REMOTE CONTROLS [PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS]
First confirm that your problem is not simply due to a selector switch in ther wrong position or an accidential press of a key selecting VCR insted of TV.
The technology behind remote control devices has been around for more than a century. In 1898, Nikola Tesla developed and patented a "Method of an Apparatus for Controlling Mechanism of Moving Vehicle or Vehicles" and publicly demonstrated his method by operating a remote controlled boat in Madison Square Garden at an electrical exhibition. In 1939, a low-frequency, battery-operated radio transmitter, the Philco Mystery Control, became the first wireless remote control for consumer electronic devices. In 1950, Zenith Radio Corporation invented the first television remote control. It was called Lazy Bones, and used a wire to connect to the TV.
Most remote control of electronic appliances is done by infrared signals using an infrared diode that emits an invisible beam of light, typically a 940 nanometer wavelength LED. Multichannel remote controls use sophisticated technology to modulate carrier signals, demodulate the received signals, and use a variety of frequency filters to separate signals for various remote control functions. However, these infrared signals need to be in line of sight to operate the device, and may be reflected by mirrors as would any other light source.
Some remote control is done by radio frequency signals. These do not require line of sight to the device being controlled. They can be focused in one direction, or be multidirectional. Radio frequency remote control is widely used in such applications as garage door openers, automatic barrier control, burglar alarms and wireless home alarm systems.
If your unit is a universal type, make sure that it has not simply forgotten its programmig codes - reinitilize it. A common cause of memory loss is the batteries falling out or losing contact for an instant due to a fall or bump.
Some older TVs in particular may have a 'vacation' or other switch to disable the set [or just the remote functions]. For that matter, if you cannot get the equipment to turn on at all, make sure it is plugged into a live wall socket.
Some TVs may occationally become confused due to a power surge or for no goode reason at all. Unplug the TV for a few minutes to reset it.
Before doing anything else, check and/or replace the batteriees with new ones.
Don't ignore the possibility that your spouse accedently dropped the remote splitting the batteries, and put some back in backwards. This could result in totally non-functional remote, weak or irratic operations.
Tryto determine whether the problem is indeed in the remote itself and not in the TV, VCR, CD or other controlled equipments. The easiest way to do this is to temporarily programme a universal remote to match your equipment. If this now operates sucessfully, then you can be pretty certain that the problem lies in the remote unit.
If you are not able to get a universal remote to operate your equipment, then either you have not found the proper code stting or the remote itself is indeed faulty.
Should you or a friend have an identical or nearly identical piece of equipment, try the remote on tht as a further test.
If you have multiple pieces of equipment, make sure that you have not accedently substituted a apparently identical remote for a slightly different model VCR, for example. Not all equipment - even of similar type from same manufacturer necessarily used the same signal transmission format.
If the remote control is no longer operating check these.
* Remove the batteries from the remote control.
* With batteries removed, press and release all buttons on the remote control two times.
* Reinstall batteries. Verify that the batteries are installed correct way [polarity].
* Some remote controls need to be programmed to operate certain components. Refer to the operation manual of the product that came with the remote.
* Check that the TV/VCR switch is in the proper position.
Some remote controls work during day, but wont at night.
Causes; Energy saving lights may emit infrared signals that can interfere with the signal from the remote control. Determine whether or not energy saving lights are being used in the vicinity of the remote control. If they are, try turning them OFF and then test the remote.
Cleaning the battery contacts of the remote control.
Remove the remote control battery cover. While the batteries are still seated inside the remtoe control, rub them so thay are turning.
With a clean rubber eraser can also be used to clean the contacts with the batteries removed. Unless the contacts are made up of a spiral spring.
