Remotes

[TalGal]

We have two Roku devises, but have been using the same remote for both because one remote quit working several months ago.  I was messing with the inoperable remote today and it started working again!  I discovered it works intermittently if I keep the battery cover off and wiggle the batteries when it stops working. 

It appears the batteries don’t stay properly seated to make a continuous connection.  Is there a way to adjust the connection points somehow to ensure continuous operation?  I tried cleaning the metal connectors with an old toothbrush, roughed them up a bit with sandpaper, and extended the springs to ensure they are tight, but nothing has corrected the problem. 

[makaiguy]

Did you clean the contacts on the batteries as well?

[TalGal]

I didn’t clean them since nothing looked dirty and I sanded the top surfaces, but have since read cleaning with vinegar and/or alcohol will remove oxidization and any sticky or oily material. I’ll give that a try as well. Thank you.

[makaiguy]

FWIW, I've always found a good scrub with a pencil eraser does a pretty good job.

[Strega]

Have you compared the batteries to others?  Over the years I've seen a surprisingly large number of posts and user reviews about supposedly standard size batteries varying in size.  I've seen talk of crumpling up some aluminum foil to take up the slack.

Another thing that can happen is that bits of plastic in the remote can crack or break off entirely.  This is especially easy if the remote has ever fallen since the batteries are relatively heavy.

By the way, sanding seems like a potential "short term fix" to me.  Ie: if you're not careful, you might sand through a plating that keeps the metal underneath from oxidizing.