Keeping my JP1 EEPROM remotes going

[nrjeffic]

I have 2 JP1(EEPROM) programmed remotes: RS 15-2104 (extended) and UEIC URC-9811 (HT PRO - RF). Especially since I see no inexpensive current JP1.x RF-capable replacement for the 9811 I'm trying to keep these going. Questions:

1) I would like to replace my old, slow PC, but new PCs lack parallel ports. Is there any way to still use my old parallel JP1 cable on a computer w/o parallel ports, such as through a parallel-to-USB adapter? (Forgive me if this is posted somewhere -- I tried searching first)

2) In terms of RDFs, extenders, etc., is the URC-9811/8811 the same as the 9910/8810? My remote looks completely identical to a 9910 I saw someone offering for sale in the marketplace forum.

I know these belong in the non-JP1 forum, but to keep all my questions in one post:

3) Anyone here care to share successes/failures in terms of what has/hasn't worked to refurbish worn-out conductive pads underneath remote buttons? I've read stuff elsewhere, but couldn't find anything here and would love to hear what the smartest remote users around have to say.

4) In case getting a new computer renders my remotes non-JP1 and/or too many buttons wear out without fixability, does anyone know if the RF/IR base station to my 9811 will accept/convert signals from a URC-RF10 or 20? At least then I wouldn't also have to buy the base station, which would make it more financially feasible.

[nrjeffic]

I got an email notification, but unless I'm not getting something it appears there have been no replies to my topic yet, although I did get one PM. Not complaining, just confused and thought I'd post in case there's a glitch in the system somewhere. Thanks.

[wnewell]

1) Buy a PCI serial/parallel add on card. About $10 on ebay.

2) I don't know.

3) Been there. Forget it. They are a pita and don't work for long.

4) I don't know.

[mdavej]

I got an email notification, but unless I'm not getting something it appears there have been no replies to my topic yet, although I did get one PM. Not complaining, just confused and thought I'd post in case there's a glitch in the system somewhere. Thanks.

Sorry. That was my fault. I posted a reply, got confused, and deleted it. I sent you a PM instead.

What confused me was what I found regarding question 2. I found two versions of the 9811 - one that looks nothing like a 9910 and one that looks exactly like a 9910. I would expect the twin to be identical in every way, but I don't know for sure, so I deleted my post.

[The Robman]

1) You could get a PCI card that will add a parallel port (like wnewell said), or you could get a flash cable along with one of Tommy's new adapters (but the PCI card is cheaper).

2) When you download from the remote, which RDF does IR select? That should answer your question.

3) One idea was to use a Rear Window Defogger Repair Kit, but some reports said that that stuff flaked off after a while. Another method is to cut out little pieces of aluminum foil and super glue them to the base of the buttons. You could also try the "Rubber Keypad Repair Kit" found here:

http://www.chemtronics.com/products/pro ... &m=2&id=32

4) Definitely not. Those remotes are made by a company called "Universal Remote Control" which, despite the similar name and the URC- prefix, has nothing to do with UEI (Universal Electronics, Inc) who make JP1 remotes.

[Capn Trips]

1) PCI card as explained above;
2) Since you say that your 9811 looks like the 9810, then it is the newer HTPro, which is identical internally to the 9910. In RM, you can select its RDF separately, but in IR they are the same.
3) and 4) no info beyond what is already posted.

[MaskedMan]

photos of the two HT-PRO's are here:

HT-PRO

[The Robman]

photos of the two HT-PRO's are here:

HT-PRO

The black one is a re-packaged URC-9800 and the silver one is a re-packaged URC-9910.

[nrjeffic]

Thanks for all your replies. My RF remote is definitely the repackaged URC-9910.

Re question 4: I knew that the URC RF-10/20 remotes are made by a different company than UEIC. My hope for interoperability was based on the fact that before I bought my "9910" I had one of those Leapfrog RF transmitters that get attached to the front of a remote which I used with my 15-2104 (and URC-7070 before that). Unfortunately it was so flimsy one of the contacts the battery was placed between kept detaching and falling out of the circuit board. I've never soldered before, and am not even sure if this would've helped so I moved on to the "9910". Anyways, I found the RF/IR base stations of the Leapfrog and "9910" to function identically -- my RF remote worked just as well using either base station. This was my basis for hoping another remote might also work with this base station.

Re question 3: Thanks for the keypad repair kit suggestion, Robman -- it looks more promising than what I found while searching. I totally get where you're coming from, wnewell -- I actually tried the gluing on aluminum foil trick a long time ago on my very first UEIC remote (URC-6050 I believe) and it was exactly as you described, pita and temporary. Maybe I was just using the wrong glue.

[andyross]

I've found one issue isn't wearing of the contacts, but body oils or other gunk getting inside. I have an 8810 and an 8910, and recently disassembled and cleaned them. For the rubber/pads and plastic housing and spacers, I just use soap and water, with a toothbrush to get into the crevices. Just be gentle. For the PCB, I just carefully wipe it down with a rag.