We are in the strange position that we have to use two different control systems with two processors in one system. The reason for this is that our client who already owns an RTI T3/RP6, has moved to a new house and needs 3 more remotes. One would be a waterproof RTI (U1 or U2 - when available) but the other two would be a Pronto TSU9600 and TSU9400 (with RFX9600). The reason for going with the Prontos is that the client has seen them and likes them a lot but also because we have a Denon AVR2308 in the living room (the pronto can control the AVR 2way with volume, surround mode and tuner station feedback) but also because there would be an Escient FP1 connected to our matrix switch. The pronto offers very nice 2 way control of the Escient ipod dock.

Up to here there is no problem as we will be controlling everything (dvd players,satellite receivers e.t.c) using IR so we would just stick 2 emitters (one from each control system) on each machine. Some components will be controlled by IP and RS232 but these ones do not need control by both systems.

The problem is the AMX matrix switcher that can only be controlled by RS232 and has to be able to be controlled by both systems. We need to split this RS232 so that we would be able to connect both the RFX9600 and the RP6 to it. Can anybody reccommend a suitable device to split the RS232 signal? Please note that the directions of the signal would be opposite: it has to be 2 ports in and 1 out.

I understand that there is the possibility of sending 2 strings at the same time from each system and the matrix will get confused but this is not a really big problem in this house as the customer is a bachelor and by probability this would happen very very rarely.

I also do not like the option of the RFX9600 controlling the RP6 using IR triggers so that only one RS232 port would be required on the matrix. It makes the system more complicated and more easy to fail. So to sum it up we need a device that accepts 2 RS232 ports and outputs to 1.

Thanks for any help and suggestions in advance.

Crestron QM-RMC has 2 two way RS-232 Ports and one IR port that can be set up to be a 1 way RS-232 port. A very simple program could route the 2 incoming ports to the outgoing 1 way port. PM if you need someone to sell you a unit programmed.

Thank you for the suggestion. We have also thought about this option also (but using an AMX NI-700). I will prefer to avoid the AMX processor if there is a simple passive device that can do this.

I haven't used this product but looks like what you want.

[Link: xantech.com]

It even says "Controls a single matrix switcher or other product via several computers and/or controllers"

Hi,

I have used this product with Vantage and another control system talking to the one tuner.

It works a treat.

D

Run IR out of RFX9600 into RP6. Put RTI trigger codes on pronto to trigger RS-232 commands on RP6. It is the best option. I don't know how that makes it more complicated than hacking it together with additional hardware.

LOL!

CJ

Jason,

I think it is easier to use the Xantech piece because of the following:

- The prontos which will be used at the 2 main important areas will have to depend on 2 processors to send commands to the matrix. I do not like this idea.

- The programming becomes messier. You have to generate IR trigger codes for a lot of commands. This is an 8x8 (we will only be using 5 outputs at the moment though) component video and audio matrix. Sometimes we will need to switch only the video portion of the matrix and sometimes only the audio version. These are a lot of IR codes.

We might try it in our lab but I believe going through the Xantech box is a neater solution and the box is not expensive.

Convergent Living has a twelve volt RS232 "splitter" that I use all the time. About $75, I think. Easy and dependable with ZERO additional programming.

I have used the XOVP14 with a RTI RP-6 processor and a Crestron AV2 connected and it seems to work well. There was one device however that I needed to cut the Tx line on as it would stop any RS-232 commands after the first one was sent. There is no programming needed. Just set the DIP switches for your requirements.

I did some work about 7 years ago, where I needed two serial devices to both feed a computer. I found the following:

[Link: infogrip.com]

It is designed for serial mice. I found it worked nicely for my serial application. You can email the company that designed it, and find out if it fits your application. They might need details on the handshaking requirements of your devices, baud rates, data length and parity. They were very responsive years ago when I was using their product.

Good Luck!

RS-232 is more dependable than IR

Anthony, do you have a link or part number for this device? The Convergent site is not the most user friendly when searching for an unknown device.

thanks

Anthony,

will correct me if I am wrong but if you go here

[Link: convergentliving.com]

and download the 2008 catalog, you will find on page 7, under Network accessories the following which I think is what we are looking for:

Serial Router / AC-D0004
DB9 male to 2-DB9 female, manages 1 subsytem with two controllers in sync

I would like to control our demo system via Crestron and Pronto. With the Xantech product would I be able to control two devices, or would I need one per device!?