Remote controls are not always easy to replace. If your remote control is lost or broken it may be difficult to find a new original remote, and if you do it may be very expensive. Still worse, you could find that your remote is obsolete (no longer manufactured) A second option is to find a universal remote that will be fully compatible with your device and these often do not exist.
Most features on the electronic device of today are not accessible from the device itself, so a remote control is needed. Take a DSTV decoder for example; it can be switched on and off and you might be able to select channel up and down, but the rest of the functions have to be controlled on the decoder’s remote. Therefore, it is very important to take care of your remote control.
Here are a few tips:
- Place your remote control in a plastic cover or Ziploc bag. This will prevent any food, oil, dirt or liquids from damaging your remote control.
- Instead of placing the remote control on a chair or sofa where it could be sat on, rather place it on a table, wall unit or in a box.
- Do not leave your remote control on top of a warm object like your TV or decoder as this will shorten its life.
- Do not hit or bang the remote against something if it does not work, instead, try changing the batteries. Should the problem persist, bring your remote into our shop to be checked.
- Check in the user’s manual if the manufacturer recommends a specific type of battery to be used in your remote control. This information can also be found on some controls under the battery cover. Alkaline batteries are usually the best.
- Replacing the batteries on a yearly basis will prevent them from leaking and damaging the electronics inside your remote control.
- Gently press the buttons on your remote, do not force the buttons or agitate the buttons while pressed in as this may cause the buttons to wear out faster.
- Remember that it is estimated (for a normal household alkaline batter) to last anything from 6months to 2 years, so be sure to have spare batteries available (Both AA penlight and AAA sizes, depending on your remote). If you have a remote controller that has a leaked battery inside the unit, carefully and safely remove the broken battery with a cloth and be sure to remove as much of the leaked fluid (oxide) as possible, especially from the contact points.
If you follow the above tips your remote control should last you a very long time.