Some of my IR remotes for various devices, such as TV, sat. rcvr, etc. have developed "bad" buttons that no longer emit a signal. Specifically, an X10 multifunction remote (second one after first one did the same), and a Dish sat. rcvr. Remote.
The scenario is always the same; When the remote is new, everything works fine. Maybe a year or so later, the button(s) requires a somewhat harder push than before, then even harder, then nothing no matter how hard you push.
Is there any way to prevent and repair this?

Thanks,
Duke

First, change the batteries in the remote. Second, hold a piece of paper in front of the Infrared shield and see if you can pick up the signal being emitted.

Second, either contact the vendor of the product and ask for a new remote or purchase a new universal remote that allows you to download new codes as more products become available.

There are repair kits for the buttons. I think Audio and Video, Computer Parts, Batteries, Cable and Wiring at MCM Electronics (http://www.mcmelectronics.com) has one.

There are repair kits for the buttons. I think Audio and Video, Computer Parts, Batteries, Cable and Wiring at MCM Electronics (http://www.mcmelectronics.com) has one.

So there is no repair, such as cleaning the button pad and the contact area? How exactly do these things work?

Duke

Here is the kit:

Rubber Keypad Repair Kit : CW2610 (http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?product_id=20-2070&catalog_name=MCMProducts)

Cleaning should be tried first. Disassemble the remote and you'll find a PC board and a sheet of "rubber buttons". Use alcohol on the PC board - the side where the buttons are.

There will be copper traces where the rubber buttons contact.

The buttons themselves are made of a layer of a conductive elastomer. Sometimes the layer wears away and requires the kit. Wash the buttons with soap and water and displace the water with some alcohol.

Let both pieces dry and re-assemble.

Replacing the remote or getting a universal remote are generally the other options.

Many times, you can dissassemble remote, wash the rubber membrane, use an pencil eraser to clean copper contacts, and reassemble. The problem is usually liquids, or dirt entering through the buttons.

Here is the kit:

Rubber Keypad Repair Kit : CW2610 (http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?product_id=20-2070&catalog_name=MCMProducts)

Cleaning should be tried first. Disassemble the remote and you'll find a PC board and a sheet of "rubber buttons". Use alcohol on the PC board - the side where the buttons are.

There will be copper traces where the rubber buttons contact.

The buttons themselves are made of a layer of a conductive elastomer. Sometimes the layer wears away and requires the kit. Wash the buttons with soap and water and displace the water with some alcohol.

Let both pieces dry and re-assemble.

Replacing the remote or getting a universal remote are generally the other options.

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.
Now, if I can only figure how to open the @1#^%$ things without breaking them!:rolleyes:

Duke

I would remove batteries first, look for any screws. If none, then it is press fit, sometimes with a knife blade carefully,and tweak sideways. Screwdriver blades have so much leverage, they deform the plastic. The blade distributes the pressure. Don't use a sharp knife, and be careful. If you have your old broke remote, you could practice opening that first to see how halfs are secured.

Took 2 apart, cleaned per you guys' info, and two now are fully functional. Thanks!

Duke

PS: There were no "copper "contacts, just some black stuff, identity unknown. Used alcohol VERY gently.

I think that black may be a carbon? Mixture, alcahol, or eraser(has light abrassive) will clean both.