Troubleshooting Tips for IR Systems and Remote Control Issues
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Learn key tips to troubleshoot IR systems, improve signal, and fix remote control issues effectively.
Tip: Setup/Troubleshoot IR cable positioning with another person so you can find the perfect position for the IR cables while the other person is sending commands.
- First and foremost, please make sure that the remote and source you have use IR technology. Some remotes are RF (Radio Frequency) and some are using Bluetooth technology (Apple TV)
- Check if the batteries in your remote has adequate power – if not, replace them. You can use the Camera Trick. If you “shoot” an infrared beam directly into your phone’s camera, the otherwise invisible light renders as a purplish beam in the phone’s display. There are not many practical applications here, except perhaps allowing you to confirm if your TV’s remote control is indeed running low on batteries.
- Make sure you have placed the Rx receiver IR cable on the display side (TV) and the Tx IR blaster on the source side. Examples of cables are:
IR blaster cable:
IR receiver cable:
- Place the Rx somewhere near the display in line of sight where the remote would be used. Make sure to place the Tx IR blaster in close proximity to the sources’ IR eye. If, you are not able to see the IR eye of the source then use a flashlight. Some IR eyes are oval, circular or you may see a dark discoloration on the face of the source.
- Check to see if there is any external UV light or sunlight in the room where the system is located. This can cause IR interference. To resolve this, cover the IR emitter with tape or an IR cover that does not allow light from windows, skylights, mirrors etc. It is recommended to close any windows and turn off any fluorescent lights.
- It’s possible that an external remote control is sending commands through the J-Tech Digital product which is causing it to be unresponsive. Most of our products use IR cables that utilize commands in the 20-60 Khz range. Some fall in the 38-56 Khz range.
Call our team at (888) 610-2818 or email us at sales@jtechdigital.com or support@jtechdigital.com for more information!