RS 232 control port

[martin-iow]

hi can any one tell me what a rs232 control port on a projector would be used for

 

[bruce]

for controlling the projector!

 

In general, you can send commands to the RS232 port to carry out the same sort of things that you'd use the remote control for - turning it off and on, switching inputs etc. Using RS232 means you don't have the range restriction and interference-potential that IR brings.

 

You'd need some sort of specialist controller. Typical uses would be to interface with something like an AMX room controller etc...

[Pete McCrea]

As bruce says it's a control interface. You can use software on a PC with RS232 or USB->RS232 port to send command strings to it. Other options such as wall panel controllers from Ikon AVS which are programmable with the serial strings for the projector control which you then trigger with the buttons.

 

RS232 is a common interface that exists on may forms of equipment and I think will be around for a very long time to come.

[IRW]

...

RS232 is a common interface that exists on may forms of equipment and I think will be around for a very long time to come.

 

 

It's just rather annoying that they have stopped putting rs232 ports onto laptops as standard...! :down:

[martin-iow]

ok thanks people so can u download any program to do the control things on the pc. I need to be able to switch between inputs without going up a ladder each time

thanks all the same

martin

[rooftop]

The most basic of control would be to use a terminal emulator (one included with Windows) to send the control messages. The messages are usually defined in the projector's manual.

 

For example, for most Toshiba projectors, sending the ASCII string "PON" (without quotes) will power up the projector (from Standby)

[martin-iow]

ok I am new to all this I have a benq PB8120

I need to be able to turn it on, switch inputs,

change keystone and powerdown, any help would

be very much liked. it will be used on a desktop pc

so ill need to know what port and program to use

thanks people

[danburns]

Hi Martin,

 

David Duffy who's a member on the board has written a useful little program called Serial Buttons that you can set up to send out serial data strings (they're usually in the manual telling you what does what). BenQ might have a piece of software to control the projector - I know that our projector (which is a Sharp) has software available to control it.

[martin-iow]

Hi Martin,

 

David Duffy who's a member on the board has written a useful little program called Serial Buttons that you can set up to send out serial data strings (they're usually in the manual telling you what does what). BenQ might have a piece of software to control the projector - I know that our projector (which is a Sharp) has software available to control it.

 

 

what port would I need to use and how much is it

[Matthew Robinson]

what port would I need to use and how much is it

 

Use the RS232 port (looks exactly the same as the one on the projector, a 9 pin 'D' plug). If the computer doesn't have one, use a USB to RS232 convertor or install a PCI card with an RS232 output.

[martin-iow]

thats good thanks

 

A concurrent post has been automatically merged from this point on.

 

just need to find a program now any help please

[henny]

as dan said above

 

 

David Duffy who's a member on the board has written a useful little program called Serial Buttons that you can set up to send out serial data strings (they're usually in the manual telling you what does what).

 

See Serial Buttons

[martin-iow]

ok might just be me but dont seem to find the codes for my projector any one help please.

benq PB8120

[Matthew Robinson]

It appears to have a USB interface? So it may possibly be plug and play.

[david.elsbury]

Contact the manufacturer. Or do some research of your own (google searching or manufacturer's forum or the like). You cannot expect us to spoonfeed you the answers you require without playing your part too!