D90 and Promaster Wireless Remote Controller

[TonkawaJingles]

In the middle of a session my D90 quit responding correctly to inputs from its Promaster wireless remote controller.
The camera reacts as expected (almost) when the transmitter is activated.
The lens will focus if needed and the built-in camera flash will extend if needed. However, the shutter will not release. It is as if the shutter release is being pulled to the half down position.
The camera/controller combination has been working fine for over a year now.
Replacing the batteries has not changed anything.
Any ideas if the camera or the controller has the problem?

Thanks,
Jim

[OsmosisStudios]

I actually really need to know this: Why go off-brand when the ML-L3 is $25?

[TonkawaJingles]

Primarily because the ML-L3, which I do have and works as advertised, is infa-red, limited to line of sight to the receiver on the front of the camera and rather short ranged. The Promaster is rf, omni-directional, not affected by ambient light conditions and has a proven working range of over 300 feet. Lets me sit under a shade tree sipping a cool drink while the camera is out in the field shooting close-ups of a hawk on its nest

[sk66]

Is the camera actually obtaining focus? If you have the camera set to focus priority and it's not getting a lock it won't fire. I don't know why, but it doesn't seem possible to use "trap focus" with a remote plugged into the 10pin. (I've had very poor luck attempting it)

[TonkawaJingles]

Yes, the camera is obtaining focus. When I monitor the camera through the view finder while triggering the remote the sequence of events, with the exception of releasing the shutter, is the same as when I take the picture using the on camera shutter release. I have tried various focus settings (auto and manual) with no effect.

[sk66]

I suspect the second stage contact in the release is not making connection. It is probably a simple leaf contact and cold be pried up to make better contact. You'd have to open up the remote, but they are simple inside.

[TonkawaJingles]

Thanks for the idea. I opened the remote. The contacts are sealed boxes on the circuit board and not "adjustable". I appreciate the help but guess I'll write the controller off as a lost cause. The Promaster website says their stuff is not worth fixing once the warranty expires. Promaster tech support recommended, via email, taking the camera and controller back to the dealer for help in setting it up.the Only thing wrong with that is the dealer has gone out of business. Also, the "setup" only involves plugging a cable into the GPS port. Another dealer told me, over the phone, the camera was probably OK since it worked with the Nikon remote.
Thanks to everybody.
Jim