I am integrating an Elan S8.6AV with an XP-8. I have never done RS232 on the Elan but the documentation sounded simple enough. For example, I am entering &S86,PWR,01,1\r with a baud of 19200 for Zone 1 to be powered on. From Elan's manual "The S8.6 serial interface is a 3-wire RS-232 (Rx, Tx, Ground-Pins 2, 3, and 5 respectively)". I am assuming that because of the order is stated a null modem would be required. So I re-terminated the cat5 end going into the Elan to create my own null modem. Basically switching the transmit and receive pins (5 and 6 on the cat 5 according to XP8 manual) to create the null modem. I know that RTI transmits on pin 3.

I haven't played with any delays because the Elan doc says that a 50ms is required between commands. It makes no mention of delays needed between characters. Any ideas??

Anyone??

Just out of curiosity are you controlling the sources with the XP-8 or using the IR routing of the S8.6?

The CTRLZONEx (x=zone number, obvoiusly...) commands work well if you want to forget the RS232 troubles. Just issue a CTRLZONEx followed by the command you need. I just did it this week for the first time and worked like a champ - no troubles at all.

I am using the XP-8 for everything. I hate the idea of redundant flashers. I basically have T2'Cs for the main room and master bedroom, T2+'s for kids bedrooms, and an RK3 in an office. I am using the Elan to provide power to the speakers the bedrooms and the office,etc. All analog source connections go the Elan and the the digital connections go to surround receiver in the main room. Then I am using a Key Digital matrix to distribute component video to all locations. Using RS232 on the Elan allows me to effectively control each area with the RTI remotes and I don't need to run a second flasher. I know that is more than you probably wanted.

Are you referring to this exact piece? I can find nothing in the documentation that uses the CTRLZONEx.

After more careful reading it does says if a source command is issued and the zone is off, it will turn on. To select a source the doc gives the example &S86,SRC,zz,ss

Since I have never done RS232 on the Elan piece I was basically trying the power code to verify the protocol. How's the saying go? Get the first one to work and it's all down hill from there. Just to clarify did you use a null modem?

I did enter the carriage return as \r. I could try ?? I never have really had to do that before though.

Yeah there is a CTRLZONE infrared command for every zone of the System8.6. You just fire it off before every command.

I have the .ccf files for the system8 if you want them.

The System 8 RS232 works fine with a null modem. No intercharacter delays needed but you do need a 100ms (smallest available in RT) after each command. If you are using a System 8 and an V883 or a System 12 you can chain the systems together with a straight m-f serial DB9 serial cable and save a port on your RP-6, XP-8. We have used all these devices extensively with RS232 and have had no problems.

Volume tracking is a bit slow so we repeat the command with the delay 3 times via a system macro. It is a bit tedious to configure the macros but once you have them setup they work quite nicely in this environment.

Can you send me an example string? Did you see my how I am entering it above in my original post? I am entering Power On for Zone 1 as &S86,PWR,01,1\r

Is that correct?

Thanks

That is the correct string. You need to make sure you're baud rate is set to 19200.


A good way to test serial strings is to connect your RS232 port to a serial port on your PC and use hyperterminal to make sure you are sending the proper string.

Jim, Hey how did you get IR from the RTI Control to the S8.6? I know the s12 has IR Input on the rear panel, But THe S8.6 does not. Did you use the extra IR inputs on the
SSP panel? Also Where did you find the .ccf codes for the S8.6?

Thanks

Any chance someone still has either IR or RS232 codes for this unit, and possibly a manual? I just acquired a used one, and would like to play with it a bit...

The elan protocol for Ir and 232 are extensively available from numerous sources, the easiest of which being the élan g 6x programming software which integrates the integration notes. Now If you aren't an élan dealer, there are other legitamite places to gather these codes like any modern urc control software or the rti database. Elan also makes it extremely easy to log into their dealer portal. I assume I'm not telling you anything google couldn't tell you on the first page of searches. I only lay that as a pre-cursor, as self exploration often leads one a long way.

Are you controlling an s8.6 or an s86 ? Av or avp? 232 or ir?

If it helps any their is a two way driver for the élan s8.6 on the Rti dealer site.... You can use it for two way feedback and control via rs232 with the strings pre writer for you already

I love it when I search for something and come across a post I wrote myself.... EIGHT YEARS AGO. Ugh... I'm old.