Your Universal Remote Control Center
RemoteCentral.com
URC's Consumer Remotes Forum - View Post
Previous section Next section Up level
Up level
The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:

Login:
Pass:
 
 

Topic:
replacing an MX-850
This thread has 12 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 09:28
splat10
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2006
17
My old MX-850 has pretty much stopped working. The button presses are so hard that I have had to abandon half the buttons and move them around. Unless anyone has any suggestions for restoring the button functionality (remote itself works fine still, just the botton problems), I am looking for a replacement. I know i can get another 850 easy enough but thought i'd ask if there was a better option (for under $200). I can deal with creating another all new program but if i don't have to even better. I'm not UHC loyal either.

My requirements are that it has hard buttons for all the key functions. I loved my 850 for that. don't need touch screen at all, like the hard button LCD like the 850. I don't like looking at my remote when using it.

Thanks
Post 2 made on Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 09:47
goldenzrule
Loyal Member
Joined:
Posts:
July 2007
8,470
You loved the 850, so why not just get another 850 and upload your file and be done. No need to reinvent the wheel if what you have has been working for you. It is still a great remote.
OP | Post 3 made on Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 10:02
splat10
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2006
17
the biggest issue i have there is that i can no longer update my codes or support it (i'm the evil DIY'er with a pro remote from ebay). If there's a better option for me where i can get modern code files i'd be better off than learning every new code if i can't get it to work. The R50 looks intreguing but it looks like i lacks a lot of the functionality and customization i am used to.
Post 4 made on Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 10:24
kdp99
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2004
143
I used the MX850 (after moving up from an MX500), I got hold off an MX950, set it all up and used it for a while, but in the end went back to the MX850, so I'd think hard before getting a different remote if you like the 850.
OP | Post 5 made on Thursday May 24, 2012 at 09:48
splat10
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2006
17
I tried the window defogger repair from advance auto and it worked great....for a day. Then the stuff started flaking off the buttons one by one and sticking the buttons on. I've given up on it at this point as the stuff doesn't seem to want to stick. Other than the buttons the remote still works fine for me (back light is out and the RF antenna is rattling around but i don't use those anyway).

Does anyone have a broken 700 or 850 with good working buttons? Can i get new button pads from URC for not too much <$20? I'm going to keep an eye on flea bay for one under $100 but it's tough. I'm having trouble justifying a new one with my 4 and 2 years olds thinking they should be controlling the tv when i'm not in the room.
Post 6 made on Thursday May 24, 2012 at 16:10
edmund
Elite Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2002
13,838
The mx-650 uses the same keypad as your mx-850, look for them as well.
Post 7 made on Sunday May 27, 2012 at 12:56
sgesele
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
March 2004
2
Have you contacted URC customer service to ask about a replacement for the broken MX-850 at a discounted price? Last year a drink spilled on my MX-700 and URC replaced it with an MX-850 at a big discount off of the street price. I had to ship the broken MX-700 to URC before they sent the MX-850. The reason I got the upgrade is because the MX-700 is no longer available.
Post 8 made on Sunday May 27, 2012 at 14:31
edmund
Elite Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2002
13,838
URC doesn't have extra keypads, so they don't fix, but might replace with another remote, call and ask.
Post 9 made on Sunday May 27, 2012 at 19:16
jba1001
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2006
2
The buttons often stop working because the contracts get dirty. If you're tech savvy you can open the shell by twisting it and then clean the contacts. First remove the batteries. Then grasp the end of the shell with the on and off buttons in one hand and grasp the lower end with the zero button in the other. Slowly apply torque like you are ringing out a rag. You will have to twist fairly hard. Soon you will hear a clicking/cracking sound and the case will begin to come apart along the seem between the front and back parts of the shell. Once an edge begins to open you can carefully pry the sides apart slightly.

As the shell opens, a few of the parts inside will be free to move around so, go slowly and keep track of the position of all the parts. I used alcohol to clean the contact surfaces.

I've had my remote for about 8 years and have cleaned the contacts about every two years when a button stop working.   After cleaning, the remote works like new.
Post 10 made on Saturday June 2, 2012 at 21:38
DennisMay
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
June 2012
1
I have one with 2 Working Universale remote control RF base stations MRF-250
and 6 IR cables and a/c adapters
$125 + shipping . [email protected]
404 271 9640
Post 11 made on Sunday August 12, 2012 at 00:09
Peter5555
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2004
6
Jba1001, many thanks for that tip. Many of the buttons on my 8-year-old MX-700 were becoming increasing unreliable (requiring forceful pressing), and I was on the verge of replacing it. But based upon your very helpful post, I cleaned the internal contacts below each button using isopropyl alcohol and the buttons now seem to be almost as good as new!
Post 12 made on Tuesday August 26, 2014 at 00:35
LewBob
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
November 2005
21
I found this thread looking for a fix for an MX 850 of mine. Cleaning the contacts didn't work. However, I found a suggestion on another site and it worked. I got a roll of metal covered duct tape, $6.99 at Home Depot, and used a paper hole punch to cut round pieces. I put a small amount of superglue on the back of the buttons that weren't working well, as the carbon had worn off. I gave the glue 30 seconds to start to drive and then put the metal pieces on the back of the button. So far, so good.

You could also try kitchen foil. There is also a kit sold on ebay:[Link: ebay.com]

You can find a video on youtube that shows how to install these buttons "covers." The idea looks good, but I didn't want to wait for an order to come in. I hope this helps someone.
Post 13 made on Friday August 29, 2014 at 13:30
JonW747
Active Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2006
621
Did you attempt to remove the old carbon by clipping it off like shown in the eBay video, or did you just clean it?

It's been very hard to get anything to stick to the old surface, so, it'll be interesting to see if this method holds up.

I may give it a try.

fwiw, the MX-900 is a nice replacement for the MX-800/850, but it does take some work to bring a configuration over from one to the other due to the new file format and button layout.


Jump to


Protected Feature Before you can reply to a message...
You must first register for a Remote Central user account - it's fast and free! Or, if you already have an account, please login now.

Please read the following: Unsolicited commercial advertisements are absolutely not permitted on this forum. Other private buy & sell messages should be posted to our Marketplace. For information on how to advertise your service or product click here. Remote Central reserves the right to remove or modify any post that is deemed inappropriate.

Hosting Services by ipHouse