[RE-wrenches] Old Outback Mate question

[Bruce Geddes]

The rubber button pad is available as a replacement part.  The carbon contacts degrade over time and cleaning does not always restore functionality.  Same with the buttons on the MX and FM controllers.

Bruce Geddes

PowerOn

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Sindelar Solar
Sent: Friday, 6 September 2019 3:01 p.m.
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Old Outback Mate question

 

Wrenches,

I have a customer with a 2005-era Outback VFX3648-based off grid residential system. Her original Mate had lost response on several of the six buttons. I told her that the Mate is no longer made, and a Mate3 is larger (won't fit her space), expensive and overkill for her needs. I offered to attempt to repair hers, as it seemed to me that it would be a simple task. I removed the cover and the silicon button molding, and used a Q-tip with a bit of electronic cleaner and lubricant from Radio Shack to clean the contacts. When I put it back together none of the buttons made active contact.

- Any idea what I might have done wrong to cause further failure? I'm wondering if the cleaner included an oil that hindered conductivity, rather than enabled it, and whether trying again with denatured alcohol (or something more potent still?) might resolve the problem.

- Any suggestions about how to correct the (fairly common) problem of the buttons not making contact after years of service?

- Anyone repairing older Mates that you might pass on?

- Any way to buy a new or refurbished Mate?

Thank you for any help here.,

Allan

-- 



Allan Sindelar
 <mailto:allan at sindelarsolar.com> allan at sindelarsolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
505 780-2738 cell

 



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