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Remote controller in the drink!!

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Ryan Parle

Wed Jul 01 2009, 06:36PM

Registered Member #2038 Joined: Fri Mar 20 2009, 03:39PM
Location: Bristol Uk
Posts: 60

I just got home to find the remote controller for my Squeezebox music player was submersed a couple inches deep in a glass of juice/squash.

I'm not sure how long it was like it, it probably happened about 8am when i got up.

i'd just like a few tips on giving it the best possible dry out in the hope that it will work again. I've had a look over it for screws so i can clean the board in IPA or other solvent, but the case seems to be a sealed unit.

I figured that washing it off in tap water was better than the sticky juice residue so i gave it a quick rinse under the tap and have now put it in the airing cupboard to dry.

Can anyone think of anything else that might help? another light solvent that wont attack the plastic? I'd be gutted if it didnt work as i would have no way of controlling my music without a pc being on.

Mike

Wed Jul 01 2009, 07:17PM

Registered Member #58 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 05:40AM
Location: Tri-Cities, Washington, US
Posts: 317

If you think you need to you could use some rubbing alcohol to clean off the circuit board. Usually in these cases you should let the device dry out for 2days probably by sitting on a vent or in some other dry place.

Chris Russell

Wed Jul 01 2009, 08:13PM

... not Russel!
Registered Member #1 Joined: Thu Jan 26 2006, 12:18AM
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Posts: 1052

Rubbing alcohol may help. Your best bet is to let it dry completely, in a warm area, for at least several days.

You may consider submerging it in something that will absorb moisture, such as a few cups of uncooked white rice.

MinorityCarrier

Wed Jul 01 2009, 10:22PM

Registered Member #2123 Joined: Sat May 16 2009, 03:10AM
Location: Bend, Oregon
Posts: 312

Long ago I worked for a company that made underwater photgraphic stropelights.

Method to clean after being flooded with sea water (and after battery was removed) was a tap water rinse, a de-ionized water rinse, an isopropyl alcohol rinse and then air dry.

GeordieBoy

Wed Jul 01 2009, 10:59PM

Registered Member #1232 Joined: Wed Jan 16 2008, 10:53PM
Location: Doon tha Toon!
Posts: 881

For any battery powered electrical item dropped in liquids such as drinks or fallen in the bath, I would:

1. Remove batteries immediately to prevent electrical malfunctioning,
2. Rinse with copious amounts of tap water (or distilled water if you have got it handy) as soon as possible. This removes any sticky sugary drink residue and also dilutes any salts or acid that might cause corrosion of metals.
3. Dry with a compressed air blower if you have an air-line or compressed air can. If not then pad dry with kitchen roll abd place in a warm dry place like the airing cupboard. Don't put the appliance in an oven! ...unless the dial goes down to really low temperatures like 50'C. Anything higher could damage electrical components such as PCB mounted batteries.

If power is removed quickly after immersion, and any contaminents are thoroughly washed out promptly then there is a very good chance that it will work again once completely dry.

-Richie,

Ryan Parle

Thu Jul 02 2009, 05:47PM

Registered Member #2038 Joined: Fri Mar 20 2009, 03:39PM
Location: Bristol Uk
Posts: 60

Thanks guys for all the advice.

Its quite likeley that the remote spent most of the day immersed in the drink, i've had it in a dry place for a good length of time since i rinsed it with tap water, tried it with a good set of batteries and nothing happened, the IRLed doesnt seem to give any signal.

i excpect that the length of time spent in liquid has actually damaged the components.

on closer inspection i have found that the case can be opened up, but i'm yet to work out how to do it without damaging it.

an upgraded illuminated remote is avaliable direct from logitech for $29 + postage to the uk, i might be able to find one a bit more locally.

Conundrum

Sat Jul 11 2009, 01:21AM

Registered Member #96 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 05:37PM
Location: CI, Earth
Posts: 4062

hmm... open up and check for corroded traces.

also i bet its got juice soaked into the PCB, there are ways to fix this including leaving it overnight in DI water then thoroughly drying in a low oven.

Dragon64

Sat Jul 11 2009, 04:52AM

Registered Member #1438 Joined: Sat Apr 12 2008, 12:57AM
Location: Canada
Posts: 218

This reminds me when I split cup-noodles on my old laptop keyboard. I had to get a new one because there was way to much problems with it after that incident and cleaning it was impossible.

From past experience with MP3's in the washing machine, I opened the back coverplate and just whipped up much of the residue of a cold wash with distilled water and a small cut piece of any microfiber in hopes to draw up as much moister as you can. Then I left the MP3 to completely dry for around 2 to 3 weeks in my very dry room and seemed to work fine afterward with a slight problem with the back-light.

When you are drying it, you could also try placing it with Silica Gel or any Desiccant, if you might want to decrease drying time.

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