Vast remote controller (wanted)

[BruceS]

Does anyone have a spare Vast remote they have no use for anymore?
Mine has about 6 non responsive buttons that I've tried several times to revive but not successful.
It's the Altec make of machine & either the the PVR or non PVR remote will do the basic changes I need.
The one that has ""MODEL B3"" on the back is the one that is failing. (non PVR)
If anyone knows how to repair the contacts I'd like to know.
I've tried alcohol wipe, electronic contact cleaner & electrical conductivity paste with no improvement.

[supersparky]

Bruce, can you actually see the contacts when you disassemble the remote?

[BruceS]

Yes David. I think the type is like one of the VERY first types of mechanical contact.
There are tiny pads in pairs on the PCB or whatever it's called, & when the button is pressed a little carbon like 'button' contacts across the two.
I've tried completing the 'circuit' with a short piece of wire but no result.
I've tried cleaning both the contact pads & the bottom of the 'button' with Alcohol etc etc as I said in original post.
Any tips?

[supersparky]

Bruce, back in the old days we would try to clean the contact points with an old clean piece of newspaper. Stay away from the newsprint though. Worked well for us on relays contacts and card slots. Dunno how it will go on a remote though. When we had the mega humidity here a few weeks back I pulled the TV remote apart and left it on the elec HWS overnight. That did the trick. Good luck.

[Busman]

My computer guy makes most of his money cleaning RAM contacts, just uses an ordinary rubber (as in eraser), might be worth a go ?

[jon_d]

Bruce,

What model VAST receiver do you have?

and, lots of remotes on ebay etc.

https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... ast+remote

[BruceS]

Thanks for the replies. I've tried just about every trick in the book so that is why I'm looking for another one.
The model is a DSD4121 which is probably the first model the company (& Australian Gov allowed) released in Australia.
Both remotes I have will operate these units OK although ofcourse the AVR one won't record. I believe I can send it in & have it upgraded but I'm not interested in doing that.
At present it's a pain in the butt having to remember to take the one (good) controller to the bedroom at night and then back again for the lounge.
I'll grab some pics.

remotemodels.jpg

insides.jpg

[jon_d]

Bruce,

try wiping the all the buttons and all landing pads on the circuit board down with some iso alcohol.
Generally the buttons that work are the buttons that are faulty. (they stop the other buttons from working)

https://diggersaustralia.com.au/product ... l-alcohol/ about $11 at the HW store.


or:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/254229842815?

[BruceS]

I actually went to the chemist & he put some pure alcohol in a tiny bottle for me. I think it was 99 proof or something & he firstly said it's not for sale to the public.
Once I explained he relented.
It never helped.
I was wondering if the little pads are impregnated with say, copper dust or some other conductive material & it has deteriorated or now I've washed it more out/away ?
Anyway, no dramas. I'll wait to see if firstly anyone has one laying around & if not I'll buy another.

[jon_d]

"copper dust or some other conductive material"

yes, but it's probably impregnated carbon black

Either, it's worn off, or transferred to the cct board and is stuck on. The switch matrix is partially on and is masking the pattern from the non-working buttons.

Based on all the adverts, a common problem - maybe??