If your remote is not zooming, recording or lighting up then most likely the problem is with the "multiport" 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, or Remote. Here is how to test to determine which part is bad:

Step 1: Can the Camera and Remote be ruled out as the source of the problem?

Most likely the 11' or 16' remote cord 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 30' or 25' Cable Bundle, if you have one.

If the remote works, you know the problem is in the 11' or 16' cable bundle. At this point STOP HERE call Sport Scope Tech Support at 509-204-3270 to explore further options. If the remote still does not work, skip to STEP 4.

If you do not have an extra multiport cable, proceed to STEP 2.

Step 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.

Step 3: Did the Cable Get Wet?

A common cause of the remote not working is due to the 11' or 16' 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.

Step 4: Check Lock Button and/or 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. The lock prevents the camera from zooming, but you will still be able to record. 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.

Step 5: Test with Another Camera and/or Check Multiport

If you have another compatible Sony Camera, swap it with your current camera and test. Compatible cameras are the CX405 or above. 

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 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 multiports on the original Sony camera and remote. Look for any damage 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 there is no visible damage proceed to STEP 6.

Step 6: When in Doubt Assume Cable is the Problem

Common symptoms that are usually the result of a bad cable:

• 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.

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 MANDATORY.

Regardless of your model of camera mount, all models should have an eyelet screw near the bottom base of the mount. 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.