EasyTouch 8 remote won't turn on

[Otis Campbell]

My remote is almost 9 years old. It won't turn on. I've put in new batteries and I've confirmed that they are installed correctly. It still won't turn on. Before it completely stopped working it worked intermittently for a couple of weeks. At that time I thought the batteries were dying. Hoping there's a solution other than replacing. Thanks.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Otis,

Let's see if Tom has any advice for you... Calling @ogdento

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ogdento]

I would bet that the menu/power button has worn out. These membrane keypads do fail, and if it's the menu button then you can't turn it on.

You can open the unit and hack in a new button, but you have to cut it open. @jerryt has a post somewhere showing how he cut it open and then epoxied it back together.

 

[Otis Campbell]

That makes sense since the menu/power button gets the most usage. Currently skimming threads from @jerryt and there are a lot of good options. Hacking the remote is a low risk action as it is already useless in its current state. Thanks for the help.

 

[Otis Campbell]

This was truly a collaborative effort and I appreciate everyone who contributed. @Jimrahbe asked @ogdento to offer some advice. He navigated me to @jerryt.

I read through a number of jerry's threads and found this gem. How to dissemble and repair Pentair Easy Touch 8 button remote There I found great instruction on using a diamond blade and my drill press to open up the controller. @ogdento provided a great table so I knew what keypad pins used which buttons so I knew how to wire my jump wire.

Jerry was kind enough to answer my rudimentary questions in private conversation which gave me the confidence to tackle the hack. I don't have any soldering experience so I enlisted the help of my 19 year old son who has two years of Auto Tech at the high school career center. He did a great job and my remote is working once again.

I used JB Weld Water Weld to seal it up. I'm not sure that's going to be the best solution so I'll keep an eye on that before we sit in the spa with the remote.

Anyway, thanks again for the help in solving this for around $20 rather than $400 for a new remote.

 

[ogdento]

one less remote in the land fill... great stuff Otis!!