We have an issue currently in which an Autopatch 18x18 stereo only matrix switcher is being used with an MSC400 via RS232, with no luck. The other equipment is simply TV's, DVD's, and a projector - all using IR and all working fine.
The switcher requires a null modem adapter which we are using in conjunction with a premade URC RS232 cable. The baud rate and other details are set correctly. The routing inside the MSC400 software is set correctly, with only one port (12) being used for serial. All other 11 ports are for IR and work fine.

I am somewhat new to RS232 protocol, but trying to learn. We have done many RTI projects in the past with NO issues when using RS232 (one way or Two way). So, i am trying to narrow down what steps i can take in order to solve this.

My first thought is the command structure from AMX is different from what URC has in its RS232 library. I am working in ASCII as this seems easier for me to understand. For example, CI4O9T, would tell the switcher to Change Input 4 to Output 9 and Execute command. This is how we've always done it and feel confident this is correct. However, this does not work inside the programming editor of CCP.
I have also tried working in hyperterminal but for whatever reason cannot get any status feedback - which may be a whole other issue due to the fact I am using a usb to serial adapter.

Has anyone used the CCP editor with AMX(autopatch) with luck? Can you offer any advice or info to help me? Thanks!

I have no first hand experience with either product, but what I would do to troubleshoot the issue would be to first try using a terminal program on your PC, such as hyperterminal or docklight. This way you take URC out of the mix and can just focus on seeing if there is an issue with the matrix switch. Once that is done you will know all of the parameters that are required for inputting it into the URC software as well as whether or not it is a null or straight thru cable.

I am working on that as we speak. I should be able to get the splashscreen with ~scr!

but so far no luck, which makes me wonder about this Radio Shack USB to serial adapter I'm using. Its always seemed to be solid with other products, but maybe not the switcher. I'll keep trying. Thanks Darth.

Ok - update*
Got hyperterminal working as it should and all functions work beautifully. I stumbled across the solution when I decided to try taking out the null adapter. Bingo, it worked! But, in all other AMX Précis switchers, we've always used a null modem adapter.
Anyway, now on to test the codes through CCP.

Glad to hear that you have made progress and sounds like you are on the right track.

My bet is that you were already using a null modem cable from URC. If memory serves me right, URC offers 2 serial cables (DB9 to 3.5mm), and I thought (but could be wrong) that one of them was NM. I think one of their serial cables is a DB9 fem, and the other a DB9 male (can't remember which one (if any) is a NM.

Regardless, I always have a DB9 NM adapter I carry around in my laptop bag. If the commands don't work I put in the NM adapter, and that at least helps me eliminate the cabling/NM questions.

And the other solution is to pin out the cable being used with a VOM, to see if the cable you are using is a NM or straight through.

Thanks again guys - I'll be back at the site Thursday to finish up. I'll let you know.

FP Crazy: you were correct indeed - the female DB9 serial cable from URC is a NULL. Something that simple is what drives me loco... Oh well, isnt that always the case?

Thanks again. Oh and the commands in the CCP program were spot on - so it was all due to the null confusion. All working now :)