I thought to share the following experience with my fellow radio amateurs who might experience the same problem I recently had with a Smart Android TV Box remote control. (Image above.)
Not to go into much detail the grandson's remote control had a deep cleaning experience in the washing machine recently. Needless to say the remote did not want to work after the cleaning episode. I used a hair drier to dry the remote but to no avail. It was dead!!
Looking online I soon realized that a replacement remote at R494.00 was out of the question. A thought came to mind to try my wireless Shark Mini Keyboard I use when setting up Raspberry Pi's. I plugged the 2.4 Ghz wireless dongle into one of the USB ports of Smart Android TV Box and switched the keyboard on. Low and behold the keyboard worked flawlessly with the TV Box. I suggested to the wife that we purchase a new Mini Keyboard from a local Asian market.
With a price of only R110.00 I purchased one with backlit included. My grandson was happy and I saved R384.00. Not a big deal and I did not have to wait for an expensive online replacement. This little keyboard can also be used with the grandson's TV, Tablet, Sony PS3 and cellphone. I'd say a bonus for the price as it includes a built in rechargeable battery. My Shark Mini Keyboard is an older model and I must use 2 x AAA batteries.
What happened to the Smart Android TV Box remote control?
No it did not go to the junk-box or rubbish dump. I took it apart and left it for 3 days in the sun without the batteries. Well low and behold it came back to life and works without any problems. Needless to say that my grandson now uses the mini keyboard instead of the remote.
This Mini Keyboard has many uses as already mentioned. It also has a rightful place in amateur radio. Not only for the raspberry pi but many other projects where you need a small compact keyboard.
Images (Click on images for larger view.)
Above three photos: Older W-Shark Mini Keyboard (No backlit or rechargeable battery)
Above 5 Images: New Mini Keyboard with backlit and rechargeable battery.
