This is the 20" Mexican Z that I posted about a while back. The CRT is holding up well enough, and it is an IR-ready set. Problem is, I've tried 3 different universal remotes and none of them program the set. On other sets they work fine. I even tried the codes for Goldstar just for laughs.

Now, I don't think I have ever seen a bad IR detector or IC in any tv but it's certainly possible.

Not that the set's worth it, but I might wanna dig a bit deeper and see what's up with it... Any ideas?

I've seen a few bad remote sensors. Check to be sure you're getting B+ (usually 5 volts) to the remote receiver and make sure the ground lead is making contact with ground. If that's OK, program the remote with a Zenith TV code and use an o'scope to check the data line at the remote receiver. If you have activity when you press a button on the remote, the problem is elsewhere in the set. No activity likely indicates a bad remote sensor.

I have a 1988 Zenith that has a working remote sensor. I don't know where you are, but if you were close, I'd give you the damn thing. When it gets warm, the picture goes crazy... changing brightness, color levels, contrast, etc etc etc, and I'm sick of dealing with it.

Hmm, thanks for the offer MRX!

I just learned something....thank you radiotvnut. I'm going to tackle this projct next chance I get. Maybe I'll get lucky and it's just a poor ground connection.