🚀 go-pugleaf

Maybe one of the offerings from Radio Shack could solve your problem.  They
have a gadget called an "INFRA-RED REMOTE CONTROL EXTENDER" and is pictured
on page 110 of their 1990 catalog.  Part number is 15-1289.  Don't let the
picture fool you; the box is actually about the size of a pack of king-size
cigarettes.

After looking at the instruction book, it appears to be an infra-red detector
that bias tees into the coaxial cable. A 9 volt wall transformer supplies the
power.  At the other end of the cable is an IR LED that is placed in the vicin-
ity of the instrument to be controlled.  The manual warns the user that you
must retain DC continuity throughout the cable system, thereby precluding the
use of splitters, amplifiers, etc. Unfortunately, they don't mention how far
away one can mount the IR LED from your VCR, etc.  If it were strong enough,
you could conceivably place the transmitter IR LED nearly anywhere in the room,
pointed at the device to be controlled. You can also get the extender with a 
second IR LED on special order so you can control yet another remote instrument.

Check it out.  At $49.95, I don't see how you can go wrong.  If you're looking
for a true RF unit that can go thru walls, this thing won't help, but such con-
trollers are available.

				Don Montgomery,K6LTS
				donm@hpnmdla.HP.COM