How to reset the remote

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Direct answer to the question • For most universal remotes – including the popular STANG ST-620 ST-620+ – a reset is done in two stages: 1. “Soft” power-cycle by removing the batteries, discharging the keypad, and reinserting fresh cells. 2. “Hard Factory” reset by entering the master clear sequence 9 8 1 or 9 9 1 on older firmware after putting the remote in SETUP mode, or by holding the GREEN + YELLOW keys UEI chip sets until the LED blinks twice and then typing 9 8 1. • The process erases every previously learned or programmed code; you must re-programme the remote afterwards. Key points • Always start with fresh, known-good batteries. • Confirm the LED “confirmation blinks” – two blinks = command accepted, four blinks = memory cleared. • Keep the batteries out at least 30 min for a deep power-cycle if the remote is locked-up. --- Detailed problem analysis 1. Remote control architecture • Most consumer remotes use an 8-bit MCU often an 8051 or RISC derivative powered from two AAAAA cells. • Non-volatile data device codes, key moves, macros is stored in internal EEPROM or external I²C serial EEPROM. • A factory reset overwrites this NVM area with default 0xFF or a template image. 2. Reset taxonomy a Soft reset volatile – Goal: clear RAM registers and stuck GPIO lines without erasing codes. – Method: remove batteries → press several keys 20–30 s → wait 10-15 min → refit batteries. b Hard reset master clear non-volatile – Goal: erase the code library area so the remote behaves as shipped. – Trigger: firmware listens for a specific key matrix combination plus a numeric “erase” opcode typically 981 or 991. – Confirmation: 4 × LED flash UEI convention or 2 × long blinks on Far East generic controllers. 3. Sequences known to work on STANG ST-620 family Method A UEI firmware – coloured keys present • Hold GREEN + YELLOW simultaneously ≈ 5 s → LED blinks twice. • Release, then type 9 8 1 → LED blinks 4 × → reset complete. Method B no coloured keys • Hold SETUP until LED stays ON. • Type 9 8 1 → LED blinks 2-4 × and turns off. Method C older clone firmware • Hold SETUP → LED on. • Type 9 9 1 → LED blinks twice → codes cleared. Method D battery pull • Remove one battery. • Press any key to bleed residual charge. • Re-insert battery and, within 6 s, hold 2 + 8 until two blinks, then type 9 8 1. 4. Verification & troubleshooting • After reset, none of the device keys will transmit; the LED should light but TVVCRetc. won’t respond. • Use a smartphone camera in “selfie” mode to check IR output you should see a purple flash when pressing any key. • If LED never lights, measure battery voltage ≥ 1.3 Vcell under load and clean contacts with IPA. 5. Re-programming afterwards a Manual code entry: SETUP → device key → 3- or 4-digit brand code. b Code-search: SETUP → device key → repeatedly press POWER or CH + until the device reacts → STORE by hitting SETUP. c Learning mode if supported: press LEARN → source remote key → target key. 6. Why remotes lock up • Brown-out when batteries dip below Vmin during transmission causes corrupted EEPROM bytes. • ESD to keypad matrix can hang the MCU; soft reset clears it. • Some clones expose I²C pins; inadvertent shorts while changing batteries can zero the NVM area. --- Current information and trends • UEI-based universals now include Bluetooth LE and voice; resets often require pairing-clears as well. • Smartphone-driven “cloud remotes” e.g., Sofabaton U2 allow resets via app → Factory Reset → confirm on OLED. • Chipmakers Espressif, Nordic provide OTA profiles; expect future remotes to back up codes to the cloud, reducing the need for manual 9 8 1 resets. --- Supporting explanations and details • Key-matrix reading uses column pull-ups and row scanning; holding two keys together during power-up places the MCU in a bootload or maintenance mode – leveraged for factory reset. • 9 8 1 and 9 9 1 are legacy from UEI’s E2prom map where 0x9810 held the customer ID – writing 0x00 triggers a bulk-erase routine. --- Ethical and legal aspects • Factory reset deletes user-stored macros that might include IR sequences for subscription services; ensure no proprietary or paid-for codes are lost without consent. • Smart remotes with microphones may store Wi-Fi credentials; GDPRCCPA require user-initiated wipe before disposal. --- Practical guidelines 1. Work on a non-static surface; discharge yourself first. 2. Keep a note of working device codes before you wipe the remote. 3. Replace zinc-carbon cells with alkaline or NiMH LSD cells to avoid sag. 4. After reset, programme the TV first – it gives visible feedback mute, volume. 5. Label the battery door with the last-known good codes; saves time on future resets. Potential challenges & mitigation • LED feedback ambiguous → count flashes carefully; try in a dim room. • Inexpensive clones may ignore 9 8 1; resort to battery-pull hard reset. --- Possible disclaimers or additional notes • Exact key labels differ across regions SET, CODE, MAGIC, SETUP. • Some ST-620 units shipped with different firmware revisions; if none of the sequences work, consult the PDF manual see Sources or identify the controller IC under the key-pad. --- Suggestions for further research • Investigate dumping the EEPROM via an Arduino clip to archive working configurations. • Explore open-source firmware e.g., jp1 community for advanced macro and longshort press functions. • Evaluate smartphone IR blasters as a backup while the hardware remote is out of service. --- Brief summary A remote reset consists of: 1. Soft power-cycle battery out, keys pressed. 2. Factory erase: SETUP or GREEN + YELLOW → 9 8 1 → LED confirms. This wipes all programming; re-enter your device codes afterwards. If none of the described sequences succeed, consult the unit’s manual or identify the MCU to locate the correct key combination.

STANG ST-620 / ST-620+ Remote Reset: Factory Reset, Key Sequences, Troubleshooting

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Direct answer to the question

Detailed problem analysis

Current information and trends

Supporting explanations and details

Ethical and legal aspects

Practical guidelines

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

Suggestions for further research

Brief summary