Aleph P remote (Pass Labs)

[Pars]

I had an Aleph P preamp (commercial, not diy) which I sold to a friend a couple of years ago when I was laid off. He says the remote isn't working and asked if I could fix it. I do a lot of diy, and had built a diy aleph p before I bought this one. I do have the service manual as well.
Thoughts as to which part(s) might be bad and need replacement? I haven't looked at it yet.


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[Zen Mod]

cleaning , bad solder joints and pcb cracks

crystal too , if exists on pcb

those are regular things for remotes

I'm calling them mystic flying objects ....... considering how often we are searching for them and how often they're flying

 

[Eric]

I'd start by examining the hand-held part of the remote: check battery compartment for corrosion/leakage, make sure the IR diode is emitting, check interface of batteries and PCB in the remote for broken wires/traces from stress/dropping, remove the rubber button cover and clean the contacts.

I'd wager 90% certainty that the above will restore functionality.

 

[wayne]

Usually we see just a bad battery holder or broken wire/contact not much to it.

 

[Pars]

Thanks for the thoughts all, and thanks for taking the time to weigh in Wayne. Not sure when I will get a chance to look at it, but thought I might arm myself with at least a replacement IR diode before I do.


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[meeker]

I am a recent new owner of an Aleph P (commercial with remote) - what a wonderful sounding preamp!

So, apologies for resurrecting an ancient thread, but has anyone experience with battery life in the remote control? It seems I have to recharge the 2 AAAs weekly - as if they are draining without being used. I am wondering if this is a quirk or there's a problem.

 

[wayne]

The batteries should last a year or two since the IC draws micro amps.

 

[meeker]

Hi Wayne,

Hmmm, so I suspect something is wrong with mine. Do you have a suggestion as to what to check? I have a DMM and could replace components if needed. Or is it best to send it back to Pass Labs?

Dan

 

[eddyvb]

Try it first with ‘normal’ batteries? Maybe the remote needs 1.5V batteries?

 

[meeker]

Good idea - the eneloop rechargables are 1.2V ea, so would be 2.4V vs 3V for alkalines. i will pick up some duracells next time I go to the store (could be a while!).

 

[wayne]

You can check the current draw with a meter in series should be under 10 micro Amps.

 

[cyclotronguy]

Late to weigh in on this, but we do occasionally see either a bad IR transmitter or receiver.

Quick and dirty check is to look at the transmitter with a CCD camera and see if it's flashing when you push a button.

IF it is then we look to make sure the IR receiver is aligned with the F/P window and then look for output on the receiver with a scope.

As Wayne indicated 80% of the remote issues are battery box related. 10% stuck / contaminated buttons, 5%++ are IR emitters or receivers and a small percentage are aged out electrolytic caps in the remote.

 

[Zen Mod]

I'm too cheap to buy complete PL product;

can I buy just a remote ?

 

[meeker]

Late to weigh in on this, but we do occasionally see either a bad IR transmitter or receiver.

Quick and dirty check is to look at the transmitter with a CCD camera and see if it's flashing when you push a button.

IF it is then we look to make sure the IR receiver is aligned with the F/P window and then look for output on the receiver with a scope.

As Wayne indicated 80% of the remote issues are battery box related. 10% stuck / contaminated buttons, 5%++ are IR emitters or receivers and a small percentage are aged out electrolytic caps in the remote.

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the current draw and it was not measurable unless I depressed a button. It seems the remote batteries are now lasting much longer, so perhaps it was a stuck button that has not become unstuck.

thanks

Dan

 

[cyclotronguy]

The mighty "Zen Mod" could certainly purchase a Pass Labs 4 button remote; provided we still had circuit boards, casework and resonators required to build.

Unfortunately we have none of the above, all critical ingredients; sorry.

Best
Kent

 

[Zen Mod]

bummer

just realized that I should steal one from Papa's ( along with SITs, JFets, and everything else I did snatch) and simply blame Steven and Jon