My problem is that the VCR1 device key cycles the power to my VCR. Is this normal? Sometimes I go back and forth between devices but when I want to return to my VCR by pressing VCR1, it turns my VCR off. I have to press VCR1 again to turn it back on. Other remotes use the main power button to cycle power to the devices once selected. Is there something wrong with this remote? It is an RCA RCU810B.

Can it be changed or reprogrammed?

Thanks!

Mark
McKinney, TX

This is poor design on the part of the people who programmed the RCU810, but it is normal.

It can only be re-programmed using JP1.

Rob.

That just plain stinks. I'm having the exact same problem. The VCR1 cycles the power on the unit. I've had to cover up the IR beam to switch back to the VCR control. Does it have anything to do with the manufacturer of the VCR? It's a JVC.

Thanks,

David

When RCA sets up the infrared signals for their remotes, they do it something like this:

TV's will use device code 15
VCR's will use device codes 13 or 14
DVD's will use device code 5
CD's will use device code 8
SAT's will use device code 7
etc

Then they assign one particular command from each device code to be the input select on their stereo receivers.

So, when they program their universal remotes, they set it up so that this input select command is assigned to the device button, the idea being that when you press the device button you will automatically select the correct input for this device on your stereo.

Now, regarding the RCU810, it wasn't actually made by RCA, it was made by UEIC, the people who also make One For All and Radio Shack remotes. UEIC remotes don't usually send any signals when you press the device buttons, so I can only assume that they were asked to add this feature by UEIC. Having added the feature, they probably thought it would be a good idea to program the discrete ON codes to the device button when they know them. In your case, they have programmed the power toggle function to the button, maybe this was a mistake or maybe they assumed (incorrectly) that you would only need to select the device once. Using the discrete ON code would have been a great idea, using the power toggle code is definitely a bad one, especially as you can't use learning or anything to remove the code from the device button.

If you have enough spare learning memory, you could program this one device using learning instead of the pre-programmed code, but other than that, the only way you can fix it is to hack into the remote using JP1, then you could create a new code for this VCR where there isn't a code assigned to the device button. If that seems like alot of work, here's some added incentive: have you ever heard of a feature called "key mover", or "advanced codes", found in most One For All and Radio Shack remotes? Well, this feature is actually in the RCU810, but you can't access it from the menu system as it has been disabled but you can access it via JP1.

Rob.

OK!

Thanks Rob. Now, where do I get the beginners course for learning all about JP1???

The RCU810 has the JP1 access exposed inside the battery compartment but it looks like a female type connection. Do I have to solder pins on to plug in or are there other ways? Also, what equipment and software will I have to invest in to accomplish the reprogramming? I am an intermediate computer user but don't have any programming knowledge.

Mark

Normally I would direct you to my site at [Link: hifi-remote.com] but it's down right now (should be back in a day or so).

The software, etc is all free but you will need a copy of Excel (97 or later). Join the Yahoo group at [Link: groups.yahoo.com] and download the "JP1 For Beginners" Word document from the file section.

Rob

Thanks for your help Rob!

Mark