Logitech discontinuing Harmony Production

[MrQuade]

Well, they announced it here:
https://support.logi.com/hc/en-us/commu ... 0000658341

Looks like production of hardware will end, but they will continue to maintain and update the software, update the device database and provide support.

I have no idea how they expect to be able to do that if they aren't generating revenue from the line though.
A bit sad, but should have seen it coming. Their old forums were shut a couple of years ago and replaced with their abomination of a community support site.

I guess the take-home here is that if you were holding off a purchase, or upgrade, then get in now before all the new stock is gone.

[Gully]

That's sad news. Been buying these for years and would have continued to do so - not that my current one needs replacing.

I wonder if someone will take over or buy the IP.

[MrQuade]

That's sad news. Been buying these for years and would have continued to do so - not that my current one needs replacing.

I wonder if someone will take over or buy the IP.

From what I gather from the announcement, there is no plan to release the IP, since they will continue to support the product line "for as long as people are using them". I am just skeptical how long they can justify that.

Maybe once they fully abandon the product, they can release the IP.......or turn it over to the community.

[Jan]

Well that's really bad news. Back in the day when I purchased my first Harmony, it controlled the TV, Toppy, DP-P1, DVD Recorder and Hifi system. These days it's only the telly and the V2. It's funny because I thought my 650 was dying a few nights ago when the volume keys stopped working, and the telly wouldn't turn off. It must have just been a glitch because all has been well since.

Speaking of buttons not working. When I thought the volume buttons were failing, I looked up the button repair kit that I had read about on these forums. I discovered that the kits did not include Deoxit (banned here?) and this is what is needed for the volume (and other) buttons. So can anyone tell me what can be used in it's place to revitalise those buttons? I actually have 3 650's - one working, and two in the drawer with dodgy buttons. So It's probably worth my while getting a repair kit or two while they are still available!

[Paul_oz53]

Well that's really bad news. Back in the day when I purchased my first Harmony, it controlled the TV, Toppy, DP-P1, DVD Recorder and Hifi system. These days it's only the telly and the V2. It's funny because I thought my 650 was dying a few nights ago when the volume keys stopped working, and the telly wouldn't turn off. It must have just been a glitch because all has been well since.

Speaking of buttons not working. When I thought the volume buttons were failing, I looked up the button repair kit that I had read about on these forums. I discovered that the kits did not include Deoxit (banned here?) and this is what is needed for the volume (and other) buttons. So can anyone tell me what can be used in it's place to revitalise those buttons? I actually have 3 650's - one working, and two in the drawer with dodgy buttons. So It's probably worth my while getting a repair kit or two while they are still available!

Deoxit can be bought locally. There are many alternatives sold as electrical contact cleaners that are just as good. Auto shops, Bunnings, etc. Even metho will work if you need to clean them. The volume and arrow buttons use a metal disc as the moving element that sometimes needs a clean with such a cleaner. Mine didn't need it. The other buttons are a conductive pad and metho worked fine as a preparatory cleaner. As I noted earlier, it's a fiddly job but worth it.

The two remotes I kitted out are working fine today. You may need to press a little harder but you quickly get used to it.

[Star6key]

Thanks for the info MrQuade. Just ordered 2 650s from Office Works ($88 each).

At some point, we all know they will discontinue servicing their database.

[Jan]

Deoxit can be bought locally. There are many alternatives sold as electrical contact cleaners that are just as good. Auto shops, Bunnings, etc. Even metho will work if you need to clean them. The volume and arrow buttons use a metal disc as the moving element that sometimes needs a clean with such a cleaner. Mine didn't need it. The other buttons are a conductive pad and metho worked fine as a preparatory cleaner. As I noted earlier, it's a fiddly job but worth it.

Thanks Paul. I guess I just assumed that you couldn't buy it here because all the kits I looked at made a point of saying they didn't include the Deoxit. Maybe it's just a customs issue then. I see I can get it at Jaycar, but at $30 I think I'll try something else! Would IPA work on those metal buttons as well as the rubber buttons? I already have that. I do recall some years ago cleaning remote buttons with nail polish remover and that worked well for a while! I think that was the 785, but I can't be sure.

[Paul_oz53]

Hi Jan.

I think the kit maker said including Deoxit made freight too expensive and slow when I queried the kit contents. Can't be sent airfreight at his end.

You can clean all the buttons with any solvent but acetone (nail polish remover) is very strong and can attack plastic. It may damage the membrane that carries the conductive buttons. I wouldn't try it.

Just cleaning the buttons may revive the remote for a while. I got tired of doing it repeatedly. The kit replaces the conductive surface with a thin conductive film that promises long life. So far, mine are still fine.

[sub3R]

This topic has some good advice by ‘warkus’ about too much cleaning of remote control contacts.

[Jan]

Ordered, and have just received, two button repair kits from P1 Repairs. Very good service, and only took 3 weeks to arrive from US. Better than I have experienced sometimes with Australia Post from Sydney to Perth!!

[brianh]

...having just read this in the last week or so, I managed to obtain a couple of 650s off fleabay.... at least I now I will have something to use provided web support for them is continued for some time....

[sub3R]

Speaking of buttons not working. When I thought the volume buttons were failing, I looked up the button repair kit that I had read about on these forums. I discovered that the kits did not include Deoxit (banned here?) and this is what is needed for the volume (and other) buttons. So can anyone tell me what can be used in it's place to revitalise those buttons?

Totally Technical in the Brisbane suburb of Bowen Hills sells the DeoxIT D-Series D100L 2ml Squeeze Tube for $10.14 plus shipping which appears to be the same type of DeoxIT that Ben at P1Repair uses on the Harmony 650 remote’s metal snap dome keys.

I found it was prompt delivery to the NSW Mid North Coast.

[Spot]

Does anyone know of any currently supported universal remotes that work on 'Wizes, specifically the V2?

[prl]

I'd be interested in this, too. Our Harmony 785 is becoming problematic, because its programming software doesn't work for me on current macOS versions, and Logitech has been unable to help me fix the problem.

[MrQuade]

The closes equivalent to the Harmony Ultimate/Elite range are the offerings from Sofabaton.
https://www.sofabaton.com/index.html

They also have a cheaper hubless offering too.

They list "Beyonwiz" as supported, but I can't comment on how good the support is, or if all models are supported, or if the alternate code sets are available.

They should be teachable at least, and I would hazard a guess that you can reach out to support to add more models, since they use an online database like the Logitechs do.