buttons like setup, or they may be quite
complex to get that mode out of the universal remote control. Because of this
it is worth while having a good go at a proper repair.
TYPICAL REMOTE
Case _ _ _ _Buttons
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿³ ³ÚÄ¿³ ³ÚÄ¿³ ³ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿<Case
IR |IR ÍÍÁ=ÏÍÍÍÏ=ÏÍÍÍÏ=ÏÍÍÍÍ ³ <Rubber mat with moulded in buttons
Lens |LED===============================³ <PCB with its connections
³ Components~~[][] ~~~ (_)(_)(_)(_)³ <Batteries
ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
Each button has a conductive tip (=) that bridges 2 PCB tracks.
OPENING
One of the main problems is opening a control, some have screws (eg. in battery
compartment) as well as many hidden catches all the way around that require
top (or bottom) of the case to be bigger, so that the case catches can be
released without breaking them.
Top ÚÄÄÄÄ
Side view À~³Catch
ÃÄÙ
BottomÀÄÄÄÄÄ
It is not easy to release all the catches on all sides without marking the case
while levering it, or breaking the odd catch by not levering it in the right
place.
REMOVING LIQUIDS
These rubber pad devices often fail due to liquid getting trapped under the
rubber mat. Coffee, Tea, Sweet, will NEVER dry out on its own between the mat &
the PCB. So open it up & carefully remove the PCB (may have screws) & then the
rubber mat. If is has sold plastic buttons as well leave them in place! Wash
the mat & PCB in hot water & thoroughly dry. This should leave the contacts
clean & fully functioning. If there were plastic buttons over the mat now clean
them making sure you do not rearrange them if they have engraved tops. Put back
the rubber noting any alignment points. Put back the PCB (& any screws).
TESTING IR CONTROLS
Before you click back the case if you can test it. This used to be difficult if
there was not a telltale LED on the remote, but nowadays most TV cameras can
see IR to some extent, so it can be easier to hook up a camera to see the
action of all the buttons rather than test with RC main item.
BATTERY CONNECTIONS
These are often wire or thin plate. If a quality unit they may be made of
stainless steel. Often the failure is in the connections, either not enough
pressure or corroded contacts. Too much pressure or dropping can weaken the
spring metal, if to the point of fatigue use added tin can/sponge to extend
contact life. If corroded but still intact then wash parts with hot water &
dry. Grease up the parts (inc battery) to stop all further corrosion. If the
parts are too far gone replace with paper clips/cut tin can etc.
BROKEN BUTTONS
These can be repaired by taking a plasteseen/wax mould of good one, then
cooling it to harden (fridge) & using silicon rubber sealant in the empty
mould, & pressing it into a broken button.
___ ___
| _ |Make | _ | Fill _
/| |³ ³|Mould |³/³|Silicon ³/³
ÍÏ=ÏÍ ÍÏ=ÏÍ ÍÏ=ÏÍÍ ÍÏ=ÏÍ
« Broken Good one Remold Repair
When set (24 hours) warming up the mould, so it can be removed. Trim away any
spill with a sharp modelling knife. Paint the button if you can to match.
CONTACTS
If the button contact is warn away either on the rubber or PCB sometimes a
repair is possible with special silver conductive paint.
Why Don't U send an interesting bul?
73 de John G8MNY @ GB7CIP
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