I have a new Sony STR-DE485 receiver, and I'm having trouble getting it to work smoothly with my RM-VL900 remote.

Here's the situation: The receiver has two "command modes" (to allow two receivers to be used in the same room). The receiver comes with a "RM-U306" remote, which works fine when the receiver is using "command mode 2", which is the default. When the receiver is set to "command mode 1", the RM-U306 remote no longer works (and this remote has no way to change modes).

However, I cannot get the VL-900 to work when the receiver is in "command mode 2". The default settings for the "AMP" button don't work, nor do setting component codes 001 and 002, the listed codes for Sony receivers. The VL-900 remote DOES work when I set the receiver to "command mode 1", but then it can't learn any of the nifty commands (like setting the sound field) from the RM-U306 remote!

I COULD use "command mode 2" and individually learn every button from the U-306 remote, but that has caused some other problems (controlling the amp volume across all components).

What I really think I need is a "component code" that matches "command mode 2" for the STR-DE485 receiver (and thus matches the RM-U306 remote). Does anyone know how to find this out, or have any other ideas?

Hopes this makes sense.

Thanks,
Matt

Currently all the new Sony recievers 485, 685, 885, or 985 do not work in command mode 2 with Sony remotes. You have to change the reciever to command mode 1 for the remote to work.

I used the newly released RM-VL1000 remote and the new 685 reciever that was released a couple of weeks ago. Only command mode 1 worked. I had no problem learning any of the sound fields, I believe the 685 and 485 use the same remote.

I am having the same problem with my Sony DE485. Unfortunatly, my One for All remote only has 4 learning buttons so I can't learn in all the sound modes.
I agreen with Matt, we need is a "component code" that matches "command mode 2" for the STR-DE485 receiver (and thus matches the RM-U306 remote). Has anyone figured this out yet?

My STR-DE685 receiver's remote can be changed to use AV1 or AV2 command mode. What I have done with mine is change my remote and receiver to use AV1 command mode.

Using "One For All" remote, a device code of 158 should be able to control it if receiver is set in AV1 mode. Your "One For All" remote should be able to learn to any button except the component buttons, light, and P/Setup button. You are not restricted to only those four buttons as mentioned in your manual. If you have a JP1 capable remote, look in your battery compartment if you have a 6 pin connector. If you do, you can use JP1 to program your One For All remote any signal you want onto any key. You can create your own upgrade code for command mode 2 or AV2 to control the receiver.

Here are some JP1 capable remotes.
Cinema 7 +
Radio Shack 15-1994
Radio Shack 15-2104
One For All Producer 8,9 family (Some of them)
One For All 8811

Look in your battery compartment for a 6 pin connector.

Thank you, you're very helpful. However, what is JP1? I have a 6 pin connector in my battery compartment, how do I use it?

Some software and hardware hackers figured out how to communicate to the "One For All" remotes that have a JP1 connector like yours with their PC and a specially made JP1 cable that connects the PC parrallel port to the 6 pin connector on your remote. Using a software called IR you can re-program your remote and have it do things it was never designed to do. You can add your own custom codes, that remap the keys the way you like them, have macros on any key including the component buttons. Add new codes like the one for your STR-DE485 that your remote currently doesn't support. Have IR decode any signal from any remote, including decoding the signals from Pronto CCF files and then programming your remote with these signals on any button. This makes the cheap "One For All" remote into a very powerful programming remote.

To get started, you will need a JP1 cable - around $20 or if you are good at soldering then you can build your own for under $10. The software is free and can be downloaded from the JP1 group at yahoo. This is a good place to ask questions and get you up to speed on JP1.

[Link: groups.yahoo.com]

To get started, read the JP1 for Beginners guide and FAQ at:

[Link: hifi-remote.com]

Good luck

Thanks for all your help, I think I can now make everything work.

I was told that you might be able to help me from somebody in the Pronto forum. I am looking for the discrete codes for a STR-DE685. I have been banging my head agaist the wall trying to crack into this receiver and have come up empty. Any suggestions? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks / Scott

Which discrete codes? Did you try setting it to AV1 as suggested above?

Sorry maybe I didn't expain myself well... I am looking for the "ON" and "Volume +" and "Volume -" codes for a Pronto remote to control the STR-DE 685.

Hope that makes more sense.

Your receiver is set to the factory default av2, meaning no discretes, no second party control. Change your receiver to av1, the whole world opens up for you.

Oh my... the world has opened up. You rock! Thanks a billion it worked. I can't tell you how crazy this was making me. thank you so much.