Hello there,
we have a Denon MD player DN-M1050R with faulty controls, the buttons only react when you push them really hard. Not something you'd want to worry about during a show. Unfortunately, cleaning the contacts didn't make a difference and replacements are no longer available as Denon don't make this model anymore. We mostly trigger the player through MIDI using the Parallel remote port, but sometimes, especially for touring shows, we need to be able to use it manually.
So my question is this: is it possible to make a little basic box with a few simple and reliable buttons on them to trigger basic functions (stop - standby/cue - play/pause - maybe even record) through the serial remote port? Does anybody know how to do that? I can't find any information in the manual or online about what functions can be remote controlled through this port and how, so I'm a bit stuck.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Christoph
(Soho Theatre)

If it uses individual tactile switches, I'm sure a competent service shop should be able to replace them with something equivalent. We do it all the time with various brands including Denon.

Looking at the manual, the parallel port is just a contact closure port, so a few push to make switches in a small box would do.

Alternatively you could use the keyboard port, and an old PS/2 keyboard - the commands are on page 38 of the manual.

Philip