Remote control for Smart Parts 11" digital frame (SKU SP11008) doesn't work. Have changed battery, but cannot get any type of connection between remote and frame. Received as gift over a year ago, but did not have time to try it out until now. Smart Parts is out of business. Help, please! Where can I get a replacement remote, or does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it? The frame itself seems to work okay, but it is awkward and inconvenient to have to operate it from the basic controls on the back of the frame.

For remotes which use an IR connection you can see if they are transmitting using this trick. An IR type of remote will have one or two LED's on the front end. If it doesn't, than it may be an RF type of remote - this tip will not work for those.

Get some electronic device which can view a live image on a screen. A cell phone camera, digital camera, digital video camera, and (I think) even a web-cam will work. If you're using a digital (still) camera, you don't need to take a picture as long as you see a live image on the screen of whatever the camera is pointing at. Take your remote and find the LED on the front end. There may be one or two. (If there's two, one actually isn't an LED, but that's not too important.) Point the front of the remote at the camera (LED's facing the camera), and press buttons. You should see the LED's light up in the live image. While these LED's normally produce light which the human eye can't see, digital image sensors can, and they change this invisible light to light we can see on the screen. (Cool right?) So, if your remote is working then you'll see the LED light up on the display. (To make sure your camera is actually working as I am suggesting here, find a remote which you know does work and try it.)

The LED should light up for every button pressed. If one button doesn't make the LED glow, you may have a bad button - try pressing it firmly. Buttons can wear out. The image of the LED may appear steady or it may pulse or blink on the viewscreen - this is normal.

If the LED doesn't light up, and you know your camera works like this (you've checked a good remote), try new batteries - that solves most problems. Check the battery contacts in the remote - if they're corroded, (white flaky stuff caked on, looks like dried up salt) - you can clean the contacts with a solution of water and baking soda and a Q-Tip. Use a knife to remove any large chunks. Also, some fine sand paper works too. Both the flat contacts and the springs need to be cleaned. Wash any tools (and hands) with soap and water afterwards. Handle corroded batteries as little as possible - or better yet, use gloves.

If you have good batteries and the contacts are clean, and the LED is not lighting up - it's pooched. Try getting a replacement from the manufacturer (call or email/write them), or use a universal remote.

If you've found this tip helpful, please check the box below. =8o)

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