fixing tv remote controls

[Kenneth]

One problem that has annoyed me for the longest time.

due to normal wear and tear, I find the most common problem of tv remotes is one day, you have to press down very very hard on a button to change channels, volume etc. but later on, that particular button becomes useless.

I've taken apart many remotes and found the culprit to be the rubber contacts under the buttons that normally touch the circuit board loose their conductivity. I've had some success at repairing them though they don't last long. I've tried cutting small strips of aluminum foil and gluing them to the buttons. They work for a time, but then because I'm gluing rubber to aluminum foil, they eventually fall out of place.

Anybody with any alternative solution? Aside from buying a new one ;D

[stealthy]

there is this conductive ink pen we were using last time when i was still in the repair service. it's like a marking pen but the ink is made up of conductive (silver?) particles. you just apply it on the worn out contacts, let dry and that's it. it's quite expensive though but if you have lots of remote control with this problem perhaps it is worth buying.

try calling Alexan Commercial to check if they have this kind of pen -> http://alexan.com.ph/aboutus_branches.php#content

i hope this helps.

[Kenneth]

Thanks stealthy. I went to Alexan and indeed it is very expensive at P 850 for a very small bottle. Might as well buy a new remote for that price.

I just got an idea of using aluminum tape. I'll try it out when I get the chance...

[jessie2]

What you actually need is a Rubber Keypad Repair Kit.

But just a thought. You know those auto rear window defroster/defogger repair kits? It's some form of conductive glue. It might work and may come out cheaper.

[nicolodeon]

I've had my share in trying to repair remotes (TV, VCR/DVD, etc.) and it was always a 50/50 proposition. Learned my lesson so I just get a new remote if my old one gets busted. Remotes are cheap now-a-days: CD-R King sells a nifty remote for PhP 180 that can even function as a remote for Nikon DSLRs. Weird but true: I have one and it works like a charm on my TV, VCR/DVD, HTS and DSLR.

[bbn]

How about trying Super Glue? You might also try roughing up the aluminum foil with sandpaper so the glue can get a better grip. I've not really tried fixing a report but do tell us your results ... the remote at home has been pissing me off for sometime now.