Remote/Zoom/Record Not Working - Multiport

If your remote is not zooming or recording then most likely the problem is with the 30' Multiport cable that runs from the remote up to the camera. However, we need to test to determine which part is actually the issue.

Depending on your equipment, there are 3 possible sources causing the issue: Camera, Cable, or Remote. Here is how to test to determine which part is bad:

CHECK 1 - CAN CAMERA & REMOTE BE ELIMINATED AS SOURCE OF PROBLEM?

Most likely the 30' multiport cable is causing the problem. This cord may be inside your mesh cable bundle or it could be tethered to the outside of the mesh harness:

30' Cable Bundle	30' Multiport Cable
Multiport Cable Connectors

First we need to eliminate the camera and remote as the possible sources of the zoom/record problem. The easiest way to do this is to test with a different multiport cable. You may have an extra 30' Multiport cable in your travel bag or you can test with your 11' or 16' Quick Scope cable, if you have one.

Since 2018, Sport Scope has shipped every Automatic Endzone Camera system with a backup 30' Multiport Cable. This can be found in the large travel bag where the tower is stored, in one of the side pockets. It will be in a plastic bag labeled: "Backup Cables. Bring to Every Game."  

If you have the Quick Scope, the cable can be found in the deep pocket on the outside of the Quick Scope travel bag.

Test camera and remote with backup 30' Multiport Cable or Quick Scope cable. If the remote works, you know the problem was with the original 30' Multiport Cable. At this point STOP HERE and call Sport Scope Tech Support at 509-204-3270 to explore further options. 

If the remote still does not work even with an extra cable, skip to STEP 4.

If you do not have the backup 30' Multiport Cable or the Quick Scope cable, proceed to STEP 2. 

CHECK 2 - EXAMINE MULTIPORT CABLE CONNECTORS FOR DAMAGE

Look closely at the metal connectors on BOTH sides of the Multiport Cable. Look for any visible damage to either connector. Sometimes the damage is very subtle and other times it will be extremely obvious. See examples below:

If there is clear damage to the connector STOP HERE. The cable will need replaced. Call Sport Scope Tech Support at 509-204-3270 to explore further options. You can also purchase a new Multiport Cable on your own HERE.

CHECK 3 - DID THE CABLE GET WET?

A common cause of the remote not working is due to the 30' cable getting wet or being exposed to a high degree of moisture. If there was rain recently or high humidity then this may be why the remote is not working currently, even if the cable was covered by the rain gear during the practice or game.

Many times if you wait a day for the cable to dry out then it will work again the next day. Otherwise the cable may need to be replaced.

If you know the cable did not get wet proceed to STEP 4.

CHECK 4 - CHECK LOCK BUTTON AND LIGHT ON REMOTE

Check the remote to see if the "Lock" button is on:

RM-VPR1 Remote

VCT-VPR1 Remote

If the lock is on there will be an orange/red color showing as displayed above. STOP HERE. The lock prevents the camera from zooming, but you will still be able to record. If it was on, turn the lock off and test again.

If you have the bigger "VCT-VPR1" model remote, check to see if the POWER/REC light is on when the cable is connected to it and the camera. The remote gets its power from the camera.

If the light is not on at all then this could mean that the remote is broken, however further troubleshooting will be needed to know for sure. Continue to STEP 5.

CHECK 5 - TEST WITH ANOTHER CAMERA AND/OR CHECK MULT-TERMINAL PORTS

If you have another compatible Sony Camera, swap it with your current camera and test with the remote and cable. Compatible cameras are the CX405 or above. Some exceptions that are also compatible is the Sony HDR-CX220, CX230, CX240, and CX330.

The model of the camera can usually be found in the bottom right hand corner on the outside of the viewfinder:

• If the remote works with the new camera, then it is possible that the original camera was the problem. 
  • If you have tried a different cable from STEP 1 and the second cable did not work, then it is extremely likely the original camera was the problem. STOP HERE. The original camera will need to be replaced.
  • However, if you haven't tried a 2nd cable then it's also possible that your original camera is fine. On some occasions, the reason the remote is not working is because the 30' Multiport Cable has encountered some sort of communication error between camera and remote. Sometimes introducing a new camera resolves the error.
  • If it is working with the new camera, trying going back to the original camera and see if the remote works again.

If the remote is still not working then closely examine the multi-terminals or multiports on the original Sony camera and remote. Look for any damage to the center bridge in the port. Below are examples of normal ports.

If there is clearly damage to one of these ports then you will know this is what is causing the failure. STOP HERE. You would need to replace whichever device has the broken port.

If the Sony HDR-CX405 camera is damaged and needs replaced, a new camera can be found HERE.

If the Sony RM-VPR1 Remote is damaged then a replacement can be found HERE.

If the Sony VCT-VPR1 Remote is damaged then a replacement can be found HERE. (You must purchase the additional tripod in order to obtain remote. Remote is fully removable from tripod).

If there is no visible damage proceed to STEP 6.

CHECK 6 - WHEN IN DOUBT ASSUME CABLE IS THE PROBLEM

If you are unable to effectively isolate which of the three parts is causing the zoom/record problem, it is best to assume the problem is the cable. In most cases, this is the cause. Below are more symptoms you may see, which are usually caused by the Multiport Cable being compromised:

• The light on the remote is on and the power button works, but zoom and record does not work.
• The zoom will sometimes work, but once it starts zooming the camera won't stop until it is at the max wide or tight zoom setting on its own. You may not be able to control it after camera starts zooming on its own.
• The light on the remote is not on and nothing on the remote works (under this scenario there is also a chance that the remote is the problem).

If your cable bundle is no longer under the 1-year warranty and you do not have a backup Multiport Cable then your best option is to purchase a new cable. This is the least expensive option and the most probable to resolve the issue. A new cable can be purchased from Sport Scope: 509-204-3270 or can be found HERE.

If interested in a new Cable Bundle call Sport Scope Support: 509-204-3270.

IMPORTANT - USING THE STRAIN RELIEF

If you have encountered an issue with your cable, most likely it is because the strain relief has not been properly used. Using the strain relief correctly is EXTREMELY HIGH PRIORITY. 

Regardless of your model of Pan/Tilt head, whether it is an over-the-top style, side-plate style, or manual Pan/Tilt head, all models should have an eyelet screw near the bottom base of the Pan/Tilt head. Additionally:

• The cable should always have a strap with carabiner clip attached at about a forearm's length below the top connectors.
• The strap that holds the carabiner should ALWAYS be zip-tied around all cables that go into the camera.
• There should be a gentle arc from the strain relief clip area up to the connection into the camera for both cables.

• If your cables and strain relief do not meet the above criteria you can change the position of the carabiner strap, adjust the cable length, or use a new zip-tie to resolve.