Your Universal Remote Control Center
RemoteCentral.com
RS-232 & IP Control Forum - View Post
Previous section Next section Up level
Up level
The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:

Login:
Pass:
 
 

Topic:
Needs help with creating RS232 GUI
This thread has 3 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Friday January 22, 2016 at 13:08
CorporationTax
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2016
3
Hi there,

Some of the details of my setup are subject to a confidential NDA but I'm hoping you good folks could help with explaining the gist of how I should go about all this. I'm a complete newbie and will be outsourcing development so please bear with me.

The installation comprises of 3 core products:

a)..a sending device which I'll call the 'Transmitter or Tx'
b)..several bespoke receiving devices which I'll call 'Receivers or Rx'
c)..both the above are connected in a star (1 to many) formation via a Gigabit Switch (as its a 'over IP' install)

All 3 products are controllable via RS232 and are well documented with the usual commands/codes for functions such as on/off, volume up/down etc.

IR, OSD or the 'front panel' will NOT be used as we need to control these devices via a 'command console' - a fancy term for a touchscreen LCD with a fast, responsive and no frills GUI (a bit like how Crestron devices are controlled).

My dilemma is/are the following:

1)..not knowing which device to 'control'. As an example, if we wanted 'Rx 3' to STOP its output, we could 'tell it to do so' OR close the ethernet port its connected to on the switch.

2)..What sort of hardware should we consider? A HMI display? Crestron controller? Arduino? Other Serial Controller?

3)..Where can we find 'programmers' for this? Should we consider applications such as QT? What skill set should I be seeking?

Some other parameters:

- Ideally, we want a dedicated controller for our GUI as opposed to having a app or browser based interface on a fully blown OS. This is what concerns me about Rasberry Pi or other devices which could achieve the above.
- hardware needs to be robust 'industrial' grade designed to remain switched on 24/7
- the hardware should have minimal 'boot' times so that our GUI is presented as soon as the 'controller' is switched on (again, don't want long 'boot' or 'loading' times)
- the appearance of the GUI needs to be very basic - most of what I've seen is overkill for what we want

Am I correct in assuming that all 3 devices may have to be simultaneously controlled to give maximum flexibility? Is it even possible to have a 1 page GUI controlling 3 separate Serial Devices?

This setup, to me, seems either very straightforward or very complex and I'd like to get your advice on how I should proceed with the above.

Thanks
John
Post 2 made on Saturday January 23, 2016 at 00:10
buzz
Super Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2003
4,366
From your description, you want one way control (no feedback from the controlled devices) and there will not be very many commands. Is this a one off project or a product that you are developing? What is your price target? What is your completion date target?

If you want a quick proof of concept prototype, with overnight shipping of off the shelf components and the right programmer, you could have it running by Tuesday afternoon. If you are lucky enough to find a dealer open tomorrow with the units that you need (and a programmer available), you could have your prototype tomorrow.

Note that most of us here supply consumer grade solutions. We are not used to working with products that are truly "industrial grade" that would be appropriate for explosive or corrosive environments. And, there will be strong disclaimers against using our equipment in critical applications such as health care or where public safety is at risk.
OP | Post 3 made on Saturday January 23, 2016 at 11:36
CorporationTax
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2016
3
Appreciate the reply. By industrial grade, I mean a solution designed to remain switched on 24/7 for 5 years in a 34 deg C room.

Your correct in assuming we only need 1 way control to switch on/off the Receivers and Transmitters. Later, we may introduce ambient sensors and fan monitoring controls but that's not a consideration for now.

The GUI is not android or iOS based - nor is it a HTML page. Ideally, it's a dedicated 'controller' with a on/off button which, when pressed, almost instantly brings the user to the GUI.

This is a on-going project so need long term support with this (preferaly someone UK based)
Post 4 made on Monday January 25, 2016 at 19:16
Nick-ISI
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2004
490
This is easily done but what is your budget. We could knock this out on a Crestron system with relative ease. You would need a control processor and a touch panel, poss a power supply or POE switch (depending on processor/TP model).

But, this could start from £3K-£4K, is this within your budget?
What do you mean you wanted it on the other wall - couldn't you have mentioned this when we prewired?


Jump to


Protected Feature Before you can reply to a message...
You must first register for a Remote Central user account - it's fast and free! Or, if you already have an account, please login now.

Please read the following: Unsolicited commercial advertisements are absolutely not permitted on this forum. Other private buy & sell messages should be posted to our Marketplace. For information on how to advertise your service or product click here. Remote Central reserves the right to remove or modify any post that is deemed inappropriate.

Hosting Services by ipHouse