How do I set a vcr WITHOUT the remote?

[Electricwhizkid]

I have a Sony SLV-N51 VCR and I don't have the remote. I want it to start recording at a certain time so I won't have to start recording it . How do I do that?

 

[junkeymonkey]

surly theres an array of function buttons on the unit ??

should be all stated in its manual ??

https://www.manualowl.com/p/Sony/SLV-N51/Manual/59884

or order a cheap remote that can be used on it ??

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Replacement-RMT-V402C-SLV-N900-Recorder/dp/B00ISM1K4M

 

[Finn__McCool]

If you have a tablet or a modern smartphone, there's no shortage of universal remote programs you can download, many for free. I have two vcrs (a Panasonic and a Sony) that I need to access the menu/setup for to make fully functional, and no remote for either, which is unfortunate, as you can't access the setup for either without a remote (the Sony does have a menu button externally on the VCR, but though you can see the menu, you still can't set anything without the remote). I checked Ebay for universal remotes, but that's not a terribly immediate solution, so I downloaded the free version of Anymote Smart Universal Remote for my Samsung tablet a few hours ago. I haven't had much opportunity to mess with it yet, but I was able to program in the code for the Panasonic VCR/DVD combo model we have, and once I was able to figure out which button corresponded to what, I was able to access the main VCR menu and program in the channels I needed to add in. I was also able to access everything else, and could have set the clock if I'd been willing to spend the time doing so. When I'm able to peel the drunk lady away from the television, I have very little doubt I'll have the same success with the Sony.

If you own a modern smartphone or tablet and this is a possible option for you, I'd recommend giving this a try, you may get same-day results, and it shouldn't cost you anything. I'm not sure how many app options are available in the Itunes Store for Apple devices, but selection was plentiful in the Google Play Store for Android devices, and the app I downloaded has worked like a charm thus far. Make sure you write down the model number for your VCR to speed up the process.

Also, the particular app I downloaded is constantly updated with new codes and is designed to operate virtually anything with an IR remote, so this may help you with other devices down the road.

 

[Electricwhizkid]

I will try that, I have an iPhone 5s and I'll see what's in the App Store. Thank you