Remote/Zoom/Record Not Working - Lanc

If your remote is not zooming, recording or lighting up then most likely the problem is with the "lanc" cable extension 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/Adapter, 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 25' lanc extension has gone bad. This cord is inside your mesh cable bundle:

Extension is inside mesh and adapters are at the top of your cable bundle:

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 cable such as your 11' or 16' Quick Scope cable, if you have one.

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 Quick Scope cable. If the remote works, you know the problem is in the 25' or 30 cable bundle. You may be able to determine which part of the cable is the problem so you can replace. Proceed to STEP 2.

If the remote still does not work even with the Quick Scope Cable, skip to STEP 4.

If you do not have the Quick Scope cable, proceed to STEP 2. 

CHECK 2 - TEST WITH CABLE PARTS

If you regularly connect 2 cords into your camera upon setup, then 1 or 2 adapters can be removed from the cable bundle for testing. If you have the above type of cable then we need to locate the AVR adapter connection and disconnect. Proceed to STEP 3.

If you only regularly connect one cord into your camera then your adapters will work differently and most likely you will not be able to test. For example the top end of your cable looks similar to the image below: If this is the case and the Quick Scope Cable from STEP 1  worked, STOP HERE. Your 30' Cable will most likely need replaced. Please call 509-204-3270 for further support. If you do not have the Quick Scope cable then verify that the video on the monitor works. If the video on the monitor works then STOP HERE. You know the camera or adapter is not the problem and the cable will likely need replaced. Please call 509-204-3270 for further support. If the video on the monitor also does not work then the camera port or adapter could be the problem. Skip to STEP 4.

CHECK 3 - TESTING CAMERA AND REMOTE WITH CABLE PARTS

The AVR Adapter cord looks like this:

You may also have a Multiport Adapter that can be disconnected. This adapter looks like this:

You can remove the AVR adapter (and Multiport adapter if you have one) and then we can test these parts with camera and remote. You may need to carefully cut off shrink wrap for AVR Adapter to disconnect. Test will look similar to this:

By doing this test, we have bypassed the 25' lanc extension cable. There is a high probability that the remote will now work. If it does work, STOP HERE. We now know the 25' lanc extension needs replaced. Call Sport Scope at 509-204-3270 any time M-F between 8am and 4pm PST for options on replacing.

If the remote still does not work, then we know the problem lies elsewhere. The problem is either with one or more adapter cords, the remote itself, or the port in the camera. Proceed to STEP 4.

CHECK 4 - CHECKING REMOTE, ADAPTER(S) AND CAMERA PORT

If you do not have the multiport adapter, then we need to check the end of the AVR adapter and the AVR port in the camera. See examples:

AVR connector:

Often times the connector will look much worse like this:

AVR port:

Be sure to check BOTH connector and port. A broken connector often means a broken port and vice versa. If the port is broken, then unfortunately the camera will need to be replaced. You MUST call Sport Scope: 509-204-3270 to discuss camera replacement options before buying a new camera.

If only the connector is damaged and port looks good STOP HERE. You can purchase a new AVR adapter HERE.

If you have not found the cause of problem yet check the tip of the remote to see if the connector is broken:

If the tip is broken there is a VERY HIGH probability that the broken tip is lodged in the end of the cable:

It is very difficult to see the broken piece and typically cannot be dislodged. You will need to replace cable and remote. Otherwise, if there is any other visible damage to remote or cord then problem is most likely remote and will need to be replaced. You may STOP HERE and purchase a replacement remote HERE.

For customers who have the multiport adapter, in rare cases, this may be bad. Check both ends of the adapter for visible damage:

Also check the multiport in the camera:

If the port in camera is bad, STOP HERE. You MUST call Sport Scope: 509-204-3270 to discuss camera replacement options before buying a new camera. If the multiport adapter is clearly the only problem, a replacement can be purchased HERE.

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 each cable connected to the camera.

• 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.