Very abruptly the remote control for my Panasonic Omnivision TV/VCR combo suddenly stopped working. I've changed batteries, but still no response from the TV. I'm lost as to what if anything I can.

Hello,

Common faults are: some buttons not working, not working at all, corroded battery terminals. Often buttons are sticky because of some dirt accumulated over the years from the sticky little hands of your kids?
The hardest part of repair is often to open the covers. You do not need much experience in electronics repair to repair a remote. Also it is perfectly safe as there is no way to get an electric shock as they work with batteries.


step 1Test your remote with Digital Camera
Check your batteries first or buy new batteries. Once you have good batteries, you can test with a digital camera by pushing the buttons and having camera on and pointing to the infrared led. You should see red light if the remote is working. If no light comes up you obviously have a dead remote but do not despair and procede to the next step

step 2Open the remote control but there is a catch or a few catches.
Remove the screws if any. Sometimes screws may be hidden under a sticker or rubber feet. Often there are no screws at all but just plastic catches hidden so you have to be clever to open it without breaking the case. Use something blunt and flat toclick the covers open. This is often a challenge but should not be too difficult.

step 3Take a picture of every phase so you remember how to re-assemble
Since you are using a digital camera you might as well take pictures of the disassembly so re-assemly will be easier.

step 4Pull everything apart
Did you take a picture of the keyppad layout? Sometimes keypad is just one rubber membrane but sometimes the keys fall away like pieces of a Lego puzzle. And if the buttons are marked with numbers and functions you may struggle to re-assemble them in right order? Use a small plastic takeaway box or similar to store the bits so you don't lose parts.

step 5Inspect the circuit board and repair dry joints
Remotes are often dropped on the floor and may develope dry joints on the battery contacts or circuit board. Inspect the contacts and circuit board under good light with a magnifying lense or if lucky you might have a microscope or just a very good eyesight? Solder all suspicious joints. If there is a sign of water damage you can use methylated spirits and toothbrush to...

step 6Wash the covers and the buttons
Use a smal bowl or similar to wash and contain all the parts so you don't lose bits down the drain. Use old toothbrush to clean all button holes and buttons. Warm water with dishwash liquid does the job. Take particular care with those small buttons and clean them properly. If you can leave the bits to soak overnight they come clean easy. Ultrasonic cleaner would be goo...

step 7Rinse, drain and dry the parts
Rinse with warm water. Use a drainer to contain all the parts without losing small bits down the drain. As extra security use sink plug. Dry with a paper towel. Wipe the buttons dry individually as they may still have some dirt which makes them sticky when in use.

step 8Repair case and re-assemble
If there is damage to the case or buttons you need to do the required repairs. Use hot glue or super glue depending on fault. Let dry overnight if you had to glue something. Re-assemble bits in reverse order and make sure you have the buttons in right place and right way around. Small nicks and dents on plastic cover can often be repaired by heating carefully with a h...

step 9Test with Digital Camera
Test every button as before. Sometimes you have to push two remote buttons simultaneously . Once you have completed test with your camera you can use the remote.

I hope that this will help to fix the problem....