How to quickly test remote controls

If you’re like me, you have 5 or 6 remote controls that wander all around your living room. We’re even seeing them used in major appliances, air conditioners being the most common so far.

When one of them stops working, here’s a simple way to tell whether it’s sending any infrared light to your TV, VCR, DVD, or cable box (or air conditioner).

Just point it at a digital camera or camcorder, and if it’s working, the light will show up in the camera's LCD viewfinder! Fast, easy, and COOL!

I purchased a small sensor many years ago for this very purpose, but if I’d thought of this first, we could’ve saved some money. Try it - it works great!

The CCD’s used in digicams are sensitive to IR, even though our eyes aren’t.

Wish I could remember where I originally found this trick. To whomever first discovered it - thanks!

Copyright 2003 www.DavesRepair.com
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