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Author Topic: DTS6AD Serial Control Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-06-2018 07:22 PM                        Trying to add serial control to our faithful old DTS6AD. CPU version is current at 2.08 Upload/download dts program works fine so comms are good. String I'm trying to send is just volume control: V38<cr> Has anyone had experience with controlling these units?  |  IP: Logged Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-07-2018 06:03 PM                        Nobody?  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-07-2018 07:03 PM                     So far I didn't know this feature existed for the 6AD. Do you have any documents telling you remote control through RS232 is possible? All I know is that the RS232 was for config backup and restore, and only the RS422 ports were intended for remote control, but that feature never made it into the operating software. Long time ago, though... - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-07-2018 08:35 PM                        Yes, this document suggests it's possible. http://www.film-tech.com/warehouse/manuals/TN-E374A.pdf I've found other documentation around the web where another unit had 6AD compatible mode for control. It was supposed to be in from firmware 1.06 and above.  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-07-2018 09:10 PM                     So, did you try X<CR> ? Are you using this with a laptop or stationary computer? What kind of RS232 interface is used - a fixed port on the computer, or a USB-serial converter? The latter often have issues due to level variations against properly spec'd older equipment. The connection cable needs to be a nullmodem (crossed) cable - are you sure your's has the correct wiring? You say that the config up-/download works - is that using the same cable and computer you are trying to control volume with? - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-07-2018 10:15 PM                        Yep, didn't even bother with a USB adapter. Went right for an old PC set up with the correct port specs. Also definitely crossed over null modem cable. The up/down software works using the same cable and computer.  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-08-2018 06:44 AM                     Okay, so does it say anything with X<CR> ? When you have a terminal connected during boot-up of the AD, does anything readable appear on screen? Unfortunately, regular status updates seem to be transmitted only through RS422, as these could help to diagnose the connection. - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 02-08-2018 10:52 AM                     the cr is often a issue and you may want to try 0D  |  IP: Logged Gordon McLeod Film God Posts: 9532 From: Toronto Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 99 posted 02-08-2018 12:34 PM                     Also what software are you using as a serial terminal program also did the unit send back any response You may want to try a straight through serial cable for control  |  IP: Logged Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-08-2018 06:53 PM                        Thanks Gordon. I've have already tried reversing the serial lead connections just for fun. I've also tried patching to the 422 ports. The 232 port give no response to any command, but I did come across a document somewhere that I think said it only gives responses through the 422 automation ports (Carsten might confirm) but will accept commands from the 232 port. I am using a nifty program called serial talk that simply sends out strings. Great for testing. I will play with the OD you suggested.  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-08-2018 07:34 PM                     Corretly wired, the RS422 should give status commands from key actions, the RS422 levels should be able to trigger the Rx line of the PC. However, that doesn't help much if the AD doesn't accept commands from TX. The document should mention it, but is there maybe some setting in these firmware versions to enable remote control? - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-13-2018 05:49 PM                        ok, I've used a 232 to 422 converter and connected to the 422 rj45 'automation' ports. No action from the unit other than just echoing back the exact string sent to the DTS6AD from a PC.  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-13-2018 09:51 PM                     Did you try both RS422 ports? And pressing a few keys on the unit while connected? - Carsten  |  IP: Logged Matt Close Expert Film Handler Posts: 226 From: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia Registered: Sep 2001 posted 02-14-2018 04:02 PM                        Sure did. Both upper 422 ports do nothing. I get no status strings when pressing buttons. Also, does anyone know if DTS or Datasat tech support still exist? All their emails bounce  |  IP: Logged Carsten Kurz Film God Posts: 4340 From: Cologne, NRW, Germany Registered: Aug 2009 posted 02-14-2018 04:19 PM                     There are some people supporting Datasat, but those will not be the same people who supported the DTS units I guess. I may have a look into my DTS document collection, but I don't think I'll find something useful there... Daniel Schulz used to work for DTS and DATASAT, he is active on this forum and MAY have an idea, but chances are low... - Carsten  |  IP: Logged

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