Elite controller button issues

[John-355919]

My Elite controller is 1 year and 1 month old so not covered by warranty but now has 2 buttons 3 & 5 which need repeated pressing to work if at all. Has anybody else had this problem? Is the a solution?

[P-Henny]

Mod 96RAF often responds to reports of this issue to explain that this can happen due to the way that the buttons work. He also says that sometimes the issue can be resolved by manipulating the button with a rotational massage of the button with the finger i.e press firmly all around the edges of the button in a rotational action for about 30 seconds.

If this fails to fix it, then he suggests that the Elite needs dismantling to clean the contact areas of the switch mechanisms.

96RAF publishes an Elite breakdown guide on his website (look to the signature panel on one of his posts).

Another 96RAF published TIP is to press and hold down the 'Loco' button whilst powering up the Elite. This puts the Elite in a test mode where each button can be tested for correct function as well as testing the LCD screen graphics.

[SteveM6]

I recently purchased a pre-owned Elite dating back to 2008. I updated the firmware before using it.

I found one button with exactly the same symptoms as the OP.

Phoned Hornby Customer Services, got a return code and sent it back to them for a check over.

Received it back two weeks later and working perfectly.

I would suggest you follow the same route.

[Fishmanoz]

Mods, could you please add “Button” before “issues” in the title.

[96RAF]

Those button dome switch contacts are extremely basic and the sticky tape method of attachment to the motherboard is primitive at best. There can be corrosion twixt contact plates and PCB if the keyboard hasn’t been used for a while and as stated repeated keying of the button can rub this off and restore function. Remove the tape and clean the contacts at your own risk.