Vintage VCR IR Receiver & Transmitter replacement

[DarrenWhitby]

Hi each and all - Does anyone know if it is possible to change the "IR Transmitter" and "IR Receiver" on a late 80's early 90's VCR - I can't find the original remote control for it anywhere - I can however find exactly the same remote in style for a different but very similar machine ( differentt Part Number ) and was wondering if this would work

[simpsons]

A lot depends upon the make of the VCR.

For example, Philips used a common code RC-5 used for various audio and video devices.

You can't do any harm in trying out a similar looking remote control and should it be cheap enough, why not.

Chris

[marceljack]

Changing the IR receiver will not change the codes that the VCR "understands" since the decoding is done in software by a microcontroller.
The IR receiver just transforms the IR pulses into an electrical signal, amplifies it and demodulates its carrier (around 36 to 40 kHz) to give digital (0 / 1) pulses to the microcontroller which decodes and interprets them.
What is the brand of your VCR ?
If it is a known brand or sub-brand, it will be supported by most universal remotes or you might even find compatible replacement remotes on Aliexpress for example.

[Maarten]

Sometimes very early remote TV sets had separate decoder boards, but after a few years those were already integrated in the local controls. Video recorders were mostly never that modular. Closest to that is B&O who added an extra microcontroller board to Philips VCRs. They first had to know the original commands or internal communication to be able to program that microcontroller.

The only feasible way for yo to remotely operate your VCR is to find the brand and type of your recorder, and, if applicable, determine whether it's an OEM model so other brand's remotes might work on it. If you post said model number, chances are someone here will have more information.

[DarrenWhitby]

Hi each and all it is a Saisho VR1200HQ - either from the late 80's to early 90's such a shame about the remote as I got her running like a precision clock, surprisingly quiet, lovely still pause, smooth eject and loading - I am so impressed with this old girl given it is not a high end brand and is also only mono - I have changed the belts, replaced the "Lever Limitor Post" ( THE NEW ONE was labled HINARI ) refurbished the pinch roller cleaned and greased and am really pleased with the outcome - THAT DAMN REMOTE CONTROL

[simpsons]

I guess it's the SAISHO VR3300X remote on eBay costing just £7 inc p&p with 14 days return you are looking at.

Given the shared design, OEM origin, and consistent IR codes and the remote controls for the Saisho VR1200HQ and VR3300 are visually and functionally identical, I am confident that they are interchangeable between the two models.


Chris

[Maarten]

Pretty sure it's an Orion, so other Orion remotes may also work. That said, 7 pounds seems a good option.

[marceljack]

Originally Posted by DarrenWhitby

THAT DAMN REMOTE CONTROL

Do you have a photgraph of the original remote ?
Regarding Universal remotes, Meliconi supports some SAISHO models with their products, for example the VR3200 with their programmable models, the 3300 probably uses the same code.

Example here for their remote Facile 5.1 LED:
https://www.cme.it/cme6/pag03.php?vx=0&idm=fr&mtm=7e&mrc=53414953484f&mod=56523333303058

https://www.cme.it/cme6/pag15.php?vx=0&idm=fr&mtm=7e&mrc=53414953484f&dat=000628c7

[simpsons]

Do you have a photograph of the original remote ?

No need. EBay have a very good picture of one which was sold for £8.18. £8.18??

Chris

[marceljack]

Originally Posted by simpsons

Do you have a photograph of the original remote ?
No need. EBay have a very good picture of one which was sold for £8.18. £8.18??
Chris

Do you mean the SAISHO remote or an ORION remote supposed to be equivalent (but not 100% sure) ?

Can you give the link to this remote on ebay ?

[simpsons]

Hi Marcel

I apologise for the brevity of my response. Trying to help on this topic has been difficult as user guides or service manuals are, it would seem, unavailable.

However, the EBay ref: 396369594507 shows the device as a Sashio RC85.

Equivalent machines are: Matsui VX820/Hinari VXL3.

The Orion RC81 remote control, which looks physically identical to the Sahio RC81, is also used on the Sashio VR3300. Hence my suggested equivalence.

Should you have a better understanding of the equivalence or otherwise of the RC81/RC85 I know that not only Darren but the other 800 interested members would be grateful.

Chris

[DarrenWhitby]

Hi each & All - I have took a punt with a very similar Remote Control from Ebay that I can return if it does not work ( The frst Remote is the one for this VCR ) the scond one ( VR3300X ) is the one I have ordered - I have an old Matsui VCR &" Remote Control ( see image ) that is equally very similar but sadly does not operate the Saisho VCR - so I will update further on the "punt" remote as soon as it arrives

[simpsons]

Darren

Do you know what Matsui VCR the remote control come from?

As you know, we are trying to help you blind and to find that you have used a similar remote control without success could put a different perspective on our recommendations.

Chris

[TonyDuell]

Do you know that the VCR is working correctly and will respond to the original remote control? Or oould it have a fault?

[Welsh Anorak]

If these fail, and if you don't need all the functions (most of which are obsolete anyway) then I've found the One For All series of remotes excellent.They have a very good website to get the more unusual machines programmed

As Tony says, although relatively unusual, the receivers do fail. A 'scope is invaluable here as even the wrong remote will give an amplified series of pulses.

.

[DarrenWhitby]

Originally Posted by simpsons

Darren

Do you know what Matsui VCR the remote control come from?

As you know, we are trying to help you blind and to find that you have used a similar remote control without success could put a different perspective on our recommendations.

Chris

Yes it came from an old Matsui VX990 VCR I have, and the Remote Control works fine

[DarrenWhitby]

Originally Posted by simpsons

Darren

Do you know what Matsui VCR the remote control come from?

As you know, we are trying to help you blind and to find that you have used a similar remote control without success could put a different perspective on our recommendations.

Chris

Yes I still have the VCR it is a Matsui VX990

[DarrenWhitby]

Well I received the "VR3300X" Saisho remote this morning- it is a no go sadly so back to the drawing board - it is a shame I cant use the receiver and transmitter from the old Matsui as the layout of the Remote Control is the same

[Maarten]

I don't have the service manuals... But some manufacturers have a setting on the recorder or even on the remote itself (by way of solder bridge, diode, etc) to allow for multiple remote control codes. If that's the case it would be possible to switch over.

Also, you should find a way to check if the receiver (that's the small, usually metal encased, module that converts the modulated infrared signal to a demodulated pulse train for the microcontroller) is even working. If it isn't, you can try all the remotes you can find, but even the correct one will do nothing.

[DarrenWhitby]

I agree wholeheartedly - I have just purchased a vintage Universal VCR ALL IN ONE Remote control ( MAGICIAN 4 ) that has "Saisho" listed a compatible brand - I only paid a few pound for it so as soon as it arrives I will hopefully confirm that the IR Receiver on the VCR works - Then go from there