RS-232C Projector Control

[wgsoundguys]

We recently installed a new Panasonic PT-F100NTU projector and like most projectors it has a 9-pin serial connection which, according to the user's manual, can be used to control the "power on" and other menu functions using our connected computer. The user's manual does not go into the "how" of doing this. I assume that I need to install some sort of projector control software, but there was nothing on the disk that came with the projector. I was hoping to find a simple free program online that would handle the basic commands, but most of the software I have run across is meant for managing a larger system, not one projector. Any ideas?

It's not really a necessity: the projector is not so far from my sound booth that I can't use the standard remote control, but being a geek I was really curious about being able to handle adjustments using the PC.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!

Kevin Z
"Sound Guy"
West Greenway Baptist Church, Glendale AZ

[Tony Kanago]

If you tell me the exact make and model, I'll make one up for you real quick.

If you give me lists of all the commands (power, input switch, etc) it'd help as well

(Or I could just read where you wrote it in your post. Doh.)

[cw4u]

Also, some video switchers can control the projectors via rs-232c. I know extron manufactures a couple that do.

[tedanderson]

In your instruction manual for the projector there should be a list of commands or codes to communicate with a PC via the RS-232. If you are a geek- Ahem.. tech savy enough with RS-232 communication, you could use the Hyperterminal program in windows to communicate with your projector.

[Lucas]

I just made a quick program to do this kind of thing, except I didn't have a Projector so i used a Cisco Router, it's working perfectly.

I can only assume that if the Baud rate was changed to that of a projector it would work there too.

Would you like me to modify it to suit your projector?
Lucas

[wgsoundguys]

Wow, I didn't expect a reply so quickly, and I definitely didn't expect someone to go to that much trouble!

http://www.projectorcentral.com/pdf/...anual_3658.pdf

Is the baud rate all you would need to modify the program? (Baud rate 9600 bps)

Thanks Lucas!

Ted, I was also going to try out Hyperterminal this morning, I found out that it was already on my computer right after I posted my question! Thanks all!!!

[sempei13]

I work for a company that does RS232 control of electronics. You'll need:

-A computer with a DB-9 connector (also called a serial port) and terminal application (like hyperterminal).
-A DB-9 cable that is male on one end and female on the other.
-Your projector's communication speed, number of data bits, whether or not parity is on, number of stop bits, and flow control.

Depending on your projector, you might need a null modem cable and gender bender to make sure the transmit conductor goes to receive and vice versa.

Your projector has a set a commands called a "protocol" that tell it to stuff. Type these commands into hyperterminal or us software with them built in. There are also hardware boxes than can hold the commands and send them when they receive a "shortcut" from the box's manufacturer's controller (the software or hyperterminal method is what you'll probably use).

Serial control is usually problematic over long distances, making it impractical for some installations, but it could be perfect for you.

BTW, you can also send IR commands over wire if you're just looking to control the projector more reliably. You can take an IR receiver near your remote, wire the output into cat5 and wire an emittter to the other end for $20 or $30. Additionally, you already have the interface (your remote).

Paul

[Lucas]

OK, I'm sitting here turning my Set Top Box (Digital TV Tuner) on an off via my computer, however, I will be posting the program on CMN within a day or so, I'm setting it up so you can enter your own codes in for each button. And save it as a PreSet.

And to also create routines.

Should be done by Thursday

Sorry about the wait
Lucas

[sempei13]

Now that's a solution. Can you tweak all the settings? Is it just a template for basically adding RS232 control (where you input the protocol) to a GUI? That might be helpful in my day job. Do you mind if I use it for that?

Paul

[Lucas]

You would be able to enter the details into a GUI, whereupon it saves it to a XML file (Shaun, can you show me this?).

You would then be able to load and modify that XML file as much as you like, and for whatever.

The 'control' window's buttons text and other text probably would not be customisable.

[Lucas]

It looks like this so far

[Gracetech]

Hey Tony or Lucas...or anybody that would like to give it a whirl. If i gave you the source code (at least i think i still have the source code) for a projector control software do you think you could change up the command strings? I have had Projector Pilot customized for my new projectors but i prefer the interface of the software my buddy coded which is called Projector Commander. Projector Commander is a system tray utility unless you need all the features and then you can open up the settings and do adjustments. I like it cause it's quick to get to without having to shift my projection software into the background which makes whatever is being projected turn into the desktop.

Let me know if you can do it and i'll get it posted some where you can get it.

crt