I'm considering getting the MSC-400 to control my DVD changer. After reading through the programmer's guide, I can't figure out how to get user supplied numbers into an RS-232 command string. I understand the concept of sending the commands to the device, I just can't figure out how to get the number key presses from the remote into the RS-232 command string. Specifically, if I press 137 on the remote, how do I get that into the RS-232 command string to load disc # 137. How do you save the number key presses until all three keys are pressed and then place them into the RS-232 command string?

If I understand what you're asking........ Each number 1,3,7 has a separate serial command. The sony changers have a specific serial command for each number. These are loaded in the Device's Funcs table.

When you press 1,3,7 you are sending three separate serial commands or strings.

Regards,
John

Well..., You could handle the slot position numbers as Fav channels.

What remote are using with the MSC...?

I apologize for not making myself clear. The Sony changer command string is a disk load command followed by the slot number and terminated by a carriage return. These are sent to the changer as a continuous string of characters. Obviously I don't want to set up 400 seperate commands so there must be a way you can save the key presses of the numbers, edit them into the command, then send the whole string to the changer. Note, with RS-232, each command is a string of characters ended with a carriage return, it does not work like IR, where each key press is interpreted and processed as you go. I was thinking that perhaps the numbers are held in a variable in the MSC-400 and then the entire number is inserted in the command as a variable. It is also possible that I am completely wrong and there is a different technique for doing this. The programmer's guide doesn't give much help with "How to".
The remote I am planning on using is the MX-980, although it shouldn't matter since the RS-232 commands are issued by the MSC-400.

Still a little confused. For the Sony 777 I believe the serial commands to load a disk are "Folder", followed by the numbers for the slot, and then "Enter". Each command is carriage returned. You didn't say what Sony changer you had. Are you sure the only way to load a disk via RS-232 is with one serial string which contains disk load and the slot number?

If I still don't understand the problem, sorry.

Edit: Saw you on AVS......so you have the new 7000. Way cool.

Ahh... I understand where you're coming from....I think. Instead of having 400 slot positions programmed into the MSC which are triggered by the 980. You want to have only one programmed serial command which is edited on the fly while numerical keypad presses are made.

Do I have that right....?


I'm far from a "MSC Expert", but I don't know of any way to create commands on the fly..... Your 232 slot load commands should be predetermined/preconstructed, and simply triggered by your programming.


The remote IMHO makes all the difference in the world....,and is why I grouped your last two statements together. From what I'm gathering from your posts so far. You're planning on having a piece of paper or some other sort of reference material beside your remote so you can figure out what slot you want to load and then use the keypad to enter the numbers....correct? If you were using the MX-3000, or 5000, or 6000. I'd tell you you'd be better off to develop a movie jukebox on board (like a Fav Chn listing), and just attach the needed trigger for the slot serial command you needed for the selection. The same could be done with the 980, but the reduced screen area would make far less user friendly.

The bottom line is... Unless there's some extremely powerful functionality I'm not aware off. You're going to have to have all 400 slot load commands within your programming. I think that's all the you're looking for comfirmation on at this point...yes/no?

To make things easier for all trying to help. Next time when you pose a question regarding programming. List all equipment being used, and if you have a example of the 232 string handythrow that in as well. The string will explain all the finer points for us eg, the carriage return.

I appreciate the interest in my question. The real issue is not the RS-232 command but rather how do I get the data from the remote to the MSC-400 and then from the MCS-400 out to the changer. The changer I am using is the BDP-CX7000ES. The reason for all this is because the 7000 does not accept IR commands for direct disc selection, so I was looking into an alternate such as DMX-3000. DMX-3000 uses only IR commands so I thought there might be a way to convert them to RS-232 using the MSC-400. Of course none of this would be necessary if Escient would keep their word and release a software update for the Vision VS-100, which I bought just for this purpose.

Thanks smokinghot, you answered my question, although it's not the answer I was hoping for. Sorry for the lack of detail, but I am new to programming these devcices and I have not actually figured out what the actual command string is yet. My question is based on my knowledge of RS-232 commands I have used on my PC, not the MSC-400.

I saw this over at AVS, sounds kind of lame. Bracken (author of DMX-3000) was toying with the idea of RS 232 functionality with the MSC-400, not sure where that stands.

As has been said, no way around 400 different commands for 400 slots. Even with the DMX-3000 you'd have to tell the program what's in all 400 slots. This is automated with a DVD Profiler database but........you still have to put all the info in a DVD Profiler database if you don't currently have one.

For what you have invested in the Vision I'd hope you can go that way.

Regards,
John

After you have the command you want in the MSC-400, you have to drag a trigger to the 980.