I got the IOGEAR GUC232A and connected it to the MSC-400 via RS232, but no luck.

Tried resetting the HR20-700, still nothing. It must be an error in how I am entering the HR20 codes.

Could someone offer a step by step for inputing one HR20 command into the MSC-400, for example the pause key?

Do you want a MSC400 file of the commands?

That would be great.

Mostly, I am not clear on how to enter the DTV HR20 hex codes as referenced in the document into the function data entry field in the MSC editor.

I had the same problem. Im still trying to get the hang of 232. Usually once I see the an example I understand the format and how to write the rest

Your MSC400 HR20 file did the trick. Works perfectly now. Thanks.

Thank Snarfshark. He sent it to me

Thanks Fins. This is a showstopper for me as I was expecting better performance from the serial connection versus ir. I wonder if there is a way to improve on this?

I was hoping somone would have an answer. Even so, its still better than IR for me because the 232 is100% (as long as you pause enough) and means no more service calls because blinkers are blinding the eyes on DTV boxes.

Here is a link to the latest Directv PDF:


[Link: sbcatest.com]


One thing a have not seen discussed here is the use of a Null-Modem. My Crestron CAIP says you need this in between the USB/Serial dongle and the control processor. Or is this for use with Crestron only? I'm going to be using RTI's RP-6 but have not tried it yet. Any thoughts?

[Link: monoprice.com]

I think the reason this hasnt been discussed is because both the URC and RTI controllers use proprietary cables instead of standard serial cables

So Fins,

do you mean that a null modem adapter is not needed with either RTI or URC serial cables?

Thanks in advance, Roger

Guys,

am I reading the DirecTV rs232 right in that the "Open User Channel" command is ONLY for true DirecTV channels? Meaning you can't use it to tune to OTA (uhf/vhf) received channels on H20/HR20s? Or is that what the Major & Minor stuff is for?

For example....to change to 4-1, would major be 4 and minor be 1? Therefore:

FA,A6,04,ff,01,ff

Thanks, Roger

Could someone please send me the MSC-400 file for the HR20 and the MSC-400.

Thanks!

Cheers, John.

Regardless of how URC wires their serial cables on the MSC400 end, I would think they would have to be "standard" on the DB9 (device) end. Otherwise the device could not be controlled. Although I can not find any documentation, it has been my experience that URC RS232M cables are wired straight thru and RS232F cables are wired null.

None of the 6 devices that I'm controlling via the MSC400 serial jacks require any special characters because it's a MSC400...... and I have devices that require both null and straight thru cables. If I'm using the correct cable and sending the correct serial string the device works.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
John

Hi friends.

Has anyone tried hooking up both the AM21 off-air tuner AND RS-232 (via USB port) to a receiver?

Since you have two USB cables to plug in and only one hole, could this be done by simply installing some sort of USB hub?