Replacement IR LED diode for tv remote

[hschmc12]

Where do I buy one (or more)? Are they listed by size - I can't find any numbers on it.

 

[Galgso]

They're a pretty common item, you can even find them on Amazon. If yours is a through-hole round LED, it will likely either be 5mm or 3mm. You can measure the diameter with a ruler. The wavelength used on TV remotes is usually 940nm.

 

[ahsrabrifat]

You can find IR LEDs easily online. Some sources are Digi-Key, Mouser, Arrow, and RS Components. These suppliers sell QC-passed products. IR LEDs are also available at Amazon, eBay ,AliExpress ,Banggood etc. But beware! Not all AliExpress and Amazon sellers are dependable. You have to see the reviews and choose a trusted one. You can also search at a local electronics shop, repair store, or a TV or remote repair service.

 

[starLED]

Where do I buy one (or more)? Are they listed by size - I can't find any numbers on it.

Are you sure it's a bad diode?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Are you sure it's a bad diode?

They do fail - I used to have a drawer of replacement IR LED's at work (from RS Components), the main problem was selecting which one to order, there's a HUGE number of different ones. Another common failure was the reservoir capacitor (the 'big' one across the battery), less common was the driver transistor.

By far most faults were mechanical and abuse, dropped, liquid intrusion etc.

I used to have a big box (think CRT TV box) full of scrap remotes for parts, great for when you wanted a battery contact, a keypad, or even an IR LED

 

[starLED]

My first repair and SMD soldering was actually a Sony TV remote 5 years ago.

Trying to fix remote for Sony TV

I only have avaliable 1/4 watt. I doubt they would fit - you might have to buy tiny ones - you'd have to buy SM ones anyway, so makes no difference buying tiny wire ended ones. Space isn't an issue - you don't have to fit the resistor on the same footprint - available height between PCB and...

www.electro-tech-online.com

I thought also that IR LED was faulty, turned out it was a split hair broken trace at a resistor joint.

I think everyone (inexperienced) assumes at first that IR LED is bad, so I just wanted to get actual confirmation if the LED was tested or it's just a guess.

 

[schmitt trigger]

Mobile phone cameras are sensitive to IR light. Point the suspect remote very close towards the camera lens in a subdued light room, press any button and you’ll see the LED lighting up.
See the photo.
It is blurry as the camera focused on the background.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Mobile phone cameras are sensitive to IR light. Point the suspect remote very close towards the camera lens in a subdued light room, press any button and you’ll see the LED lighting up.

SOME phones are sensitive to IR, many (particularly modern ones) include IR filters, and no longer show IR.

 

[starLED]

SOME phones are sensitive to IR, many (particularly modern ones) include IR filters, and no longer show IR.

It's for normal, small amount IR light that occurs along with visible light.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

It's for normal, small amount IR light that occurs along with visible light.

Yes, and it completely blocks IR from remote controls - although that's obviously not it's purpose, just an unfortunate side effect.

 

[schmitt trigger]

Nigel;
That is the reason I mentioned that the room should have subdued light such that the camera’s sensitivity is wide open, it can be faintly seen.

 

[Tony Stewart]

You should have a DMM to test the battery voltage and diode test mode would indicate the IR less than 1.2V, about twice that of a silicon diode. Then report back. The lens viewing half angle can be estimated by inspecting into it with a bright light.