Description

Best For Good Yamaha remote control cables.

Description:

Yamaha remote control cables enable infrared (IR) or wired control signals to be sent between components—such as AV receivers, tape decks, tuners, and in marine/outboard setups. They may be proprietary or use standard connectors like 3.5 mm jacks, DIN plugs, or custom multi-pin harnesses. This article explores types, pinouts, compatibility, troubleshooting, sourcing, and user‑submitted insights, based on Yamaha manuals and community knowledge including forums like Reddit and Gearspace.

Types of Yamaha Remote Control Cables

Most modern Yamaha AV receivers (e.g. RX‑A860, RX‑A4A) include REMOTE IN/OUT 3.5 mm mono mini‑jack ports used for linking IR emitters or chaining devices  .

Some vintage or professional Yamaha equipment employs proprietary multi‑pin connectors (5‑pin, 6‑pin, 8‑pin DIN or D‑sub types) usually unique to that product line  .

Yamaha Remote Control cables (outboard) systems (PowerMatched, Edge) use mechanical control cables for throttle/shift, not IR—but called “remote control cables” in marine context.

How They Work

• AV/audio systems: The REMOTE IN jack connects to an IR emitter or IR repeater, enabling control from another room or chained Yamaha devices. REMOTE OUT can pass the signal onward  .
• Vintage wired remotes (e.g. for tape decks): Control signals are transmitted via dedicated cables to subordinate units; systems rely on exact pinouts and compatibility within the same series  .
• Marine controls: Cables mechanically transmit throttle and gear shift motions; they feature low‑friction core and conduit (e.g. PowerMatched, Edge) for smooth operation  .

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

AV Receiver Remote Issues

• No response often stems from being out of IR range, weak batteries, or blocked IR sensor. Replace batteries and ensure the unit’s IR sensor is exposed and remote ID matches unit settings  .
• To control devices in another room, use an IR repeater/extender connected via REMOTE IN to route the signal; many users report success using inexpensive 3.5 mm-based IR repeater systems like BAFX  .

Pro or Vintage Remote Cable Issues

• Some remote cables are proprietary, making replacements difficult. The manual may simply list them as “5‑pin” or “6‑pin cables,” without naming the connector  .
• In cases like the Yamaha MT‑44 or Rev‑1 systems, enthusiasts discovered odd connectors such as 8‑pin DIN or modified D‑sub cables, often with non-standard wiring requiring custom fabrication  .

Marine Throttle/Shift Cable Issues

• Throttle controls can feel stiff or fail due to cable corrosion or binding. Most often only the cable needs lubrication or replacement—rarely the entire control box  .
• It’s essential to use correct cable ends: the engine side often uses longer ends versus the control box side with shorter ends; mixing up ends can cause issues
  

Community Insights & Quotes

A user restoring a Yamaha cassette deck wrote:

“I’m on an absurd, completionist mission … the remote control. A Yamaha RC‑10 … Looks like an odd 8‑pin DIN … someone determined the pinout…” 

Another shared about vintage receivers missing cables:

“[Cables are] proprietary… If you find compatible units you can re‑work the connectors … scan eBay for the original cables.” 

Regarding using IR repeater cables:

“I use a Bafx IR repeater setup … with the IR target mounted by my projection screen … and my Yamaha receiver remote in plugged via mono headphone cable. Works perfectly.” 

In-Depth: Marine Remote Control Cables

• Yamaha’s Premium PowerMatched cables feature ultra‑low friction inner cores and spline‑cover designs for smooth throttle and shift motion—even in tight runs or twin‑engine setups  .
• Edge cables use advanced conduit design, low‑friction liners, minimal backlash, and tight bend‑radius for reliability and efficiency in demanding applications  .

Installation advice: ensure correct cable ends—control box vs engine side lengths—and specify proper model/year to suppliers for compatibility.

In-Depth: Vintage/Yamaha Remote Control cables

These cables often interface between integrated units in Yamaha systems, allowing unified remote control of tuner, tape deck, and receiver. They rely on proprietary pinouts unique to that series and typically aren’t interchangeable. Many users fabricate replacements by salvaging connectors or using header pins and ribbon cable  .

For systems like Yamaha Rev‑1, documentation suggests a custom D‑sub‑9 connector with non-standard wiring making finding a direct replacement difficult  . Enthusiasts recommend sourcing original components or wiring diagrams to replicate pinouts properly.

Compatibility & Alternatives

• For IR control in modern setups: IR repeater kits with mono mini‑jacks are fully compatible with Yamaha REMOTE IN/OUT ports.
• For wireless control: Many Yamaha units support HDMI‑CEC or MusicCast app; universal remotes (like Harmony) may also control Yamaha gear using Yamaha’s IR codes  .
• For vintage equipment: Unless you find the original cable or plug, custom fabrication using similar pin-count connectors and correct wiring is often the only route.

Best Practices & Tips

1. Consult the manual or service guide: Some list pinouts or cable part numbers, but often they’re simply called “5‑pin cable,” “6‑pin cable,” etc.  
2. Use proper IR extenders: Generic IR repeaters with 3.5 mm mono plugs work reliably for remote chaining or remote-room control.
3. For marine cables: Choose PowerMatched or Edge options sized and rated for your engine and installation curve radius.
4. When fabricating wiring: Confirm pin assignments from service or enthusiast documentation, especially for vintage or obscure connectors.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are Yamaha remote control cables used for?

In AV gear, they link IR sensors or chain devices with IR repeaters. In vintage solid‑state gear they carry wired remote signals. In boats, they mechanically operate throttle/shift.

Can I use a standard IR repeater with Yamaha?

Yes—almost all Yamaha AV receivers with a “REMOTE IN” 3.5 mm jack support generic IR repeaters and extenders compatible with 3.5 mm mono plug systems  .

Where can I buy Yamaha remote cable replacements?

Yamaha Remote Control cables are available through Yamaha-certified suppliers with Premium PowerMatched or Edge designs  . For vintage AV remote cables, search eBay or parts forums—community reports suggest success by finding donor units or custom wiring.

What connector types are used in Yamaha remote cables?

Typical modern units use 3.5 mm mono mini‑jacks. Older systems can use proprietary plugs, e.g. 5‑pin/6‑pin or 8‑pin DIN connectors; some units (like Rev‑1) use non‑standard 9‑pin D‑sub serial variants  .

 How to program a Yamaha universal remote?

Slide the mode switch (“Memory”) for the device, press “Learn”, then send commands from the target device’s remote. Store programming and test each button—in Techwalla’s guide  .

Conclusion

Yamaha remote control cables come in two main domains: IR control cables for receivers and audio systems (3.5 mm mono jacks), and mechanical throttle/shift cables in marine setups. Vintage Yamaha equipment sometimes uses unique multi‑pin wired remote cables requiring exact matching or custom fabrication.