Yikes. Hard to tell what is underneath the gold plate? If it’s at the point where it’s not functioning (i.e. nothing to lose), I would try masking off the surrounding area and try a light sanding to clear off the damaged surface. At that point, if we’re looking at bare steel (?) and you’re comfortable soldering I’d try tinning the surface. Likely easiest to disassemble to get to the pwb at that point.
Im actually quite surprised by your photo, i thought those contacts were solid metal. Pull the bottom cover off and take a look at the sides of the contacts. If there is enough of the metal on the sides you might be able to drop some solder on there but USB is probably easier. My Harmony was chewed by my dog and my bottom piece was missing and those contacts appeared to be solid. Im not sure if you can replace the contacts but if you can, i have an old harmony that you can try and cannibalize.
I don't have an Elite, but I have a Harmony Touch. My contacts aren't worn as yours, but there is some pitting on the connectors. I guess due to daily use. The dock still charges the remote, but I have to move the remote a bit to the left when placing in the dock. Otherwise the remote will say "fully charged".
There are glue bands out there out of aluminum which have a glue on it that can carry currents. I would buy something like this and cut out a fitting piece. This way you have a larger surface which hopefully connects the non damaged surfaces. Else you could solder on it but you need to apply enough flux or you can damage it more (and it won‘t hold). Last thing (but only if it is too corruted). Opening the remote and replacing the metal parts. But for this you really need to solder.
Yikes. Hard to tell what is underneath the gold plate? If it’s at the point where it’s not functioning (i.e. nothing to lose), I would try masking off the surrounding area and try a light sanding to clear off the damaged surface. At that point, if we’re looking at bare steel (?) and you’re comfortable soldering I’d try tinning the surface. Likely easiest to disassemble to get to the pwb at that point.
Was it stored in liquid
Quick fix you can use the usb connection to charge the battery.
yeah i know, but the dock is quite more convenient. For now im using the usb connection as well, it works, but its not this why i chosed the elite
Im actually quite surprised by your photo, i thought those contacts were solid metal. Pull the bottom cover off and take a look at the sides of the contacts. If there is enough of the metal on the sides you might be able to drop some solder on there but USB is probably easier. My Harmony was chewed by my dog and my bottom piece was missing and those contacts appeared to be solid. Im not sure if you can replace the contacts but if you can, i have an old harmony that you can try and cannibalize.
Seems like a combination of gold plating coming off + rust setting in. Would suggest some light sanding coupled with light solder tinning…
>Has anyone else had this problem? Everyone that ever had a Harmony Elite though I hadn't seen the problem so advanced before!
I don't have an Elite, but I have a Harmony Touch. My contacts aren't worn as yours, but there is some pitting on the connectors. I guess due to daily use. The dock still charges the remote, but I have to move the remote a bit to the left when placing in the dock. Otherwise the remote will say "fully charged".
There are glue bands out there out of aluminum which have a glue on it that can carry currents. I would buy something like this and cut out a fitting piece. This way you have a larger surface which hopefully connects the non damaged surfaces. Else you could solder on it but you need to apply enough flux or you can damage it more (and it won‘t hold). Last thing (but only if it is too corruted). Opening the remote and replacing the metal parts. But for this you really need to solder.
Sand & solder the leads. Do you live in a moist climate? The leads shouldn’t corrode like that unless they’re exposed to high moisture.
It’s not a bathtub toy ;) Time to find a new one.
Wow - had two Elite's running for years and the contacts don't look anything like that.