Hi all,

I've recently bid on and received an Empeg Mk2, Serial 090000980. Included was a NIB Kenwood KCA-R6A remote. After removing the plastic insert (presumably to keep the battery fresh) I tried to get the Empeg to respond. No dice.

Next, I tried using our TV remote to learn the signal to see if IR was being sent. No problem there. Turning to the FAQ, I saw that the battery was the most common problem. Bought a new battery at Radio Shack today, still no effect on the Empeg. I tried the digital camera technique and did see the IR flashing on button presses. It did not exhibit the "stuck on" behavior.

A couple more things about my particular situation. The Empeg is connected at home for the time being (still waiting on components for car install). The Empeg is running 1.02 software and I'm using 1.03 Emplode software. A null modem cable was not included in the auction, I knew that in advance. I'm waiting on CompUSA to send one. I know that the newer Emplode software includes an option to turn the remote off, but that shouldn't be possible with the versions I'm running, right? Are there any known remote bugs for the old software versions that I'm using?

The previous owner advertised the unit as "working condition" and stated that he bought the unit off a former SonicBlue/Empeg employee. The employee assured him that the remote would work with the player. The previous owner also mentioned that he's not technically savvy with these devices.

I'm worried that the IR receiver on the Empeg is shot. The unit is out of warranty, and I hear shipping to Cambridge is expensive. Is the IR receiver a part that can be ordered and replaced without shipping the Empeg? Would a kind soul in the Sacramento, CA area (I'm in Elk Grove) be willing to meet up sometime to test their remote on my unit so I can definitively rule out my remote?

Thanks for any help or ideas.