Yamaha Remote Control

[VMat]

Hello,

I have this Yamaha receiver (RXV-620) which I've been using for 8 years, and now the remote control is starting to fail - input and volume keys, as expected. Apparently, they are long gone from spare parts lists, so I'll probably need to fix this one.

Problem is I don't know how to open the remote (RAV214/V6941100 - see image). There's a screw in the battery compartment, I removed it, but I still can't open the thing (and I'm afraid to break it). Has anybody tried to open one of these remotes? I'd love to have a tip.

Thanks!

[sacpul]

Well I don't how to explain well in english. You a small screw driver to put between the top and bottom housing coz there will be like clips to keep them together. After that clean it with a contact cleaner but if the internal carbon of the contacts is gone you need to using something different

[Steerpike]

Usualy they have plastic clips holding them together - about 6 or 8 all the way around. Mostly the clips break when you open the thing.
A butter knife is the best tool to prise them open with, or anything broad. A screwdriver will leave nicks in the edges of the case.

The carbon buttons on the silicone rubber membrane are probably worn out. You'll see what they are when you open it.
To fix, you need some powdered graphite, sold as dry lubricant.
Put a small (pinhead) mound of graphite powder on each black carbon button.
Then heat the powder and press it firmly into the button with a hot, flat, broad, clean (no solder) soldering iron tip.
Lightly dust off the excess powder. That should give it another 5-10 years before you have to do the same again.

[VMat]

Originally Posted by sacpul

You a small screw driver to put between the top and bottom housing coz there will be like clips to keep them together

That's what I was afraid of... I was hoping there would be another screw hiding somewhere...

Originally Posted by Steerpike

Usualy they have plastic clips holding them together - about 6 or 8 all the way around. Mostly the clips break when you open the thing.
A butter knife is the best tool to prise them open with, or anything broad. A screwdriver will leave nicks in the edges of the case.

Yeah, I already got a couple of nicks. Will try the butter knife.

Once I reach the carbon buttons, I think I can fix them. By the way, I read about this guy who fixes this kind of stuff with ground copper mixed in white glue. Seems very effective and safe (I'm not very comfortable with putting the solder close to the rubber sheet - clumsy hands). I might try that.

Thanks a lot, guys.

[Steerpike]

Originally Posted by VMat

By the way, I read about this guy who fixes this kind of stuff with ground copper mixed in white glue. Seems very effective and safe (I'm not very comfortable with putting the solder close to the rubber sheet - clumsy hands). I might try that.

There are very few - if any - adhesives that will bond to that synthetic rubber - certainly not white glue. Neither does conductive silver paint, nor self-adhesive aluminium foil.
But the rubber is totally unharmed by soldering irons up to 450 C - Ive tried that as a test. It seems the hotter the better, to get the graphite to stay there.