The remote control has become a familiar accessory for your TV and other consumer electronics. However, sometimes the remote does not respond well to pressure, making it difficult to control the TV or even causing it to stop working entirely. If you have a universal remote, it controls the TV using infrared signals to send commands, a technology that has been around for a long time. The infrared spectrum was chosen for control for a very simple reason: these signals reflect well off surfaces or walls, making control more convenient. You don’t need to aim directly at the TV’s signal receiver, as the TV responds well enough to the signal.
Universal remotes are equipped with numerous buttons, as the chip that generates commands can store many combinations. Consequently, the size of the remote control can vary based on how many buttons the manufacturer chooses to include. Below is a picture of universal remotes.
Who judged the remote control could be noted that under the most frequently used buttons are going to the substance of unknown origin similar to silicone. Most likely this is the allocation of substances made of silicone, which provides the elasticity of buttons, with more dirt is formed in those areas that are more commonly used, perhaps it affects the temperature of the human hand.
How to check if the infrared remote control works
The remote control may stop working due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, accidental drops, or a failure of an electronic component. If your remote operates in the infrared emission spectrum, it typically has a front LED, which may be covered by plastic. This is the part that sends signals to the TV.
Infrared light is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by a camera. To check if your remote is working properly, take any camera or smartphone, turn on the camera function, and point it at the infrared LED on the remote. Press any button on the remote control, and you should see the infrared LED flickering on your phone’s screen. If the LED flickers, the remote is functioning properly. If you don’t see the flicker, first check and replace the batteries. If that doesn’t help, the remote may be faulty and need to be replaced.
Below is a photo showing a working remote control in standby mode with the LED illuminated when a button is pressed.
Some buttons on the remote control do not work
If the buttons on your remote control require firm pressure to change the channel, there may be several reasons:
The conductive layer on the button is worn: In low-quality remotes, the buttons may have a conductive layer that wears out over time. Higher-quality remotes, on the other hand, use durable rubber buttons with a conductive material that ensures long-lasting performance.
Dirt under the button contact: Dirt or debris can accumulate under the buttons, resulting in poor contact. In this case, the remote needs to be disassembled and cleaned. It is best to use a soap solution or a liquid cleaner, such as a monitor screen cleaner. After cleaning, be sure to dry the remote control thoroughly.
Silicone residue: Often, a sticky silicone-like substance can be seen underneath the most frequently used buttons. This is most likely modified silicone, a material that gives the buttons elasticity. Over time, this substance, along with dirt, builds up, especially on the buttons you press most often. The temperature of your hand can also contribute to this buildup.
Dead batteries: If the batteries in your remote control are worn out, the remote control will not immediately stop working but will respond poorly to button presses. You may need to point the remote control at the TV and press the buttons several times to operate it. Replace the batteries with new ones.
Cleaning the remote or replacing the batteries can often restore its functionality and make the buttons responsive again.
