Help me understand RS-232 control and especially how it applies to the TSU9600/RFX9600. I need to decide whether to buy the RFX9600 or the 9400.

Let’s say I want to hook up to a Lexicon MC-12 and a Lumagen scaler and use RS232. What advantages does this give? I sorta understand that you have two way connectivity. But what does that really mean? Does the Pronto display volume settings from the Lexicon? What would the scaler “tell” the Pronto?

I assume it is a better connection than IR, but I have no experience with RS232, so am trying to understand, and figure this is the right place to ask.

Thanks,

RS-232 communication “can” be better but it isn’t automatically so. There are a great many variables that affect the outcome.

1.Is the device you are trying to control capable of “2-way” 232 communication?
2.What return data is offered by the device in question? (this varies greatly)
3.What is the value of that return communication?
4.Is there a module available or do you have the programming skill necessary to implement 2-way communication back to your TSU9600?


The reliability of 232 based controls can be superb, but well captured and implemented IR codes can also work in a very consistent manner. The main benefit of a 232 command is that there can be confirmation that the command has taken place, and if not the command will be resent until confirmation is received. This however doesn’t happen automatically and requires scripting dealing with “conditional statements”.

Other useful data that can be displayed such as volume level, current input selections, Current Sound Modes, Disc and track information, etc. Again this dosen't happen by just connecting a DB9 connector, this data is normaly obtained by polling a device and listening for a reply. This reply is then displayed graphicaly on some sort of a "widget".

This is a very simplified answer to 232 functionality on the TSU9600 but it should give you a basic idea, so you can make an educated choice on extenders.

Derek

Thanks Derek,

I suspect I will be in over my head very quickly if writing code is required. But to answer your questions.

1.Is the device you are trying to control capable of “2-way” 232 communication?

The two devices I am interested in having 2-way communication are a Lexicon MC-12 and a Lumagen processor. They both have RS-232 communication. I assume they are 2-way capable.

2.What return data is offered by the device in question? (this varies greatly)

I have no idea what data they would return.

3.What is the value of that return communication?

I would very much like to know the volume level, current surround mode, input selected, and current disk info.

4.Is there a module available or do you have the programming skill necessary to implement 2-way communication back to your TSU9600?

I downloaded the Developers Guide from the Pronto site. Although it seems feasible, writing code is something I have no confidence in. Are there modules available from the equipmetn manufacturers, and if so how do you go about using them?

Again, I suspect this is over my head.

As far as manufacturer support regarding modules for the TSU9600, you will probably have little or no luck in the short term. The Pronto scripting language although based on Java is still in its infancy. AMX and Crestron have been working with their own respective languages for many years, yet it’s still completely hit or miss which manufacturers are supported with “modules” and exactly what sort of control and feedback is available within them.

That being said Philips looks to be pro actively working towards partnering with various manufacturers and designing modules for the TSU9600 and TSU9400 remotes. They seem to have started with companies that they have a history with. Philips has OEM’d remotes for marantz since the late 90’s, Thus the current support of Marantz, Denon, Escient products (all part of D&M holdings). Onkyo is also a Philips based remote Alum.

Contacting Lexicon and Lumagen certainly won’t hurt and if enough people keep mentioning TSU9600 to the powers that be, it could show up eventually. However this isn’t going to get you a working and properly tested module in a time frame you would like. Another option would be to have a programmer custom make the scripting for you. The difficulty in this is that without having the system in front of them, it can be difficult to test. Much of writing code for this type of project can be trial and error so the testing phase is key. Also there will obviously be a cost associated with this option.

For its price point the TSU9600 and the coming TSU9400 are massive over achievers! With the addition of the Pronto Script functionality these remotes come close to the levels of control previously only associated with the likes of AMX and Crestron, and at a total price that’s less than the programming fees common with the other systems.

Lyndel may be able to help you if you are interested in having some scripting created for your particular application. Drop him a note (if he doesn’t see this and respond first) and see what your options are.

Derek

Derek,

One of the guys on the Lexicon forum makes a black box that will display the front panel information of the on the screen via the Lumagen scaler. So that would be a $100 option to get some of what I shooting for.

One thing is for sure, I will not be writing script!! I certainly enjoy the flexibility and power of the Pronto, but writing code, whether it be Java or whatever, is something I have avoided over the course of my career, so I won't be starting now. I'll leave that to Lyndel and the other smart folks on this forum.