Why The 32.768 Metal Crystals Fail In LLOYD AC Remote Controls?
I got two RC Units of Lloyd ACs fit in the community utility hall, where I too am in the Executive Committee. Both were found dead, even with new batteries. You can perhaps view my previous article on a similar failure here:
https://jestineyong.com/crystal-oscillator-found-defective-in-lloyd-air-conditioner-remote-control/
I pried open the RC Unit which had no battery cover and found it to be damaged beyond repair, as the springs were rusted and it had battery leakage on the board. There was no point in trying to attempt a repair as the carbon prints were all worn out. So I advised the Manager to go for a new one.
Then opened the second unit and after cleaning the contacts thoroughly using IPA, when I applied power externally, it did not work. Having experienced such a fault before, I straightaway replaced the crystal, upon which the RC Unit came back to life:
As the rooms were full and the RC Unit was urgently required, I ensured that it was quickly attended to and returned. Another goodwill work without any monetary benefits, which added intense satisfaction to the bag!
Now, my question to all readers is why the crystal failing in Lloyd RC Units like this? Have any of you faced such problems? Is it because of the poor quality of the crystal or design? Or is it due to drop in voltage and current because of drained batteries not getting replaced in time? Let us discuss it here! Servicing is not complete unless and until we find the reasons for failure as a part of taking preventive steps. So, I am curious to know the reasons.
Many thanks, in advance!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 74 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Nate
June 22, 2024 at 11:48 am
In my experience, I found that the problem is not with the remote. However, if the room is lit with fluorescent lights, the remote does not respond. When the lights are turned off, it works.
Parasuraman S
June 22, 2024 at 2:45 pm
That is very strange and I never heard of such problems before! Many thanks for the input and comments!
Waleed Rishmawi
June 22, 2024 at 2:56 pm
great repair work my friend.
I have no experience in this kind of issues so I am interested in finding explanation for such problems. looking forward to reading comments here. have a blessed day
Parasuraman S
June 22, 2024 at 6:47 pm
Yes. let us wait for some experts to respond!
Albert van Bemmelen
June 22, 2024 at 3:33 pm
If it indeed is the poor quality of the 32.768KHz crystals that is the reason....maybe the remotes often fail to work after the remotes had maybe dropped too hard and too often to the floor before, causing those tiny metal quartz leads disconnecting internally?
Parasuraman S
June 22, 2024 at 6:49 pm
Though the suggestion is quite correct, the shake within the crystal due to a fall is very remote! The crystal is firmly fixed on the board with glue. But I have no idea whether a shock of fall would disturb the internal connection. Many thanks for your expert comments and inputs!
Martin
June 22, 2024 at 5:49 pm
I see similar issues when there is a flux residue on the PCB. The flux absorbs moisture and the crystal will not start up. I clean the PCB around the crystal and apply a conformal coating to the crystal legs, connections and body
Parasuraman S
June 23, 2024 at 11:45 am
Thanks for the input. The area was clean and first thing that I did was cleaning with IPA.
Paris Azis
June 22, 2024 at 7:34 pm
The most common cause of crystals failures in remote controls and wireless phones is the Alberts' reference below. (Mechanical damage of them, due to dropping of the apparatus on the floor)...
Parasuraman S
June 23, 2024 at 11:46 am
Many thanks for the valuable information.
Imoudu.O
June 24, 2024 at 4:47 am
In jestine yong xxbasic electronics repair e-book,pg 157,he suggested if you drop crystal on a ground from decent height, there 50/50 chance whether it will function again.
Parasuraman S
June 25, 2024 at 8:19 am
Oh! That's an authentic input! Many thanks for sharing with reference!
W.M. Pradeep
June 24, 2024 at 9:07 am
These types of crystals seem often tend to get defective after a certain time period. I have witnessed many such failures where those crystals do not experience mechanical shock or ambient moisture absorbed by position fixing glue. As these tend to get defective it is advisable to use a crystal checker. Furthermore I have often experienced resistance in between crystal legs of which failed to operate and few got to function once crystal leads were heated. The best way is to replace one and see the effect in the first place.
Parasuraman S
June 25, 2024 at 8:20 am
Many thanks for your wonderful inputs, which would help the technician brotheren across the globe!
Yogesh Panchal
June 24, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Good Quick fix ! Sir
Parasuraman S
June 25, 2024 at 8:21 am
Thanks Yogesh!