I am trying to get started controlling my CAV66 using RS232. I would like to begin by verifying that I understand how to send commands, and what format these commands should have.

From elsewhere on this site, I have found the HEX command for turning on zone 3: (my target device is 0):
F0 00 00 7F 00 00 70 05 02 02 00 00 F1 23 00 01 00 02 00 01 14 F7

Maybe I should also point out that I am new to RS232 usage, so I apologize if I am making obvious mistakes, and would much appreciate any assistance that you might provide.

In my efforts to minimize sources of errors, I am trying to first send the command using a HyperTerminal using the following configuration
Bits per second: 19200
Data bits:8
ParityNone
Stop bits:1
Flow control:None

My first problem is that I don’t know how to verify that I am actually connected to the Russound device, the second is that I don’t know how to actually send the command listed above.

What I have tried is to copy the list of HEX decimals, and then select “Pate to Host” from the HyperTerminal. I have tried this with and without space characters, and I have tries to convert the hex values to decimals:
\240\000\000\127\000\000\112\005\002\002\000\000\241\035\000\001\000\002\000\001\020
My efforts so far have produced no result. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Best regards
Kenneth Petersen

There is a switch on the front of the unit, underneath the remove-able bezel, that selects between the front and back RS232 ports.

What controller are you tying to use? If it is a MSC400, you would need to format the code like this:

F0, 0, 0, 7F, 0, 0, 70, 5, 2, 2, 0, 0, F1, 23, 0, 1, 0, 2, 0, 1, 14, F7


If you are using hyperterminal, you should get feedback from the RS232 for most keypad functions.

Thank you very much for your response, and I apologies for not being able to continue this thread sooner.
 
The Russound unit does have a switch on the front, and this switch is assigned the correct setting: Back, where the RS232 cable is attached.
 
I don’t see any model information on either front or back, other than the name CAV6.6, which I thought to be the model. I know however that the unit is approximately 4 years old, if this is of any help to determine the model. Can you please help me how to determine the model?
 
I have tried to use the command as specified above, without any result. Maybe I have not configured the Hyper Terminal correct. I have used the following settings:
 




Can you confirm that this should be correct?

Your baud rate and port settings from your first post are correct.

There are many reasons you would not see communication. Have you used Hyperterminal before to communicate with a serial device on that computer with that adapter. I am assuming you are using a usb to serial adapter. I have used Keyspan and Prolific with success.

I don't use Hyperterminal. You should try a program like Hercules. It offers a more useful layout for testing control.

[Link: hw-group.com]

Like I said in the previous post. You should get feedback from the CAV when controlling any of the zones through a keypad.