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Topic:
Back surface of old MX850: Eww.
This thread has 20 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 00:02
Ernie Gilman
Yes, That Ernie!
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I just ran across an MX850 that I might want to put into service in my office for a couple of things, you know, so I don't stretch any muscles while turning things up and down in the office.

The remote has been on a shelf for at least a year and the entire back surface is sticky. Anybody have an idea how to clean it? Yes, I'll ask URC.... You guys are just usually faster!
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
Post 2 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 00:18
IRkiller
Advanced Member
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On March 22, 2016 at 00:02, Ernie Gilman said...

Anybody have an idea how to clean it? Yes, I'll ask URC.... You guys are just usually faster!

2 parts sulfuric acid + 1 part Astroglide. Works everytime.
how in the hell does ernie make money?
Post 3 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 00:33
Brad Humphrey
Super Member
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It depends on WHAT it is that is sticky on it. If the batteries were in it and they leaked, that might have ended the remote's life. Most sticky substances you can use Goo Gone and it works pretty well.
[Link: walgreens.com]
Post 4 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 01:09
FreddyFreeloader
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If it's that rubbery coating that helps you grip it, probably over time has deteriorated into some other chemical and can't be fixed. I'd look for a non functional but clean one and swap the guts out. I threw two away (customers trash) today, sorry. I've seen this happen on several of the models but can't figure out if it is due to bad production runs or environmental. Heat? Sun? The steering wheel on my old jeep did it too.
Post 5 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 01:48
tweetymp4
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Dis assemble the remote then rubbing alcohol, toothbrush.... Scrub scrub scrub. The rubber coating will come off.

The two MX880's I use at home were really sticky, alcohol worked great. One looked pretty bad so I put a coat of black spray paint on it, still good almost a year later.
I'm Not an engineer, but I play one on TV.
My handle is Tweety but I have nothing to do with the organization of similar name. I just had a really big head as a child so folks called me tweety bird.
Post 6 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 02:06
Daniel Tonks
Wrangler of Remotes
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Yeah, it's the rubbery paint. It degrades over time and goes all sticky, and this seems worse for certain colors/batches.

Most of the older MX-850s I've felt with the less tacky black paint haven't gone bad like that - but it certainly happened to the MX-700 with its dark blue paint, AND the beige paint on the front.

Seems to happen quickly for previously used remotes that don't get used for a while - maybe something to do with old skin oils.
Post 7 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 04:49
Ranger Home
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I replaced a customers Harmony One last week, with Total Control. Same thing, that harmony back seems like it was dipped in honey. Of course, didnt care to try to clean it. Its about five years old. I swear you could stick that thing to the wall and it would stay!
Post 8 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 05:20
Mario
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Cover it with duct tape.
Post 9 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 09:14
Impaqt
RC Moderator
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I'm afraid we cant help you unless we know exactly what you intend to control once the stickiness is corrected.
Post 10 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 09:45
highfigh
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Food often causes this and most of the ones I have seen that were sticky had food residue- often from some kind of oil or grease. This can also be from proximity to vinyl upholstery material. That kind of vinyl causes reactions with rubber, lacquer and many other substances.
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
Post 11 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 10:19
BizarroTerl
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On March 22, 2016 at 05:20, Mario said...
Cover it with duct tape.

+1 Duct tape fixes everything!
Post 12 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 10:23
Audiophiliac
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I have a Pro Control remote that is otherwise new, but I failed to put it in its box. It has been sitting around for a couple of years now collecting dust.....and stickiness.

I want to sell it cheap, but I would be too ashamed to ship it out in its current state. I am going to just start going through the plethora of chemicals at home to see if I can find the magic formula. Goo Gone works well, but it also usually removes more than I hoped. :) Alcohol might work. Maybe a heavy duty degreaser? Mix them all together and hold your breath....literally.
"When I eat, it is the food that is scared." - Ron Swanson
Post 13 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 12:25
KeithDBrown
Long Time Member
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On March 22, 2016 at 10:23, Audiophiliac said...
I am going to just start going through the plethora of chemicals at home to see if I can find the magic formula. Goo Gone works well, but it also usually removes more than I hoped. :) Alcohol might work. Maybe a heavy duty degreaser? Mix them all together and hold your breath....literally.

Let me know what you figure out. I have an Italian shotgun with a "rubberized" synthetic stock that did the same thing. Anywhere the stock was touched essentially melted, the rest is as good as new. Since the parts are no longer available the thing is worthless unless I can repair it.
Post 14 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 13:00
buzz
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I've seen this on a variety of products. In general, anything that does a good job of removing the "Eww" will damage the coating. Likely, the plasticizer is leaching out and attacking something or being attacked.  I would try weak solvents. Give detergent and water a try. Bestine can be a good problem solver because it does not attack many plastics.
OP | Post 15 made on Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 13:34
Ernie Gilman
Yes, That Ernie!
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Sorry.



Double Post.

Last edited by Ernie Gilman on March 22, 2016 13:44.
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
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