RS232 Control Software

[Dave]

Hi,

 

I'm trying to control a Procon 7000 series RGBHV matrix switcher via RS-232. They supply a little applet but it doesn't seem to work on Windows Vista, which is a problem for my client.

 

Does anyone know of a program that can send short pre-defined command strings out of an RS232 port, triggered by mouse or keyboard? I'm sure I once came across a program for controlling projectors over RS232, which would be fine if I could customise the commands, but I can't seem to track it down.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

[J Pearce]

Gtype could do it, but I don't think its really what you're after as it is more cue based. Might do the job if you can't find anything else.

[dbuckley]

Just about any show control software can do that.

 

But you may wish to look at StarDraw, which was designed for this sort of job.

[David Duffy]

Is this for setting something up or for an end user?

 

How many different commands do you need to send?

[back_ache]

Just about any show control software can do that.

 

But you may wish to look at StarDraw, which was designed for this sort of job.

 

Stardraw is great and very powerfull and ideal in a commercial situation, if budget is an issue, a free option is eventghost http://www.eventghost.org you can even create a web interface with it!

[Dave]

Thanks guys,

 

It is for an end user so needs to be simple! Currently 12 commands are needed.

 

I agree that StarDraw will be a bit OTT for this application - I'll give EventGhost a try.

[David Duffy]

So you just need 12 buttons (with labels) that send a serial string when clicked?

 

I've written something very close to that already. I could modify it perhaps.

[DJ-Dulux]

So you just need 12 buttons (with labels) that send a serial string when clicked?

 

I've written something very close to that already. I could modify it perhaps.

 

 

Something like a RTI wall mount remote may be an option, or Philips Pronto. You can then have a PC independent, simple to use control surface.

 

Dupe...

[David Duffy]

Here you go: Serial Buttons

 

Let me know if that suits your application.

[Johnparrack]

Hi, I have come across this problem with vista and Extron s/ware...found that usb -232/422 adaptors that worked fine with xp, don't work with vista..haven't found driver updates that work...even vista says that the s/w-driver for the adaptor is installed correctly! If the Procon can be controlled via Ethernet, it may be a better solution. I know this doesn't really help..just my 2p's worth.

[Dave]

David,

 

Wow! A program just for me, all the way from down under. It looks cool. Will send you an email. Many thanks indeed.

 

John,

 

I'm aware of Vista's "funnies" and the general unreliability of USB-RS232 converters. I am using one of these, but it is working properly as I can reprogram the switcher (which doesn't have an ethernet interface) by sending binary files from a terminal program. So that side of things is OK - it's definitely the Procon applet. I have a support request in with them.

[David Duffy]

Wow! A program just for me, all the way from down under. It looks cool. Will send you an email. Many thanks indeed.

I was actually thinking of making this program a week or so ago, for testing indoor sports scoreboards of all things.

 

I'm working on version 1.1.0.0 at the moment. It has configurable numbers of rows and columns. (up to 10 of each for a max of 100 buttons)

 

What other features would be useful without detracting from the "end user simpleness"?

Maybe the ability to add a bitmap to each button? (no idea yet how hard that would be)

[Peter F]

Wow! A program just for me, all the way from down under. It looks cool. Will send you an email. Many thanks indeed.

I was actually thinking of making this program a week or so ago, for testing indoor sports scoreboards of all things.

 

I'm working on version 1.1.0.0 at the moment. It has configurable numbers of rows and columns. (up to 10 of each for a max of 100 buttons)

 

What other features would be useful without detracting from the "end user simpleness"?

Maybe the ability to add a bitmap to each button? (no idea yet how hard that would be)

 

Thanks for this very handy little program, the countdown one is much appreciated as well.

 

The ability to control more than one serial port would make this truly wonderful.

 

(For operation of multiple Denon DVD players with stupid infra-red remote control design fault, if you really want to know)

 

Cheers,

 

Peter

[David Duffy]

Hmmm... I'll look into that.

 

Individually coloured buttons and text would also be handy. Well, off I go again!

[peternewman]

VVVV may also be worth a look. It certainly does serial output, and I understand you can hide most bits to just show a simple interface for the end user, but it may well be overkill and David's software will probably be more suited to the job.

 

Have you got a link/further info on Gtype Jon?