Is my 8810 toast?

[RoyGBiv]

I have a one-year old 8810 which I have programmed using JP-1 for 7 different devices. All had been working fine. About 1 month ago, I thought that there were times that the TiVo either didn't respond or responded slowly to the remote . This is the new HD TiVo, and there are all kinds of threads at the TiVo community forum that document some strange behavior at times, and that's what I thought it might be (the vast majority of my remote use is for this TiVo). Then I noticed that if I was using my Samsung STB it would sometimes not recognize a number or the enter button, and I thought it was just an aiming issue. About 2 weeks ago I decided to change the batteries thinking they were the problem. It seemed OK until a few days ago when the same behavior became noticeable. Last night I finally watched the red light as I used the remote to see what was happening. It seems that on at least 3 different devices pressing a button would sometimes result in nothing happening. But the really odd behavior was after a couple of no responses if I pressed a device button (just trying to make sure I was on the right device) I would get two quick red lights as if I just learned something or reset the device code. None of the settings seemed to have changed, and after that it would work well for a while until the whole process would repeat.

I have not changed any programming for about 1 month. I really don't think it is just a problem with the contacts on some buttons because it apparently could happen to any button. And, I am sure I am not pressing the setup button at any time. It is recessed on this remote, and you have to really try to press it.

In terms of programming, I have one relatively large device combiner protocol, but the TiVo doesn't use that as it is a 2-byte device. Otherwise I am not using any extenders or unusual macros.

So, is the remote fading away, and should I replace it?

TIA

SMK

[zaphod7501]

I'd try new batteries again , making sure to use Eveready or a house brand alkaline (anything but Duracell/CopperTop). I run a repair shop and in the last 20 years , literally half the portable battery operated products have come in with brand new dead Duracells. You might check for corrosion on the terminals , too. Also , oils from your fingers will eventually soak through the rubber contact pad and contaminate the board. A need for periodic cleaning with Isopropyl alchohol , pad and circuit board , is common on remotes under a lot of heavy usage.

[The Robman]

But the really odd behavior was after a couple of no responses if I pressed a device button (just trying to make sure I was on the right device) I would get two quick red lights as if I just learned something or reset the device code.

That is the remote's built in "low battery" indicator.

[RoyGBiv]

Thanks. I'll try changing the batteries again.

SMK