Today, almost all electronic devices used in everyday life are equipped with remote controls. TVs are no exception. How else can you change channels without getting up from the couch?
The TV remote control, being an intensively used device, often fails. It either ceases to function at all, or copes with its duties partially.
What do the most impatient and comfortable some of us do when the TV remote doesn't work? That's right, they want to quickly buy a new one. But if you have a desire and a few tens of minutes of free time, you can try to repair it yourself.
In this article we will talk about why the remote control fails, and also consider ways to resuscitate it at home.
The TV remote does not work: causes and symptoms of malfunction
The remote control device may lose its functionality due to some technical problems or careless handling. So, if your TV remote control is broken, before proceeding with itdisassembly for subsequent repair, it is worth determining for yourself what signs of a malfunction it gives. This will make it easier to plan further actions.
Most often, a remote control malfunction is characterized by:
- visible and suspected mechanical damage;
- lack of response when pressing some buttons (other buttons work);
- complete lack of response (all buttons do not work).
Let's consider these signs in the context of possible malfunctions.
Mechanical damage
If the remote from the TV does not work and there are obvious signs of mechanical damage on its case, this may indicate that it was simply dropped on the floor or intentionally tried to render it inoperative. The consequence of such treatment of the device may be:
- lack of contact between the batteries and the electrical terminals of the remote control;
- transmitting LED damage;
- violation of the integrity of the conductive tracks or (and) the conclusions of the electrical components on the board.
TV remote not working: what to do and where to start
It is best to start diagnosing with batteries. When the device falls, it is they who most often cause its failure. The test itself consists in removing the cover of the remote control and checking the position of the batteries. If necessary, they must be reinstalled, observing the polarity. Pay attention to how tightly their contacts are in contact with the electrical terminals of the device. If the batteries dangle, you may need to bend the negative terminals (springs).
If after such events the remote control for the TV is working, close the cover and continue to use it further. If this did not happen, we proceed to the next stage of diagnostics.
Charging batteries
Having removed the cover of the device for checking the batteries, do not be too lazy to check the amount of their charge. Although the remote control uses a minimum amount of power to operate, the batteries will eventually run out.
Checking is best done using a conventional voltmeter or multimeter. To do this, you just need to measure the voltage at the contacts of the batteries. It must not be less than 1 V.
If you don't have these devices, you can check the batteries for your TV remote control by using them in another remote control device such as a DVD, stereo, air conditioner, etc.
You can also insert known good batteries into our device. After making sure that they are suitable both in size and in the magnitude of the output voltage, remove them from another remote control and install them in the one being diagnosed. The test showed that it was the batteries that failed? Just replace them.
Checking the LED
The transmitting LED plays a major role in the operation of the remote control. It consists in transmitting an infrared signal of a certain frequency to a special TV receiver. First of all, inspect the LED for damage. If it's broken, the only way out ishis replacement. You will have to go to the radio market or a store specializing in the sale of radio components, buy the same element and solder it in place of the damaged one.
Does the LED look intact? Check out how it works. It is impossible to do this with the naked eye, since the human eye does not perceive infrared radiation. Some of the modern devices equipped with a camera will help here. It can be a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, etc. Turn on the camera on it and point it at the LED of the remote control. Now try switching channels while looking at the screen of the device. With a working diode, you will definitely see light signals when you press the remote control keys. But if there was no reaction, it is most likely not the light element.
Damage inside the device
Mechanical damage can be hidden from your eyes. If the remote control from the TV has fallen and does not work, but something is hanging inside, there is a possibility that he received a closed “injury”, which disabled him. As a result of a fall, the wire may break off, the output of, for example, some capacitor may fall off, or the conductive path may crack. Here you will have to completely disassemble the device.
Repair of remotes that have received damage to the board or its elements is, of course, best left to professionals, but if you have ever held a soldering iron in your hands, you can try to handle it yourself.
First, open the device. You are lucky if the remote control housing is from yourthe TV is fastened with screws. In this case, they must be unscrewed and the parts of the device disconnected. If the case is fastened with internal latches, you will have to sweat a little.
A knife with a thin blunt blade will help to disconnect the parts of the remote control. It must be inserted between the halves and, gently squeezing, disconnect them from each other, passing in a circle. When this is done, disassemble the remote and carefully inspect the board for damage. For these purposes, use a magnifying glass. Small defects may not be visible to the naked eye. It is also desirable to provide good lighting for the area where the examination will be carried out.
Check start from the conclusions that go to the batteries. Next, inspect all the tracks, and then the electrical components. If you find an open in the electrical circuit of the console, restore it by repairing or replacing the damaged part. In case of damage to the microcircuits, it is better to buy a new remote control than to try to repair it. At least it will be cheaper this way.
When individual buttons don't work
Often the reason that the TV remote does not work is the condition of the rubber keyboard. The lower part of the buttons is covered with a conductive graphite layer, which, in fact, closes the contacts placed on the board. It happens that this layer wears out from constant use, and it also happens that dust, moisture, and foreign objects get between it and the contacts.
Wear usually falls on the keys we use the most:
- on-off;
- changing channels;
- increase-decrease volume.
Incomprehensible oily liquid
When you discover that the TV remote control is not working and take it apart, you can see a colorless oily liquid on the bottom of the keyboard. Do not rush to blame your relatives for the fact that one of them spilled sunflower oil or sweet tea on the device. This liquid is nothing more than oil secreted from the pores of the fingers. During the operation of the remote control, it settles on the buttons, as a result of which contact between them and the pads is lost.
This problem is solved very simply. It is enough to disassemble the remote control, wipe the board and the bottom of the keyboard with alcohol, and the device will work like new. Before starting operation after such a procedure, do not forget to dry the wiped elements.
Is it possible to restore a worn graphite layer?
What should I do if the conductive graphite layer on the bottom of the remote control keyboard is worn off? It can be restored. Repair of panels with damaged conductive coating involves its removal and the creation of a new one in its place. But what is it made of?
There are two options here. The first is to buy a special kit for repairing remotes in a radio parts store. Such a set includes a tube of silicone glue and several dozen rubber patches (overlays on the lower parts of the buttons) coated with the same graphite. You are required to disassemble the remote control, carefully cutold pads, and stick new ones in their place. This repair allows you to fully restore the device for a long time.
The second option does not imply any costs at all. Take an ordinary chocolate foil, cut out the required number of overlays from it, respecting the size, and stick them over the worn patches. Of course, this budget repair will not ensure the smooth operation of the remote control for many years, but trust me, it will still serve.
Will the film help
You must have seen remote controls wrapped in plastic wrap. This method, undoubtedly, was invented by our compatriots in order to protect the remote control from the possible consequences of careless handling. Yes, the film can temporarily protect the device from moisture and dust. But over time, it loses its protective properties due to the same intensive use. It is up to you to decide whether to turn the remote control into an incomprehensible and funny object.
How to extend the life of your TV remote control
To keep your TV remote control working as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Try to handle it carefully so that it doesn't fall on the floor.
- Do not give the remote control to children and keep it away from “encroachment” by pets.
- Watch the status of the LED.
- Don't forget to change batteries on time.
- Don't use the remote when your hands are dirty or while eating.
