I'm trying to learn and test more with serial control and feedback. I have a 3806 and SB has the module already done. I am using a db-9/rj45 connector and have pinned it out and tested my wire and am 99% sure i have everything correct.

I am just using xpanel and the 3806. I created a panel page with a few inputs and put on a guage.

for the input buttons I programmed as follows:

INput CD: PRESS = Theater, AVR->INPUT CD
Feedback:  * LInked to Device - Theater AVR - Source State = Input_CD_fb

Same thing for other Inputs.

For the Volume gauge, I drew a gauge, gave it a Analog join Linked to device "Theater AVR" and Output Signal as "Main_volume_bar"

I have my com ports selected correctly. I'm not even getting send commands to work? Do I have to do anything on teh Denon in setup? its an old 3806, no network options.

Mabye I just have the pinout wrong for the Denon??

Argghh. I can't figure this out. I have check and rechecked my pin outs. I even added a PTX3 to the project in case it was something with my Xpanel. Still nothing is working. I tried reversing pins 1-5 and 2-4 incase i had them backwards. I tried switch the Tx and Rx with both configs, still nothing.

I'm sumped. I verified the baud rates and serial settings. I'm stumped.

Cory, Save this link
[Link: allpinouts.org]

I cant dig into this right now because I have to spend time with the family but if you don't figure it out I will look at it in the morning after I get the guys going.

How about just assign commands to hard buttons like volume up mute on off and see if you have any control of it.

Maybe try to send commands to it with hyper terminal first.

I was going to say check the baud rate but you already did. I had an issue with a receiver once where the database had the baud rate wrong.

I had the same AVR working with Prodigy before I upgraded to the 4310.

Some Denon AVR's have 2 modes for the RS232 connector, one is 'two way remote' and the other one is 'control system'. For non-Denon control systems, it must be set to 'control system'. Two way remote is a special mode for Denon's multi zone controllers.

Ti the RTS and CTS together on the Denon end of the serial cable.

As suggested before, try Hyper Terminal to make sure the cable works.

thanks everyone.

Jeff - I have a pinout guide simllar plus i had to pinout the rj45-db9 adapaters that i have. However, I always get confused if pin1 is on the cable or on the piece of equipment, b/c pin 2 on the cable (male) goes into pin 4 on the denon (female)

Or is it just always as shown? Or are males one way and females another?

Stamp, that is excatly what I did, i just created some buttons and dropped some simple commands on them. I have Vista, so no hyper terminal. I'm using the Crestron provided Denon serial driver through SB. I am going to try a different driver maybe and possible write a couple of my own strings.

As for the "control system" mode, I think that came later, when denon came out wiht their 2-way remote, but I'll check.

So far, still no luck.

Okay, so i have a USB/232 converter cable that I have used many times for Nuvo, MX850's and various other things.

I have tried using the software HERCULES, in place of virtual terminal. Still no luck.

Start with the basics!!

1.Put SB in realtime mode and confirm that the processor is firing commands. If the processor is sending commands then check your pinout.
2. Your pinout for that device is 2,3,5 like most others. A good practice is to check the pinout for each device that you are controlling at Crestron.com. Here's the link for your Denon AVR :

[Link: crestron.com]

3. If your commands are firing and your pinout is correct, you can then investigate defective com ports on the processor or AVR. If you have another device that you can control serially, hook it up and see if you can control it. If you can control it, then the issue is with the AVR. If you can't, the chances are that you have a bad com port on the processor.

On the back of the Prodigy Processor there are Two COM ports. The Denon cable for that receiver is STRAIGHT THRU pins 2,3,5. Make sure on the PMC2 side pin#2 is on the TX and pin#3 is on the RX. Connect your RS-232 connector at the receiver to pins 2,3,5 and your good to go.

Okay, so I put into Realtime - My codes are sending, but still not doing anything.

I'm using the Crestron SB Denon AVR3806 modue.

I am getting feedback from the Denon, just don't know what to make of it. I put into Realtime mode. I used my URC remote to turn the volume up and this is what the Denon said back.

2 lines come back every time, Value is:
MV5}
y+y86Y

Another time:
MVui
mVyu

Actuall more custom charecters than that, but I don't know how to make them with my laptop. Everytime, the value feedback is different.

The denon is definitely giving instant feedback whenever something is change manually.

Are you sending commands from realtime? Or are you just manually adjusting volume etc. and looking at feedback?

To see the feedback, I am manually adjusting via an IR remote.

I still can't get any send commands to work. i'm trying from Realtime and from the loaded programming.

I tried changing my 232-rj45 adapter, however i have pinned it out and everything shows fine.

Unfortunately i don't have any other devices here that I can test...actually I have an old Zenith which may have the LG 232 control.

I'm about to just do a full reset on the Denon. Should the Feedback VALUE's that i see in realtime actually make any sense or just be random like they are?

Are you seeing commands being sent from Realtime?

Here's a screen shot of the feedback i'm getting back from the denon after sending IR commands VOL+, VOL+, InputTV, Input DBS.... IR all teh commands worked properly.  This is just the realtime feedback.